Paralyzed Stuntman Turns Tragedy into Theatre

David Holmes, the stunt double and close friend of Daniel Radcliffe, has transformed his life story into a stage play, "The Boy Who Lived." This production chronicles the tragic accident during stunt tests for "Deathly Hallows: Part One" in January 2009, which resulted in Holmes being paralyzed from the waist down.

The play, currently workshopping at London's Kiln Theatre, is based on the 2023 HBO/Sky documentary "David Holmes: The Boy Who Lived" and Holmes' own published memoir. It is scheduled to premiere at the Kiln Theatre in 2027, with the remarkable intention for Holmes to portray himself.

Producer Paul Taylor-Mills was inspired by Holmes' positivity and resilience following the accident. The play aims to highlight Holmes' incredible spirit and "very naughty sense of humour" rather than focusing on pity. The development process, which has taken two years, involved securing rights from HBO, Warner Bros, and gaining permissions from key figures like J.K. Rowling and Daniel Radcliffe.

Radcliffe, who has a deep friendship with Holmes and executive produced the documentary, may also be involved in the play. The production will explore Holmes' life before and after the accident, showcasing his stoicism and generosity of spirit, exemplified by his decision not to pursue legal action after his life-altering injury. The Kiln Theatre's recent redevelopment focusing on accessibility also makes it an ideal venue for the play's premiere.