David Blaine is unveiling a more vulnerable side of himself in his latest series, David Blaine: Do Not Attempt, which offers a fresh perspective on the renowned magician’s persona.
Known for extreme feats such as burying himself alive and spending a week submerged in a water-filled sphere, Blaine has long maintained an air of stoicism, encouraging his audiences to react to his astonishing tricks. However, in Do Not Attempt, the 52-year-old illusionist allows his emotions to surface for the first time, providing viewers with a glimpse into his true self.
Discovering the Real David Blaine
“This is almost like me as the spectator…”
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Audiences have typically viewed David Blaine as a magician who exhibits minimal reactions. With this new series, however, viewers are introduced to the man behind the mystique. In an interview, Blaine shared, “The people that know me, that are close to me, they like those moments that I always cut and don’t put on air.”This time, he relies on a team from Imagine Documentaries, relinquishing control and embracing a different approach than he’s accustomed to.
Set against various mesmerizing backdrops, Do Not Attempt sees Blaine engaging in tribal traditions that appear almost otherworldly. “It feels like I’m the audience witnessing these incredible people display skills honed over thousands of hours,”he explained. “I’m basically running around, reacting, and being uncomfortable. It’s a side of me I’ve never really shared before.”
Embracing the role of a spectator marks a departure from his usual anticipatory mindset. Blaine now finds himself improvising rather than adhering to a pre-planned routine. “It’s that side of me that I think I often try not to show,”he reflected. “I enjoy the magician character who is more monotone and lets the audience react, but now I’m the one experiencing the excitement firsthand, and there are numerous scenes where I’m crying.”
Maintaining Creative Vitality
“I think the mental part of it has become stronger…”
Since Blaine’s debut televised special in 1997, he has continually approached his craft with zest and passion. “The exciting aspect for me is the constant opportunity to learn,”he stated. “Interacting with phenomenal individuals around the globe has been a dream, albeit one that comes with its own set of challenges.”
One significant change Blaine observes is how he engages with his craft. “I feel the impact of each stunt differently now. The mental aspect has strengthened, yet the physical side has become substantially weaker, complicating the tasks at hand,”he explained. For instance, Blaine faced the daunting reality of diving under ice in the Arctic Circle, stressing, “What if that hole freezes over? That’s when I broke my knuckles trying to break through it, and they still haven’t fully healed.”
Despite physical limitations, Blaine remains committed to pushing boundaries. “My only request was to ensure that every challenge presented to me made me uncomfortable,”he emphasized. “Even the mere idea should evoke a sense of edge-of-your-seat thrill.”He believes that stepping out of one’s comfort zone fosters rapid personal growth—a stark contrast to the longer preparation times he typically dedicates to mastering a single skill before showcasing it.
David Blaine: Do Not Attempt airs new episodes every Sunday on National Geographic, with streaming available the following day on Hulu and Disney+.