In a poignant first trailer for the upcoming documentary “David Holmes: The Boy Who Lived,” actor Daniel Radcliffe is visibly emotional as he discusses the tragic fate of his stunt double, David Holmes, who was left paralyzed after a harrowing incident on the set of the Harry Potter films.
The Tragic Incident in 2009
The documentary delves into the heart-wrenching story of David Holmes, who served as Daniel Radcliffe’s stunt double during the filming of “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1” in 2009.
During a rehearsal for a flying scene involving an explosion, David sustained severe spinal injuries that would change his life forever.
A Decade-Long Friendship
David Holmes, a former gymnast, had been working closely with Daniel Radcliffe since the first Harry Potter movie, and their bond extended beyond the set, developing into a deep and lasting friendship over the course of 10 years.
The Impactful Trailer
In the trailer snippet released by HBO, Daniel Radcliffe affectionately describes David Holmes as “a really cool brother” who fearlessly tackled the most dangerous physical stunts.
The emotional moment comes as Daniel recounts the “jerk back” stunt, where David was pulled backward by a high-strength wire, colliding with a wall and instantly breaking his neck.
Daniel’s Heartfelt Words
Expressing his sorrow, Daniel Radcliffe remarks on the unfairness of the situation, emphasizing that David shouldn’t have had to endure such hardships.
Despite the tragedy, he refrains from painting David’s life as a tragedy, acknowledging the profound impact David has had on those around him.
David’s Resilience
David Holmes, prior to the accident, considered his role as Harry Potter’s stunt double “the best job in the world.” However, the horrific incident left him wheelchair-bound.
He recalls questioning whether there was any hope for his recovery immediately after breaking his neck.
A Documentary with Personal Insights
The documentary, executive produced by Daniel Radcliffe, offers an intimate look into David Holmes’ life over the past decade, featuring personal footage, interviews with the Harry Potter star, former crew members, friends, and family.
It showcases David’s journey of adapting to life with a disability and his philanthropic efforts.
David Holmes’ Inspiring Journey
The official description of the documentary underscores David’s extraordinary spirit of resilience as it becomes a source of strength and inspiration for Daniel Radcliffe and his closest stunt colleagues, who rallied to support David and his family during their time of need.
David’s Message of Unity
David Holmes took to Instagram to share the news of the documentary’s release, reflecting on his journey and quoting Harry Potter’s words:
“We are only as strong as we are united, as weak as we are divided.” The documentary promises to be a moving tribute to David’s unwavering spirit and determination to overcome life’s challenges.
This documentary provides a heartfelt glimpse into the bond between Daniel Radcliffe and his stunt double, David Holmes, and the remarkable story of resilience and inspiration that has emerged from a tragic incident on the Harry Potter set.
People