Sky unveiled a new three-part original series on Sunday titled Dynamo vs Houdini. “The last time the world saw Dynamo, it buried itself alive. And this weekend, it came back,” Comcast said, noting that the series will air later this year. “In front of a huge crowd on Saturday night, Dynamo attempted the most ambitious and dangerous stunt of his career. The extraordinary spectacle saw him bound in a straitjacket, locked inside a burning car and suspended 100 feet in the air over the New York City skyline.”
New York is a center for wizarding identities. “Harry Houdini, widely regarded as the greatest magician and escapologist of all time, lived in New York and performed many of his most famous stunts there,” Sky explained. “In 2003, at an event in the city to celebrate Houdini’s legacy, Stephen Frayne was named Dynamo – now [he is] “One of the most recognized names in modern magic.”
The series consists of three interconnected episodes as the English magician travels across America, taking his skills to a new level as he retraces in Houdini’s steps in honor of his legacy 100 years after his death. Through the series, Dynamo poses the question: What would Houdini do if he were alive today?
Shirley Jones, Head of Entertainment at Sky, said: “We are very excited to be working with Dynamo on a series that not only celebrates the enduring legacy of Harry Houdini but showcases the extraordinary skill, innovation and incredible talent that made him one of the defining magicians of his generation. Combining rich storytelling, stunning magic and stunning spectacle, the series promises a thrilling tribute to one of the greatest shows in history while showcasing Dynamo at the top of his game.”
Three-hour episodes Dynamo vs Houdini It is a co-production between Shine TV, part of Banijay UK, and Seventeen17. Showrunner and executive producer is Roland French. Shine TV’s executive producers are Matt Bennett and Leon Wilson, while Frayn himself is the executive producer of Seventeen17. Director is James Tindall, series producer is Sasha Clayton, with production director Holly Sait.
The series has been commissioned by Sky CEO Phil Edgar-Jones, and Sky Unscripted Originals by Cecil Fruit-Coutaz, Sky’s chief advertising and content officer and CEO of Sky Studios.
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