David Blaine has revealed he is currently planning his final ever stunt ahead of retiring. The escapologist and illusionist has confirmed he wants to retire next year at the age of 52 - the same age his hero Harry Houdini died. The 51-year-old American has stunned fans over the years with a number of intense efforts, including encasing himself in ice for 63 hours. He has also lived in a glass box in the air for 44 days, while he also submersed himself in water for a week.
Now, as he described himself as "superstitious," David explained the plans are in place for his next stunt and why it will be the right time to bow out. Speaking on the Where Everybody Knows Your Name podcast, Blaine, revealed: "I'm very superstitious. Harry Houdini who has always been my favourite and a big inspiration died when he was 52. "He stayed very fit, he was rock solid, and he had done the water tank on stage, collapsed, because he didn't want to disappoint the audience even though he had severe stomach pains and he was rushed to hospital and died.".
David went on: "I've always thought 52 should be the mark, you don't want to push until you break, I have a few more years of pushing and then I'm going to shift to what people like to see me do more which is magic and bringing that to kids in hospitals which I love doing, you get the best reactions. I love pushing myself but I don't want to push myself to the point you actually break.". And he revealed there is one stunt that has him feeling "highly intimidated". However, while keeping his cards close to his chest, he admitted he is working hard to make sure it happened. "It'll be my final thing, secretive," he added.
"There's one that's a culmination of everything I've ever done that I'm obsessed with but it's a pretty over the top ambitious idea so I'm trying to put it together and it will be my last one before I move on to card tricks.". Five years ago, David was lifted into the air by balloons - one of which was reportedly an experimental aircraft - in a move reminiscent of Pixar's Up. He spoke with daughter Dessa as he was raised up above Arizona by the 52 balloons. He raised the stakes even higher by attaching his parachute to his body during the climb, before employing a breathing technique to make sure his oxygen levels remained steady.
