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Season 1 – The Dark Wizard

Play trailer Poster for Season 1 – The Dark Wizard Next Ep Apr 28 Documentary Action Biography Play Trailer Watchlist
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100% Tomatometer 6 Reviews Popcornmeter Fewer than 50 Ratings
Tracing the jaw-dropping feats that made Dean Potter a legend, as well as the personal turmoil that defined his life.

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The Dark Wizard — Season 1

Critics Reviews

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Benji Wilson Daily Telegraph (UK) 5d
3/5
Death-defying feats make great footage, but it’s almost always the same story, which is that death can only be defied for so long. Go to Full Review Alan French Sunshine State Cineplex 3d
10/10
From beginning to end, The Dark Wizard is captivating. It tells a human story, one that is fraught with danger and depression. Go to Full Review Sam Haysom Mashable 4d
Yes, there's breath-taking footage of the many awe-inspiring acts that made Potter famous. But rather than purely mythologising him, the filmmakers have gone to great lengths to give insight into his personal struggles and motivations. Go to Full Review Peter Martin ScreenAnarchy Apr 13
4/5
By diving very deeply into the personality of one individual, The Dark Wizard also comments on the personality traits that may have contributed to incredible feats that no one had ever done before. ... Spectacular climbing enlightenment and entertainment. Go to Full Review Brian Farvour The Playlist Apr 10
A
...the recollections from friends and family, combined with an avalanche of footage both of Potter in action and in his own talking-head reflections, paint a portrait that feels worth seeing whether you care about climbing or not. Go to Full Review Christopher Campbell Nonfics (Substack) Apr 10
I’m disappointed to say that this one might be just for the climbing enthusiasts already familiar with Potter. It’s fine, but after one episode, I wasn’t compelled to continue for another three. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Joe D @JoeNDA 6d You know it’s a good climbing documentary when your palms is sweaty most of the time throughout the whole movie/episode. See more Doug J. @Dougiefresh 6d Intense, revealing, honest and interesting. Worth watching! See more Ben J @RT05610157 6d Exhilarating series that leaves the viewer excited for more every episode. Despite this documentary being post-mortem, they’re able to really capture Deans personality and bring him to life on the screen. See more Read all reviews
The Dark Wizard — Season 1

My Rating

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Cast & Crew

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Dean Potter

Self

Jay Epstein

Self

Jennifer Rapp

Self

Alex Honnold

Self

Peter Mortimer

Director

Halle Johns

Producer

Episodes

Episode 1 Aired Apr 14, 2026 The Death Consequence Dean Potter finds joy and escape through his early success at extreme climbing, where he connects with a community of like-minded people seeking the sport's freedom and adrenaline; Dean's restless energy compels him to pioneer new ascents and forge new world records, even while at times falling afoul of the establishment and struggling with personal relationships. Details Episode 2 Airs Apr 21 Dying to Flying 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 rebellious antihero image; but soon, a new climber named Alex Honnold emerges and threatens to eclipse Dean's dominance. Details Episode 3 Airs Apr 28 This is Art, This is Spirituality The rivalry between Dean and Alex Honnold intensifies as both climbers vie to be the first to free solo a route on the 3000-foot El Capitan; as Dean's mental state deteriorates, he alienates his inner circle and accepts a dangerous career opportunity in China. Details Episode 4 Airs May 5 Transcending Human Limitations With a new relationship grounding him, Dean regains emotional stability and his long-held dream of flight comes to fruition when he immerses himself in the cutting-edge world of wingsuit flying. Details
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The Dark Wizard — Season 1

The Dark Wizard View more photos

Season Info

Director
Peter Mortimer
Network
HBO
Genre
Documentary, Action, Biography
Original Language
English
Release Date
Apr 14, 2026