David Blaine, the renowned magician and endurance artist, is no stranger to pushing boundaries. From being buried alive to standing atop a 100-foot pillar for 35 hours, his feats have captivated audiences worldwide. Recently, Blaine made headlines with two intriguing revelations: an invisible ink tattoo he forgot he had and his new National Geographic series, David Blaine: Do Not Attempt.
The Forgotten Invisible Ink Tattoo
In a candid interview with People magazine, Blaine shared a quirky anecdote about a tattoo he had done with invisible ink by famed New York City tattoo artist Bang Bang. The design? A playing card prediction on his left wrist. The twist? Blaine completely forgot about it. “As a matter of fact, I even forgot that I did it because it’s invisible,” he admitted. The tattoo only becomes visible under specific lighting, adding an extra layer of mystery to his already enigmatic persona.
Embarking on a Global Magical Journey with Do Not Attempt
Blaine’s latest venture, David Blaine: Do Not Attempt, is a six-part documentary series that premiered on National Geographic on March 23, 2025. The series takes viewers on a mesmerizing journey across 11 countries and five continents over three years, exploring the world through the lens of magic.
Each episode immerses Blaine in diverse cultures, where he seeks out individuals who perform real feats that resemble magic. From the bustling streets of Brazil to the icy terrains of the Arctic Circle, Blaine engages with local performers, learning their secrets and attempting their extraordinary skills.
Highlights from the Series
- Brazil: Blaine encounters daredevils who inspire him to take a literal leap of faith, culminating in a breathtaking stunt.
- Southeast Asia: He examines fear by learning to interact with venomous creatures, pushing the boundaries of human endurance.
- India: Delving into the birthplace of much of magic, Blaine explores belief and performance through the lens of ancient traditions.
- Arctic Circle: Battling extreme cold, he searches for magic in one of the most unforgiving environments on Earth.
Pushing Personal Limits
Throughout the series, Blaine doesn’t just observe; he participates. Whether it’s being covered in scorpions, kissing a deadly snake, or placing a knife dangerously close to his nervous system, Blaine immerses himself fully. As noted by the Walt Disney Company in the official show description, “From being covered in 59 scorpions, to kissing one of the deadliest snakes in the world, to placing a knife so far down his nose that it borders the very edge of his nervous system,” Blaine’s commitment to his craft is evident.
Where to Watch
David Blaine: Do Not Attempt airs back-to-back episodes on Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on National Geographic. For those who prefer streaming, episodes are available the next day on Disney+ and Hulu.
Final Thoughts
David Blaine continues to redefine the boundaries of magic and human endurance. Whether it’s through a forgotten invisible ink tattoo or a daring global adventure, he invites us to question the limits of possibility and to find magic in the world around us.
