David Holmes, the Harry Potter stunt double who became a symbol of resilience after a tragic accident on set, continues to inspire millions with his incredible journey. Known for his role as Daniel Radcliffe’s double in the Harry Potter films, Holmes’ life took a dramatic turn in January 2009 during a stunt for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1. A catastrophic accident left him with a broken neck, leaving him paralyzed from the chest down.

While the physical toll was immense, Holmes found strength in the support of his family, friends, and the NHS, who helped him recover. Daniel Radcliffe, who was a close friend of Holmes on set, has been a constant source of support. In a recent premiere of the documentary The Boy Who Lived, Holmes expressed deep gratitude to those who helped him through his long journey. “It takes a village to survive a spinal cord injury,” he said, emphasising the crucial role of his loved ones in his recovery.

The Boy Who Lived book

Now, David Holmes is sharing his remarkable story in a new way. In a post on his Instagram, he excitedly announced the release of his book, The Boy Who Lived: When Magic and Reality Collide. Set for release on November 14, the book is filled with behind-the-scenes stories from his time on the Harry Potter films, along with his life as a stuntman and his journey after the accident. The book also features a heartfelt foreword by his friend, Daniel Radcliffe.

Holmes describes the book as an “emotional rollercoaster,” offering fans a deeper look at his life outside of what was captured in the documentary. The book is already available for pre-order through the link in his Instagram bio, and fans are eagerly anticipating its release.

Through his documentary, his powerful social media presence, and now his upcoming book, David Holmes continues to defy expectations, showing that real-life heroes are often made from unimaginable struggles. His story is not just about surviving a tragic accident—it’s about embracing life with hope, humour, and strength, inspiring others along the way.