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For Daniel Radcliffe, the premiere of the eighth and finalHarry Potterfilm was an existential affair.
The pair have continued to work together, including on Holmess podcast,Cunning Stunts.
Its a very safe space.
Its a really wonderful thing.
And obviously breaking your neck is not the most positive story to be associated with it.
Ive always been very protective of that and the series.
I consider myself a survivor, not a victim.
Im very fortunate Im able to still be myself over this.
I would say that and joining the British Stunt Register are my two greatest successes in life.
These guys said, Really, the thread of the story should be more your story.
Daniel Radcliffe:And still being you, as you say.
What makes me happy?
is one of the most profound things that Ive ever been a witness to.
And Daves natural humility.
Dave was very like, I dont want it to be about me.
You are a really special case.
And its not just to do with what happened, with what his story was.
It wouldnt be the same documentary if Dave wasnt the person he is through all of that.
His humor and his kindness and generosity.
And that is entirely because of Dave.
David:Humor over the horror.
So it took some convincing.
So I was like, We need to get a director.
Dan was video playback onPotter, which is a department that not all films have.
He would edit assemblies of stuff live for us on set.
And there was a chance that things wouldve got worse and Id not come out the other side.
So we captured that first interview before my surgeries in 2019, a week before.
Id just got back from what I thought wouldve been the last holiday of my life.
And well, Im still a survivor.
You mentioned its a topic that you have to approach carefully becauseHarry Potteris so precious to people.
Just reflecting on whatPottermeans to you, its your safe space, right?
Films and TV and storytelling, its the same for me.
After those surgeries, I was faced looking at a ceiling for hours and hours on end.
What did I do to get through that?
Daniel:Not hours, like days.
David:I got a projector, and I put onThe Lord of the Ringsextended edition my safe space.
And I still use film and TV to this day as my therapy.
Daniel:Its honestly the most worthwhile thing people ever say to me about the films.
Ive listened to all thoseCunning Stuntpodcasts.
David:And that comes from the love and support and the village around me.
Hes been in my life for 13 and a half years.
Hes got me up.
Hes washed me, hes dressed me, hes helped me travel the world.
Theres no truer evidence of accountability and friendship than that if you ask me.
Daniel:What else, what music?
I consume all aspects of what it is to be human.
It forces me to be present.
You are given a gift, and it will take the things that you love away from you.
I learned that at the age of 25.
Im still learning it every day with the loss of another limb.
But it makes me appreciate it all.
You know, autumn in New York, theres a reason why people write songs about it, right?
Hes been supporting the hospital that treats him tirelessly for many, many years.
And Ive been there when hes gone in, when theres a freshly injured person.
Hell spend time with them.
Hes bought wheelchairs and supported people.
David:You gotta give back.
I live a very privileged life as a disabled person.
Being disabled, youre normally way below the poverty line.
The cushion that Im sitting on is $700.
Its a bit of foam and a bit of gel.
So I am really lucky, and I check my privilege along that journey.
If I can help anyone that I can, I make a run at.
The documentary is in part about your and Daniels friendship.
You worked together on thePotterfilms, youve worked on the podcast together, and now youve done this project.
We partied together, went on a holiday together, and did sort of all that stuff together.
We really have just grown up together at this point.
David:The whole world watched Dan grow up in front of the camera.
I watched him grow into the man that he is now behind the camera.
And I love you very much.
Daniel:Well, thank you.
I read at least at one point, David, you hadnt watched the film back.
Is that still the case?David:Not ready yet.
There is a definite day that Im gonna get in bed and not get out of it.
When Im ready, Ill watch it.
Dan:But Dave was very clear that he wanted everything shown.
I understand the responsibility of representing disability.
You are a human being and human doing.
There is a saying in America: You call it handicapped.
I call myself handicapable.
Or that hed be annoyed that hed said?
And I think weve done right.
David:I mean, it is obviously hard.
But they all come out of that screening and theyve all just said to me, Its you.
It felt like an hour and a half therapy session.
And you gotta thank these guys for that.
David:To capture the first film.
You know, there might be a sequel.
Like all medication in life, theres a side effect to it.
And also Im putting my PA Tommy up for the platform controller at Platform 9 3/4.
That would be so good, wouldnt it?
Hed be so grumpy.
David:So, yeah.
It would be really nice to have that representation.
Ill keep campaigning, keep pushing, and lets see where we go.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
