His Dark Materials is a well-known dark fantasy collection written by Philip Pullman. Between 1995 and 2000, Pullman released his set of books into the world. The collection was an odyssey of fantasy and found its target audience in those with a passion for somewhat dark and beautiful adventures. Over the years, this Pullman collection accumulated quite a fan base.
Northern Lights, aka The Golden Compass, was the first book in the collection. An adaptation of this first work was attempted through film in 2007. But the film didn't fare as well as expected. Much of the rationale for its failure was because of the controversy it sparked. Thus, arose great hesitation when an adaptation for the small screen was announced. Many held their breath upon the first airing of His Dark Materials. The series aired first in the U.K. in the late fall of 2019 and, subsequently, in the U.S. a day later. However, the show proved to be an odyssey of wonder not to be missed, and here is why.
Where the Show Left Off
Season one introduced fans to a brave, bold, and stout-hearted little girl named Lyra Belacqua (Dafne Keen) and her daemon Pantalaimon (Kit Connor). The action was set when Roger Parslow (Lewin Lloyd), Lyra's friend, and Billy Costa (Tyler Howitt) ended up in a spot of trouble. And the drama continued as the story followed a natural arc, with Lyra hellbent on discovering their whereabouts and rescuing the other missing children from the nasty Gobblers. However, as misfortune would have it, Lyra also finds herself kidnaped. But this was only the beginning of Lyra's adventure and journey to discovery. Viewers were treated to a vivid and fantastical world of awe and wonder through this journey.
Though not entirely expected, season one captured the heart of many. The ending, which followed Lyra and Will's (Amir Wilson) escape from one world into the next, struck a chord eliciting a great desire for more of Lyra's exploits. And luckily, there was little need for dismay. Season 2 was well on the way.
Season two had already received the green light before the first episode of season one saw the light of day. Keeping with its original schedule, season two premiered in November 2020. Quite like the first season, the second season was based on another work in Pullman's collection and rested on the adaptation of The Subtle Knife. And it began where the first left off.
This season significantly focused on Lyra and Will and their interactions and adventures as they traveled through worlds. The adventure ended on December 20, 2020, on a jaw-dropping cliffhanger. Lyra had fallen into the hands of Mrs. Coulter. The bait had been set, and now fans were on the hook. However, unlike the second, there was little confirmation, but it was rumored that a subsequent season would follow.
For fans of the series, the wait was a lengthy one. Finally, however, BBC eased concerns with confirmation that season three would return this year.
Season 3: The Plot
Adventure, discovery, anti-authoritarianism, and struggle for existence are themes that lie at the heart of this collective work. And this is the subtext that undergirds the entire series. But there are also more targeted subjects for the plot of each season. For example, according to an interview granted with the executive producer covered by Radio Times, season three will focus on the themes of love and truth.
In the words of executive producer Jane Tranter:
“This season is both an epic adventure and a story about love and truth.”
While this may make some cringe, especially those who worry that action may be sacrificed to those elements, there is no need for concern. These thematic elements certainly will not take away from the ensuing conflicts. The conflicts of season three will serve as a conduit through which those deeper themes flow. It will find its basis in the third book in Pullman's series. And those familiar with The Amber Spyglass's plot understand the scale of epicness ahead. With that knowledge comes a further understanding that the conflict will only deepen.
As Jane Tranter also exclaims:
“Strap in because it’s going to be an epic war for the fate of reality itself.
Season 3: The Cast
For viewers, continuity is essential. So many will be pleased to know that most of His Dark Material's primary characters will return to reprise their roles. Ruth Wilson will be back as Marisa Coulter. James McAvoy will return as Lord Asriel Belacqua, and Ruta Gedmintas will reprise her role as witch queen Serafina Pekkala. Simone Curby, Will Keene, and Lin-Manuel Miranda will return as well. For fans of the armored bear Lorek, JoeTandbergg will return as the voice. And of most importance, Dafne Keen (Lyra Belacqua) and Amir Wilson (Will Parry) will continue their journeys.
But nothing speaks of new adventures like fresh blood. And so, additions to the cast include Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, who will be introduced as the leader of Asriel's army. Also, Jamie Ward will step in as Father Gomez. Kobna Holdbrook-Smith of Doctor Strange, Simon Harrison from Transformers: The Last Knight, and Chipo Chung of Absentia will appear as rebel angels Balthamos, Baruch, and Xaphania.
Release Date
Fans will be able to experience the adventure throughout the upcoming holiday season. The new season will begin with the initial two episodes airing a week from Monday, December 5, 2022. And reportedly, His Dark Materials will continue its run to Monday, December 26, 2022, on HBO and HBO Max.