Who is David Holmes and whats his connection to the Harry Potter films?

David Holmes is widely recognized for his pivotal role as Daniel Radcliffe's stunt double in the Harry Potter film series. He first entered the world of Harry Potter as a gymnast and was eventually called in to perform the first broomstick test, which marked the beginning of his journey as Radcliffe’s stunt double. Over the course of a decade, David became an integral part of the production team, working on all the Harry Potter films. However, it was during the filming of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1" in 2009 that a tragic accident on set left David paralyzed, transforming him into the "Paralysed Harry Potter stunt double."

How is Daniel Radcliffe's involved in the David Holmes documentary?

Daniel Radcliffe, known for his iconic portrayal of Harry Potter, serves as the executive producer of the upcoming documentary focused on David Holmes. Radcliffe's role as the executive producer showcases his unwavering support for his friend and emphasizes David's significant contribution as his stunt double in the Harry Potter films. The documentary, produced by Radcliffe, is a testament to the enduring friendship between the two and highlights the importance of David's story. It sheds light on David's extraordinary resilience and journey, making it a must-watch for Harry Potter fans and those inspired by tales of triumph over adversity.

When and where can you watch the full "David Holmes: The Boy Who Lived" documentary?

The full documentary, "David Holmes: The Boy Who Lived," is set to be available on HBO Max, and viewers can mark their calendars for its release on November 18. This documentary promises to offer a profound and touching exploration of David Holmes' life, from his days as a Daniel Radcliffe stunt double to his life-changing injury. It is a testament to friendship, resilience, and the power of the human spirit, making it a compelling watch for all audiences.

What are some of the key themes and aspects covered in the documentary?

"David Holmes: The Boy Who Lived" delves into several significant themes, including David's journey from being a successful Daniel Radcliffe stunt double to becoming a "Paralysed Harry Potter stunt double." The documentary showcases candid personal footage from the past decade, behind-the-scenes glimpses of his stunt work, scenes from his present life, and heartfelt interviews with David, Daniel Radcliffe, friends, family, and former crew members. Beyond the personal narrative, the film explores universal themes such as living with adversity, growing up, forging one's identity in an uncertain world, and the enduring bonds that bind us together and provide inspiration. It's a compelling exploration of the human experience and a testament to David Holmes' indomitable spirit.

What is the nature of David Holmes' injury and its impact on his life?

David Holmes' injury is a C7-10 tetraplegia, which has left him with partial use of his arms but without dexterity in his hands and fingers. This severe spinal injury has significantly altered his daily life and mobility. It highlights the tremendous physical challenges he faces on a daily basis. Despite these challenges, he has shown immense strength and determination in working towards regaining his independence and improving his quality of life.

How is David Holmes currently adapting and coping with the effects of his injury, and what has been the most significant change in his life after the accident?

David Holmes has undergone a remarkable transformation in his life, primarily due to the adaptive technology and design of his current residence. His home is equipped with cutting-edge technology that facilitates independent living, making tasks like opening doors, controlling the environment, and even watching television more manageable. This technology has notably reduced the constant presence of his disability. One of the most poignant moments for David was when he moved into his specially designed home. The profound sense of independence and freedom he regained was a significant change in his life, marking a turning point in his journey of resilience and recovery.

Image of David Holmes, the paralysed Harry Potter stunt double.

DAVID HOLMES DOCUMENTARY

An interview with Daniel Radcliffe’s Paralysed Harry Potter stunt double.

INTERVIEWDavid Holmes

Watch the interview with Daniel Radcliffe’s stunt double, David Holmes, who was injured during filming for “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows in January 2009.

Holmes was performing a flying stunt when an explosion caused him to fall to the ground, injuring his spine and leaving him paralysed from the chest down.

DANIEL RADCLIFFE’S STUNT DOUBLE

A frame from the David Holmes documentary, focusing on the life of Harry Potter's stunt double.

CAREER AS A STUNTMAN

At aged 14, David embarked on his film career as Daniel Radcliffe’s primary stunt double in the first Harry Potter film.

WORKING AS A STUNTMAN

The powerful story of David Holmes, Radcliffe's loyal and fearless stunt double, unfolds in this documentary.

