Another day, another TV adaptation? Well, not really, because Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials trilogy being adapted by the BBC is two Christmases coming at once. The award winning children’s series is making the leap to the small screen, and Pullman himself says it will take advantage of long form storytelling.
For the uninitiated His Dark Materials follows precocious child Lyra in a parallel version of earth dominated by a dogmatic church, witches in the clouds and anthropomorphic polar bears. The series follows Lyra as she discovers secrets about her mysterious parents and becomes embroiled in a war against heavenly forces.
Casting details and air dates have yet to be announced, but it fits with the BBC’s recent trend of commissioning ambitious and expensive dramas. His Dark Materials, as a modern children’s classic, is a good addition to the broadcaster’s slate. The trilogy is a must-read for young adults.
Pullman said: “It’s been a constant source of pleasure to me to see this story adapted to different forms and presented in different media.
“It’s been a radio play, a stage play, a film, an audiobook, a graphic novel – and now comes this version for television.”
The author also expressed hope the series could take advantage of the “long stories” and “depths of characterisation” that modern TV shows such as The Wire have achieved. Given how the film version, The Golden Compass, turned out Pullman might be right to explore what television can do. We do happen to be living in a golden age for the medium right now.
For New Line Cinema, who produced the film, His Dark Materials will mark their first foray into television. The American studio will partner with new production house Bad Wolf, led by executive Producers Jane Tranter and Julie Gardner. Tranter and Gardner are BBC veterans, having worked on the modern revival of Doctor Who.
The BBC’s controller of BBC Drama Commissioning, Polly Hill, said: “It is an honour to be bringing Philip Pullman’s extraordinary novels to BBC One.
“His Dark Materials is a stunning trilogy, and a drama event for young and old – a real family treat that shows our commitment to original and ambitious storytelling.”
Magic fantasy is a popular genre right now, even without Game of Thrones, and His Dark Materials already has a big and loyal fanbase.
Some of the coverage you find on Cultured Vultures contains affiliate links, which provide us with small commissions based on purchases made from visiting our site. We cover gaming news, movie reviews, wrestling and much more.
