As a adolescent, David Rice (Max Thieriot) lived with his father William (Michael Rooker). Due to her status as a Paladin, David's mother Mary (Diane Lane) left him because she knew he was a Jumper.

When David falls through the ice covering on a river, he discovers that he is a Jumper. Using this ability he leaves his childhood home behind. He decides to set himself up in New York City, using money he has stolen from the local bank. Over the course of the next eight years, David (now played by Hayden Christensen) lives life to excess, traveling all across the world and living a consequence-free life.