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 Alpinist, The Dawn Wall) and Nick Rosen (The Alpinist, Reel Rock), this four-part series tells Potter’s story through interviews with peers like Alex Honnold and Cedar Wright, alongside archival footage and personal journals that reveal both his brilliance and 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’re keen to watch The Dark Wizard but you’re away from your home and access to the show is geo-blocked, then you could use a VPN to access it (assuming you’re not breaching any broadcaster T&Cs, of course). You may be surprised by how simple it is to do. Plus, we have a great discount on our #1 cheap VPN…
How to watch The Dark Wizard in the UK
Like in the US, The Dark Wizard is available to stream online on HBO Max in the UK as well. Plans start from £5.99/month.
The show arrives in the UK on Wednesday, April 15 at 2am BST.
Outside the UK right now? Use Surfshark to access your usual streaming services from back home.
Where to watch The Dark Wizard in Australia
Like in the US, Canada, and the UK, The Dark Wizard is available to stream 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 start from AU$11.99/month
Outside Australia right now? Use Surfshark to access your usual HBO Max shows, including The Dark Wizard, from anywhere in the world.
The Dark Wizard FAQs
The Dark Wizard trailer
The Dark Wizard appearances
- Dean Potter
- Alex Honnold (rival climber)
- Jen Rapp (partner and climber)
- Brad Lynch (wing suit and BASE jumper)
- Dean Fidelman (photographer and filmmaker)
- Jim Hurst (director/ producer)
- Cedar Wright (climber)
- Jay Epstein (producer on doc)
- Leo Houlding (climber)
- Timmy O’Neill (climber and BASE jumper)
- Dan Duane (journalist|)
- Elizabeth Potter (mother)
The Dark Wizard episode guide
Episode 1 (Apr 14): “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. A renegade by nature, 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.
Episode 2 (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.
Episode 3 (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.
Episode 4 (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.
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