Alex Honnold speaks out about being a 'villain' in HBO's 'Dark Wizard'
SFGATE • • entertainment
Key Points:
- The series examines the life and legacy of Dean Potter, an extreme climber and BASE jumper known for his daring feats in Yosemite National Park, who died in a BASE jumping accident in 2015.
- The third episode focuses on the rivalry between Potter and climber Alex Honnold, which began in the early 2000s as they competed on climbing projects in Yosemite Valley.
- Potter expressed mixed feelings about Honnold's competitive nature, acknowledging that Honnold achieved climbing goals Potter had aimed for, while Honnold described Potter as his "childhood hero" and downplayed any intent to "one-up" him.
- Honnold recounted a reconciliatory moment with Potter at the Telluride Film Festival before Potter's death and emphasized the importance of remembering Potter's legacy for new generations of climbers.
- The series aims to honor Potter's contributions to climbing despite portraying some rivalry dynamics, highlighting the impact he had on the climbing community.
