Daniel Radcliffe Reveals Real Star of ‘Harry Potter’ in New Film

in Harry Potter, Movies

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Credit: ITM

Numerous British film franchises have captivated generations of movie lovers, from witnessing a magical nanny caring for two-spirited youngsters to the thrilling secret missions of 007. Yet, the franchise that has left the most bewitching impact on pop culture has come from the Wizarding World. In addition to eight successful movies, three spinoffs, a hit stage play, a popular video game, and a heartwarming reunion special, Daniel Radcliffe will now be leading a documentary to shine a light on the real hero of Harry Potter.

The cast of harry potter reuniting
Credit: Warner Bros.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter was a global phenomenon even before the movies. Author J.K. Rowling’s best-selling story about “The Boy Who Lived” would go on to make $7.7 billion in book sales. Warner Bros. then acquired the rights to the series and debuted the first movie in 2001. This would prove to be a transformative acquisition as the films would rake in $9.5 billion at the box office worldwide, excluding continuous DVD or digital sales and Warner Bros.-approved merchandise.

David Yates with Daniel Radcliffe on the set of 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2'
Credit: Warner Bros.

While it not only changed the trajectory for the studio and its stars, it also forever changed the life of Harry Potter stuntman, David Holmes. A new HBO documentary spearheaded by Radcliffe will examine the inspiring life of his former stunt double. The prolific stuntman would endure a tragic accident on set that left Radcliffe’s doppelgänger permanently injured.

harry-potter-stunt-double-david-holmes
Credit: Warner Bros.

David Holmes: The Boy Who Lived will be a coming-of-age tale centered on Holmes’ journey from gifted gymnast to fearless stuntman who developed a life-long friendship with Harry Potter star, Daniel Radcliffe. His life was forever changed while working on the Deathly Hallows: Part 1. When a staged set explosion launched Holmes tumbling to the ground, the crash caused a crippling spinal injury that irreparably paralyzed him from the chest down.

harry-potter-stunt-double-david-holmes
Credit: Warner Bros.

This devastating accident would forge an unbreakable bond between Holmes and Radcliffe, along with the other Harry Potter cast and stunt performers. The documentary will also focus on how the crew joined together to help David and his family at their most trying time. Then showcase David’s indomitable spirit as he in turn became the crew’s main source of inspiration and strength.

harry-potter-stunt-double-david-holmes
Credit: HBO

The documentary will be connected through a series of intimate interviews featuring David, his loved ones, and former Harry Potter crew members, including Radcliffe. It will intercut candid personal footage shot over the last ten years, behind-the-scenes footage from Holmes’ stunt work, and scenes from his current life. Radcliffe wanted to fund this untold story to use the film’s themes of overcoming hardship, moving past limitations, creating new beginnings, and cherishing the bonds that inspire one’s life to embolden fans with this real Hogwarts Legacy.

harry-potter-stunt-double-david-holmes
Credit: HBO

Daniel Radcliffe will executively produce the Lightbox/Ripple production in collaboration with the British TV Network, Sky. The HBO documentary will directed by veteran filmmaker Dan Hartley, known for his involvement in Fantastic Beasts, Tomb Raider and Kingsman: The Golden Circle.

David Holmes: The Boy Who Lived is set to premiere on November 15, 2023 on HBO at 9 PM, EST, then available to stream on Max.

in Harry Potter, Movies

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