David Blaine’s Surprising Hesitation to Kiss a Snake During Filming of New Series

David Blaine has been showcasing genuine magic to his fans worldwide in a thrilling six-part series called “David Blaine: Do Not Attempt” for National Geographic. The endurance artist traveled to various countries, documenting his experiences for viewers to enjoy.

During an interview with “On The Red Carpet” at D23 in August 2024, Blaine expressed his enthusiasm for his latest documentary series. He mentioned his long-standing relationship with ABC Disney, stating that his new project, in collaboration with National Geographic, marks a shift in focus. Instead of merely demonstrating tricks, Blaine aims to show fans the process of learning and mastering what he considers to be magic.

In his discussions, the 51-year-old performer emphasized the significance of showcasing real skills that individuals have dedicated their lives to perfecting. These experts have put in relentless effort, endured hardships, and committed themselves to making their craft appear effortless, which Blaine finds truly magical. By delving into their secrets, learning, failing, and growing through the experiences, Blaine has found the journey to be incredibly rewarding.

And speaking of incredible experiences, that includes kissing King Cobras, the world’s longest venomous snake. Blaine shared why he was hesitant to do it, “it took me a long time because I have a daughter now and obviously I promised her that nothing would go wrong.”

He teased the docu-series will have “difficult” moments to watch, “another person that knows how to submerge themselves in fire and walk around like nothing is happening. Another person that knows how to push a huge skewer through his neck and pull it out and there’s nothing, nothing wrong. So, there’s lots of people. We travel to India, Southeast Asia, Japan, the Arctic Circle, Brazil. So, I’ve traveled everywhere to show what I considered to be magic and it’s been incredible.”

Blaine also weighed in on his appreciation for escape artist, Harry Houdini, “as a kid, I would watch clips of Harry Houdini and he wrote a book called ‘Miracle Mongers and Their Methods’ and he would travel in the circuit and he would study all the performers that had these unbelievable skills. And he wrote about them but because transportation was so different then, he didn’t have the same access we have now. So, I’ve been lucky because I’ve been able to travel around the world to seek out the most incredible people with the most extraordinary skills and then sometimes they let me into their secrets.”

“David Blaine: Do Not Attempt” premieres on National Geographic on March 23 at 9/8c and will start streaming the next day on Disney+ and Hulu.

The Walt Disney Company is the parent company of National Geographic, Hulu, Disney+ and this ABC station.