The Real-Life Wizard Behind Harry Potter: Unveiling Daniel Radcliffe's Stunt Double and Beloved 'Boy Who Lived' Star
Meet David Holmes, Daniel Radcliffe's remarkable stunt double from the 'Harry Potter' franchise Discover his inspiring journey in HBO's 'The Boy Who Lived', as he overcomes adversity and shares his story alongside Radcliffe Don't miss this captivating tale of resilience and friendship
David Holmes. Courtesy of David Holmes/Instagram
Daniel Radcliffe rose to fame through his portrayal of Harry Potter, but the story of his former stunt double, David Holmes, has yet to be shared.
In the year 2000, Radcliffe, who was 34 at the time, forged a deep bond with Holmes, who was 42, when Holmes was enlisted as his stunt double for the highly adored fantasy series. However, a devastating turn of events occurred in 2009, just before the release of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1," leaving Holmes paralyzed due to a severe spinal injury.
Beyond the films and the accident, the friendship between the pair extended deeper. Now, fans will have the opportunity to discover the person responsible for Harry Potter's magical movements in HBO's "David Holmes: The Boy Who Lived".
The official synopsis describes the film as a coming-of-age story about David Holmes, a talented teenage gymnast from Essex, England. Chosen to be Daniel Radcliffe's stunt double in the first Harry Potter film when Daniel was just 11 years old, their bond grows over the course of 10 years. However, tragedy strikes during the filming of the second-to-last movie, leaving David paralyzed with a devastating spinal injury that completely changes his life. In this moment of need, Daniel and his closest stunt colleagues come together to support David and his family. Throughout it all, David's extraordinary spirit of resilience becomes their greatest source of strength and inspiration.
Scroll down to learn more about Holmes — and his upcoming documentary:
David Holmes (L) with Daniel Radcliffe (R) on the set of ‘Harry Potter’, YouTube
1. Which ‘Harry Potter’ Movies Did David Holmes Star In?
Holmes made his first appearance as Radcliffe's doppelganger in the film "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" in 2001. Additionally, he portrayed Adrian Pucey in the first film and Slytherin Beater No. 1 in "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" in 2002.
He continued to work alongside Radcliffe, performing stunts in the first six Warner Bros. films, until he sustained an injury on the set of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1". However, Holmes is credited as the "Harry Potter stunt double" in both "Deathly Hallows: Part 1" and "Part 2", which were released in 2010 and 2011 respectively.
2. How Did David Holmes Become Paralyzed?
On the set of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, the former gymnast suffered a mishap in January 2009. Deadline reports that Holmes tragically plummeted to the ground when a planned explosion for a stunt went awry. As a result of the accident, Holmes was diagnosed as a level C6/7 tetraplegic, experiencing paralysis from the chest downward.
3. Did David Holmes Work as a Stunt Double in Other Films?
In addition to Greet Street Hooligans, The Last Legion, My Boy Jack, National Treasure: Book of Secrets, Doomsday, Prince Persia: The Sands of Time, and 2015's Mortdecai, the England native has been involved in various other stunts.
David Holmes, Pedro Pascal and actor Fred Hechinger. Courtesy of David Holmes/Instagram
4. What Is David Holmes and Daniel Radcliffe’s Podcast About?
In 2020, together with Radcliffe, Holmes introduced the "Cunning Stunts" podcast. This business endeavor is part of Holmes' Ripple Productions, established in 2013. Designed to shed light on the dangerous nature of the stunt profession and promote appreciation for this form of art, the podcast features interviews with both past and present stunt performers.
5. Where and When Can You Watch ‘David Holmes: The Boy Who Lived’?
Premiering on HBO Wednesday, November 15th at 9 p.m. ET, "The Boy Who Lived" showcases the journey of David Holmes. The documentary, executive produced by Radcliffe and directed by Dan Hartley, offers a unique perspective through a decade of candid personal footage, behind-the-scenes glimpses of Holmes' stunt work, and intimate interviews with David, Daniel Radcliffe, friends, family, and former crew. The film also delves into universal themes of resilience in the face of adversity, navigating the challenges of growing up, forging one's identity in an uncertain world, and the profound bonds that unite and uplift us. Additionally, the documentary will be available for streaming on Max.
