A parallel universe in which science, theology and magic are entwined. That’s where Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials series is set. The plot revolves around a world where human souls exist outside the body in the form of animals.
For those new to the bestselling book trilogy—this is the tale conveyed in The Golden Compass, The Subtle Knife and The Amber Spyglass. (FYI: There’s also an ongoing sequel trilogy, which started with The Book of Dust in 2017.)
With Game Of Thrones nearing the end of its run, HBO is clearly looking for its next global hit. They’re hoping it arrives in the form of their BBC co-production: His Dark Materials. With Oscar-winning director Tom Hooper involved, this brand-new, eight-part show, which will premiere later this year, is widely considered the first, true adaptation as both fans and critics widely disregarded the 2007 Daniel Craig-starrer, The Golden Compass.
Here’s the official synopsis:
“The series follows Lyra Belacqua, an orphan, who lives in a parallel universe in which science, theology and magic are entwined and who embarks on a search for a kidnapped friend which uncovers a sinister plot involving stolen children.
It's not long before her search turns into a quest to understand a mysterious phenomenon called Dust and 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”
Logan actress Dafne Keen as Lyra, as well as Lin-Manuel Miranda as Lee Scoresby, Luther star Ruth Wilson as Mrs Coulter, X-Men star James McAvoy as Lord Asriel and Clarke Peters as The Master.