Every David Copperfield Stunt

There’s only one magician in the world that has a real chance of successfully making the moon disappear, David Copperfield. Although he hasn’t hosted a television special in years, his prowess as the most prominent large-scale illusionist in the world hasn’t wavered. Before he makes a literal celestial body disappear, let’s take a look back at some of the most famous stunts and illusions.

Statue of Liberty Disappearance

This is probably Copperfield’s most famous illusion. Over a million viewers in 1983 tuned in to watch the magician make America’s most iconic statue disappear. This stunt took place after he had to level up his act after making a full airplane disappear.

This was the first stunt he tied into a message, speaking in long monologues about how America takes their freedom for granted. Copperfield has another strong message during his next disappearance as he attempts to show if we can make the moon disappear, there’s nothing we can’t do on this planet.

Escape from Alcatraz

Some magicians close their show with an escape from either a straight jacket or handcuffs. Copperfield leveled everything up by escaping from the infamous tightly-guarded Alcatraz prison. Step by step, David made his way out of a jail cell and off the island that just so happens to be surrounded by shark-infested waters.

Illusions during this special included a penetration through the bars of a jail-cell, the appearance of a cat, and Copperfield himself turning into a guard to depart from the island. This story-telling and multi-illusion approach was unique from his other specials that mainly focused on one big spectacle.

Walking Through The Great Wall of China

This is another illusion where the name speaks for itself. The stunt originated from Houdini’s stage illusion where he walked through a brick wall on stage. In true David Copperfield fashion, he took that trick and leveled it up as far as it could go.

In collaboration with the Chinese government and their country’s television stations, Copperfield pulled off the illusion in one shot and many are still speculating to this day how he accomplished the feat.

The Niagara Falls Challenge

Visualizing Niagara Falls is much different than seeing it in person. The waterfall looms over any observer, and Copperfield decided to harness the magnitude of the falls by going over the edge in a coffin. Steel rails were put in place a week before the stunt was set to take place, but the currents twisted the rails until they were unrecognizable.

The rail problem was solved by dropping the coffin into the rapids by helicopter. This was one of his only stunts that had a palpable amount of danger involved that kept David up for the week leading up to the performance. Spoiler alert, David survived the stunt as he emerged victorious from the mist hanging only by a rope mere feet from the falls.

David Copperfield is a performer who understands spectacle and what is needed to capture the attention and imagination of millions and it was only about time that he did a stunt that extended into outer space. The only question that will have everyone scratching their heads for years to come is, what will he do next?