Houdini II Escapes Straitjacket Nine Stories Above Hollywood

Houdini II escaped from a straitjacket while hanging upside down from a crane about nine stories above the Magic Castle in Hollywood on October 30, 2026. The stunt marked the 100th anniversary of Harry Houdini’s death, which falls on October 31. This version added a challenge: Houdini II was suspended by one foot. He freed himself in just under two minutes and returned safely to the ground, drawing cheers from onlookers. There was no airbag or other protective landing system beneath him.

The performer wore a replica straitjacket and said the escape had made history. Houdini II has described the magician as a longtime idol. Houdini performed a similar straitjacket escape above Times Square in 1917, suspended upside down before a crowd.

Organizers had said Houdini II would drop $1,000 from the sky as a gesture for unity and peace. Rob Zabrecky, the Magic Castle’s director of séances, said Houdini enthusiasts would gather at the castle on October 31 for their annual attempt to summon the magician’s spirit. Zabrecky said they planned to do so without trapdoors, hidden help or mirrors. Houdini died at 52 from peritonitis; witnesses had speculated that blows to his stomach days earlier contributed to his death.