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Hot off the presses from the ongoing assault of pop cultural goodness that is the San Diego Comic Con, HBO and the BBC have released a new, rousing trailer for His Dark Materials, the upcoming series adapting Phillip Pullman’s epic fantasy trilogy of books.
Pullman’s novels depict a world of parallel universes and literal spirit animals, where young Lyra (Dafne Keen) is an orphan who becomes involved in a mysterious kidnapping plot, where children are abducted and swept across dimensions. Further developments include a metaphysical matter known as Dust, and the political machinations that would harness such power for good? Or probably for evil. Lyra is subsequently swept up in action and adventure featuring big ‘ol polar bears and an eclectic cast featuring high official Lord Asriel (James McAvoy), scheming Marisa Coulter (Ruth Wilson), and dashing balloonist Lee Scoresby (Lin-Manuel Miranda).
In 2007 The Golden Compass was a feature film released by New Line Cinema, adapting the titular first book in Pullman’s trilogy. It starred Dakota Blue Richards, Nicole Kidman, Daniel Craig, and Sam Elliott, though not an outright flop, it failed to generate enough steam to move forward with more films.
With His Dark Materials, HBO is no doubt looking to fill its post-Game of Thrones slate with a promising, epic fantasy, though one seemingly less prone to decapitation and incest. Who knows? No date is yet set for the fantasy romp, but expect His Dark Materials to premiere on HBO this Fall.