A new HBO documentary turns the spotlight on the life and extreme pursuits of climber Dean Potter, tracing the highs, risks and personal struggles behind his legend.
The four part series The Dark Wizard draws on extensive archival footage, personal journals and interviews to unpack his story, premiering this April on HBO Max.
Supplied:
– Advertisement –
The HBO Original four-part documentary series The Dark Wizard, directed by Sender Films’ Peter Mortimer (The Alpinist, The Dawn Wall) and Nick Rosen (The Alpinist, Reel Rock), debuts Wednesday, 15 April, only on HBO Max.
The Dark Wizard is an unflinching portrait of Dean Potter, one of the world’s most influential and controversial climbers, BASE jumpers and highline walkers.
The series traces the jaw dropping feats that made him a legend, as well as the personal turmoil that defined his life.
From an early age, Dean grappled with inner demons that led him to seek the limits of human possibility. Climbing became his outlet and Yosemite National Park became the canvas for his unique talent and artistic expression.
As his accomplishments on El Capitan and Half Dome elevated him to hero status in the adventure sports world, his mental state began to fracture and his fierce competitive drive pushed him to try to outdo both himself and others, including rising star Alex Honnold.
Ultimately, it was wingsuiting and his lifelong desire to fly that would prove to be his riskiest and most transcendent endeavor.
– Advertisement –
Drawing from decades of archival footage, Dean’s personal journals, and intimate interviews with those who knew him best, The Dark Wizard chronicles the triumphs, tragedies, rivalries, romances and near‑death moments that shaped the life of a brilliant yet tormented artist and athlete whose imagination and audacity redefined what the body and mind could do.
Featured participants include interviews with friends, family and fellow climbers including Honnold, Jen Rapp, Brad Lynch, Dean Fidelman, Jim Hurst, Cedar Wright, Leo Houlding, Timmy O’Neill, Dan Duane and Elizabeth Potter.
HBO presents The Dark Wizard, a Sender Films Production. Directed by Peter Mortimer and Nick Rosen; produced by Halle Johns; executive produced by Peter Mortimer, Nick Rosen, Josh Lowell, Zachary Barr, and Elizabeth Potter; edited by Josh Lowell and Josh Minor; music by Dan Deacon.
For HBO: executive producers, Nancy Abraham, Lisa Heller, and Bentley Weiner; supervising producer, Abtin Motia.
HBO Original documentary series The Dark Wizard debuts Wednesday, 15 April, only on HBO Max.
– Advertisement –
