Before Alex Honnold took the free solo climbing world by storm, there was Dean Potter. He not only inspired Honnold, but also became one of his fiercest rivals. Now, HBO’s latest documentary The dark wizard captures the enigmatic life of this adrenaline-driven athlete.
Directed by Emmy-winning filmmakers Peter Mortimer (The mountaineer, The wall of dawn) and Nick Rosen (The mountaineer, Rock Coil), this four-part series tells Potter’s story through interviews with peers like Alex Honnold and Cedar Wright, as well as archival footage and personal journals that reveal both his genius and his inner turmoil.
Here’s how to watch The dark wizard from anywhere in the world.
How to watch The Dark Wizard in the US
How to watch The Dark Wizard from anywhere
If you want to watch The dark wizard but you’re not at home and access to the show is geo-blocked, so you can use a VPN to access it (assuming you’re not breaking the broadcaster’s terms and conditions, of course). You might be surprised how simple it is to do. Plus, we’re getting a big discount on our #1 cheap VPN…
How to watch The Dark Wizard in the UK

As in the United States, The dark wizard is available for streaming online on HBO Max in the United Kingdom as well. Plans start from £5.99/month.
The show comes to the UK on Wednesday April 15 at 2am BST.
Outside the UK at the moment? To use Surfshark to access your usual streaming services from home.
Where to watch The Dark Wizard in Australia

As in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, The dark wizard is available for streaming on HBO Max in Australia as well.
You can watch the first episode on Wednesday April 15 at 11am AEST. HBO Max plans Down Under from AU$11.99/month
Out of Australia at the moment? To use Surfshark to access your usual HBO Max shows, including The dark wizard, from anywhere in the world.
Dark Wizard FAQ
The Black Magician Trailer
Appearances of the Dark Wizard
- Dean Potter
- Alex Honnold (rival climber)
- Jen Rapp (partner and climber)
- Brad Lynch (wingsuit and BASE jumper)
- Dean Fidelman (photographer and filmmaker)
- Jim Hurst (director/producer)
- Cedar Wright (climber)
- Jay Epstein (producer on doc)
- Léo Houlding (climber)
- Timmy O’Neill (climber and BASE jumper)
- Dan Duane (journalist |)
- Elizabeth Potter (mother)
Guide to The Dark Magician episodes
Episode 1 (April 14): “The Consequence of Death” – Dean Potter finds joy and escape through his early success in extreme climbing, where he connects with a community of like-minded people seeking the freedom and adrenaline of the sport. Renegade by nature, Dean’s restless energy drives him to take on new climbs and forge new world records, even as he sometimes clashes with the establishment and struggles with his personal relationships.
Episode 2 (April 21): “Die to Steal” – Dean struggles with his inner demons, but seems to find relief through death-defying feats, from free-soloing to highlining to BASE jumping, cultivating a devoted following drawn to his image as a rebellious anti-hero. But soon, a new climber named Alex Honnold emerges and threatens to eclipse Dean’s dominance.
Episode 3 (April 28): “It’s art, it’s spirituality” – The rivalry between Dean and Alex Honnold intensifies as the two climbers battle to be the first to solo free a route on the 3,000-foot El Capitan. As Dean’s mental state deteriorates, he alienates those around him and accepts a dangerous career opportunity in China.
Episode 4 (May 5): “Transcending human limits” – With a new relationship that grounds him, Dean regains his emotional stability and his long-held dream of flying is realized when he immerses himself in the cutting-edge world of wingsuit flight.
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