Daniel Radcliffe's stunt double for Harry Potter has opened up about the life-changing on-set accident that left him paralyzed.
In late October it was announced that Radcliffe was set to produce a documentary shedding light on the remarkable journey of David Holmes, a gifted gymnast who was tragically paralyzed while working as Radcliffe's stunt double on the set of the iconic Harry Potter series.
Titled David Holmes: The Boy Who Lived, this upcoming feature film is a coming-of-age story that traces the bond that developed between Holmes and the now 34-year-old Radcliffe during their collaboration on the Harry Potter film series, from the first installment, Sorcerer’s Stone, in 2001 to Deathly Hallows Part 1 in 2010.
The pivotal moment in this story took place during the filming of the first part of the epic two-part adaptation of J.K. Rowling's 2007 novel.
Watch the trailer for David Holmes: The Boy Who Lived below:Holmes's life was forever altered when a planned stunt involving an explosion went awry, leaving him paralyzed from the chest down due to a debilitating spinal injury.
"I remember straight after breaking my neck, I said, 'There's no chance of coming back,'" Holmes, 42, said in the trailer. "Before my accident, everything was about being cool and being a stuntman. Now it's about being present. I have so much love in my life."
During the time of the incident, Holmes was actively involved in the production of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1.
He reflects on the rollercoaster of life experiences, stating: "I've had such a crazy life. Such highs and such lows. But I was able to find the light in the darkest of places."
Adding an emotional layer to the story, Radcliffe, who portrayed the iconic role of Harry Potter, serves as an executive producer on the documentary. He reminisces about his close bond with Holmes, describing him as a "cool older brother" who willingly tackled the most perilous physical challenges on set.
"This terrible thing happened to Dave, but I don't want to talk as if his life is a tragedy," says the 34-year-old Radcliffe. "The way his life has affected the lives of people around him means that it is the furthest thing from that imaginable."
Holmes took to his Instagram to share the trailer and express his gratitude for being able to share this decade-in-the-making project with the world.
"I am honored and excited to share with the world my journey," he wrote. "A lot of love, hard work, dedication, and support goes into me just existing. I am extremely grateful to everybody who has contributed to not only my life, but also this project."
He continued: "It is often said that it takes a village to raise a child; well, the same rules apply to living with a Spinal Cord Injury."
The documentary premiers on November 15 on HBO Max.