The superb books are getting the adaptation they deserve.
In terms of the greatest books around, it’s very hard to top Philip Pullman’s Dark Materials trilogy.
Epic, brimming with adventure, and boasting a wonderful message about the influence of religion, Pullman’s books have rightfully been heralded as some of the best fantasy novels of all time.
The same can not be said of The Golden Compass, the previous adaptation of Northern Lights.
However, we’ve got faith that the BBC’s upcoming TV version of His Dark Materials will do the novels justice.
In terms of the cast, Dafne Keen (Logan) takes on the lead role of Lyra, the young protagonist of the story who lives in Jordan College, Oxford. Placed there at the request of her Uncle, Lord Asriel (James McAvoy) she lives a sheltered life amongst the scholars and college staff while under the watchful protection of The Master (Clarke Peters) and Librarian Scholar Charles (Ian Gelder).
When the glamorous and mesmeric Mrs Coulter (Ruth Wilson) enters Lyra’s life she embarks upon a dangerous journey of discovery from Oxford to London. Here she meets Father MacPhail (Will Keen), Lord Boreal (Ariyon Bakare) and journalist Adele Starminster (Georgina Campbell) at a glittering society party where she first hears about the sinister General Oblation Board.
Lyra is subsequently thrown into the nomadic world of the boat dwelling Gyptians – Ma Costa (Anne-Marie Duff), Farder Coram (James Cosmo), John Faa (Lucian Msamati), Raymond Van Geritt (Mat Fraser), Jack Verhoeven (Geoff Bell) and Benjamin de Ruyter (Simon Manyonda) who take her North in her quest.
Once in the North she meets charismatic aeronaut and adventurer Lee Scoresby (Lin-Manuel Miranda) who joins them on their epic journey and who becomes one of Lyra’s closest allies.
Talented young actors joining the cast include Lewin Lloyd as Roger Parslow, Daniel Frogson as Tony Costa, Tyler Howitt as Billy Costa and Archie Barnes as Pantalaimon.
Tom Hooper (The King’s Speech, Les Miserables) will lead as director and helm the first two episodes with Dawn Shadforth ( Trust) directing episode three and Otto Bathurst (Peaky Blinders) directing four and five.
The first trailer has just been released and it’s time to keep your daemon close.
If this TV adaptation can capture even half of what makes the books so incredible, we’re in for a real treat.
At present, no premiere date has been set but we’re starting to get very excited.
When Game of Thrones ends, this could be the perfect show to fill that Westeros-sized hole in your life.
Take a look.
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