His Dark Materials: BBC Phillip Pullman series - start date, cast and more
NEW LINE CINEMA His Dark Materials was adapted into a film in 2007
What is His Dark Materials about? The new series is an adaptation of Pullman’s cult fantasy trilogy which consists of three books: Northern Lights, The Subtle Knife and The Amber Spyglass. The books follows Lyra Belacqua, an orphan who lives in a world similar to ours “in which science, theology and magic are entwined”. In Lyra’s world, every person has a companion called a daemon which is magically linked to them by a substance called Dust. While searching for a kidnapped friend, Lyra uncovers a sinister plot involving stolen children and the Magisterium – a powerful and sinister version of the Catholic Church.
On her journey, she encounters giant armoured bears and a clan of beautiful witches. The BBC explains: “Lyra's search turns into a quest to understand a mysterious phenomenon called Dust. "In The Subtle Knife she is joined on her journey by Will, a boy who possesses a knife that can cut windows between worlds. “As Lyra learns the truth about her parents and her prophesied destiny, the two young people are caught up in a war against celestial powers that ranges across many worlds and leads to a thrilling conclusion in The Amber Spyglass." Pullman has announced a new trilogy called The Book of Dust which will act as a companion to his original series. WHEN IS THE BOOK OF DUST OUT?
When does His Dark Materials start? The BBC has not yet announced a start date for the series, but Pullman has confirmed that production has “started well and is moving smoothly”. He explained on Twitter: “It's a very big project and needs a great deal of planning.” Producer Jane Tranter has previously said that she wanted pre-production to begin in autumn 2016, which could indicate a late 2017 launch. How many episodes and seasons will there be? Season one will have eight episodes. Reports suggest that the BBC has signed a deal with New Line Cinema to shoot 40 episodes across five seasons to tell the full story.
NEW LINE CINEMA Dakota Blue Richards played Lyra in The Golden Compass
His Dark Materials cast There have not yet been any casting announcements, but Dakota Blue Richards has been linked with a part. The actress played Lyra in The Golden Compass – the 2007 film adaptation of Northern Lights – and has said that she would like to take on a different role in the new series. She revealed: “There's been talk, but it's out of my hands, really. I'd love it, but I'm not holding out for it. If it does happen great and if it doesn't happen, I've got my own stuff going on.” Pullman has offered his support, and has said that it “would be nice” to work with Richards again.
GETTY Richards has said that she would like to star in the new series as an older character
Jack Thorne will adapt the books for the screen, fresh from his collaboration with JK Rowling on Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Ahead of the series, Thorne said: “The His Dark Materials trilogy are vast and glorious books full of beautiful characters and I’m going to work as hard as I can to try and do justice to them.” Pullman offered praise for the writer, saying: ”I’ve greatly enjoyed talking to him and learning about his plans for bringing His Dark Materials to the screen. I'm certain he'll do a superb job, and I look forward to seeing the whole project develop as he shapes the story.” Former Doctor Who producer Julie Gardner will develop the drama with Jane Fonter. Toby Emmerich and Carolyn Blackwood of New Line Cinema, Bethan Jones for BBC One, and Deborah Forte for Scholastic will act as executive producers on the show.
GETTY Jack Thorne (L) wrote Harry Potter and the Cursed Child with JK Rowling
Has His Dark Materials been adapted before? Northern Lights was adapted into a film called The Golden Compass in 2007, which starred Dakota Blue Johnson, Daniel Craig and Nicole Kidman. The film was criticised by fans of the books for watering down religious elements which are integral to the book. Despite this, religious groups took offence to the film and the book’s portrayal of the Catholic Church. Although the film had respectable box office takings, two planned sequels were cancelled. Sam Elliott, who played Lee Scoresby, blamed the Catholic Church for the trilogy’s failure.
NEW LINE CINEMA Sam Elliott played Lee Scoresby