PARALYSED STUNT DOUBLE

While shooting a flying sequence for Harry Potter, David Holmes fell from a harness and broke his neck. Holmes was paralysed from the waist down.

HARRY POTTER STUNT DOUBLE

THE ACCIDENT

THE INDEPENDENT

Harry Potter: Daniel Radcliffe makes doc on paralysed stunt double.

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Behind-the-scenes glimpse of David Holmes performing remarkable stunts as Daniel Radcliffe's stunt double in the iconic Harry Potter series.

HELLO!

Daniel Radcliffe produces film about his paralysed Harry Potter stunt double.

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David Holmes in action, executing stunts as Radcliffe’s stunt double in the Harry Potter series.

THE GUARDIAN

Daniel Radcliffe making documentary about paralysed Harry Potter stunt double.

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Stuntman on set of the Harry Potter Films

ESQUIRE

Daniel Radcliffe to executive produce documentary about his stunt double.

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DANIEL RADCLIFFE’s STUNT DOUBLE

“Being a stuntman was my calling in life, and working on Harry Potter was the best job in the world.”

HARRY POTTER STUNT DOUBLE

A captivating behind-the-scenes shot, revealing the meticulous preparation and dedication that went into crafting the magic of the Harry Potter films with David Holmes as Radcliffe's stunt double.

PARALYZED ON SET

Daniel Radcliffe’s Harry Potter stunt double was paralysed whilst filming ‘Deathly Hallows’

Filming behind-the-scenes moment of David Holmes and Daniel Radcliffe, on the Harry Potter film set.

PARALYSED WHILST FILMING

David Holmes suffered life-changing injuries while working as Daniel Radcliffe’s stunt double on Harry Potter, leaving him paralysed.

TRAGIC ACCIDENT

Portrait image of Daniel Radcliffes stuntman, David holmes.

STUNT DOUBLE HOLMES

Daniel Radcliffe’s Harry Potter stunt double was paralyzed after an accident whilst filming ‘Deathly Hallows’

ABOUT DAVID HOLMES

Sky original documentary out on HBO Max.

DAVID HOLMES: THE BOY WHO LIVED

‘The Boy Who Lived’ is directed by Dan Hartley. Produced by Lightbox & Ripple for HBO Documentary Films, in association with Sky.

THE BOY WHO LIVED

TRAILER THE BOY WHO LIVED

The eagerly awaited “The Boy Who Lived Teaser Trailer” offers a sneak peek into David Holmes’ extraordinary story. Featuring candid footage, behind-the-scenes glimpses of his stunt work, and intimate interviews.

WATCH THE DOCUMENTARY

The executive producer of the David Holmes documentary, Daniel Radcliffe.

PRODUCED BY DANIEL RADCLIFFE

David Holmes: The Boy Who Lived is executive produced by Daniel Radcliffe about his “Harry Potter” stunt double.

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER

A frame from 'The Boy Who Lived Teaser Trailer,' offering a preview of the David Holmes documentary premiering on HBO MAX.

THE HBO DOCUMENTARY

Catch the HBO Max documentary, “David Holmes: The Boy Who Lived,” available to stream on Sky Documentaries November 18.

HBO DOCUMENTARY

DOCUMENTARY

ARTICLES >

“David Holmes: The Boy Who Lived” premieres on HBO on Wednesday, November 15, 2023, at 9 p.m. EST, and will be available to stream on Max in the US. UK viewers can stream it on Sky Documentaries and NOW from November 18, 2023

DOCUMENTARY RELEASE DATE

Highly anticipated documentary, David Holmes:The Boy Who Lived.

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Harry Potter icon Daniel Radcliffe is actively involved in a forthcoming documentary that delves into the life of David Holmes, once Radcliffe’s stunt double, whose life took a profound turn after a paralyzing incident during the filming of “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1” in 2009.

TERRIBLE ACCIDENT

Working On A New Documentary, produced by Daniel Radcliffe.

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The documentary will showcase Holmes’ coming-of-age story, his accident that left him paralyzed, and the support he received from Radcliffe and others. The film will also raise awareness about the risks that stunt actors face

UNTOLD STORY

An inspiring story of Daniel Radcliffes stuntman, David Holmes.

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