David Blaine has shelved plans to travel from New York to New Jersey strapped to many helium balloons, citing ‘logistical issues’.
Instead, the magician and performer will perform the stunt – which will be live on YouTube – in Arizona.
“Because of the complexity of this project, I’m not going forward with my plans to do New York City at this time,” Blaine said in a video announcing the change.
The “groundbreaking R&D flight,” in which he’ll try to fly as high in the air as possible suspended only by balloons, will happen in Arizona, he said, “which is the most beautiful backdrop that I’ve ever seen in my life.”
The ‘new’ challenge will be to ascend 3.5 milies into the air, attached to 52 weather balloons.
BONUS: Top David Blaine stunts will terrify mere mortals
David Blaine’s Ascension part 2 will take place on either September 1 or September 2.
Blaine planned to take to the air in New York later today.
Ascension will be Blaine’s first live broadcast since 2002, when he spent 72-hours standing on a pillar in New York City, while being subjected to 1 million volts of electricity.
Esquire now has a newsletter – sign up to get it sent straight to your inbox.
Want up-to-the-minute entertainment news and features? Just hit ‘Like’ on our Esquire Facebook page and ‘Follow’ on our @esquiremiddleeast Instagram and Twitter account.
