Tragic death of Harry Potter star Rob Knox explored in heartbreaking documentary

In the years since the widely-adored Harry Potter movie franchise first hit the silver screen, fans have lost count of the amount of stars we've tragically been forced to say goodbye to.

Among the growing list of 'Wizarding World' icons who passed before their time are Severus Snape actor Alan Rickman, who passed away from pancreatic cancer in 2016, Helen McCrory, who also died of the same disease in 2021, Hagrid actor Robbie Coltrane, and just last year, we bid adieu to Professor Albus Dumbledore himself, actor Michael Gambon, who died aged 82 following a bout of pneumonia.

And while the passing of any big-name star is mourned by their fans, the movie industry was left wholly shaken back in 2008, when Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince actor Rob Knox was killed while attempting to protect his younger brother.

In news that shocked both colleagues and co-stars at the time, it was reported that the 18-year-old - who'd played student Marcus Belby in the franchise's sixth movie - had been enjoying a night out in Sidcup, London, when a bar brawl fatally escalated.

After another group of drinkers began antagonising his 17-year-old brother, Rob stepped in to intervene, only to be stabbed to death by 22-year-old Karl Bishop.

The actor died protecting his younger brother. (PA/Family handout)

As a result, Bishop was subsequently found guilty of the promising young actor's murder and handed a life term with a minimum 20-year sentence before parole would ever be considered.

"I do not think it is proved that you intended to kill Robert Knox," Mr Justice Bean said at the time.

"The truth is that you simply could not care less whether you killed him or not. Your lack of regret let alone remorse was truly chilling."

Hundreds of tributes to Rob poured out from family, friends and fans of the magic movie franchise.

Last year, a documentary shedding light on his incredible achievements and his loved ones' tragic loss was commissioned by ITV.

The award-winning programme was first released on 23 February 2023, with his family, friends and Harry Potter cast members - including Jim Broadbent, Ray Winstone, Tom Felton, David Yates, Dani Harmer and Blake Harrison - paying tribute to his life.

Knox had signed up to reprise his turn as Belby in the final instalment of the film series. (Warner Bros)

A synopsis from Q Cumber Films reads: "18-year-old Rob Knox is out celebrating his big break in Harry Potter when he learns that his little brother has been threatened at knife point. He and his friends rush to disarm the man but during the struggle, Rob is stabbed several times and is killed.

"Now his family must try to navigate their grief and anger while under the ever-watchful eye of the invasive British media machine. Meanwhile, more young people than ever are losing their lives on the streets. Something has to be done."

The programme is still available to watch on ITVX.