Author Philip Pullman wrote three novels, Northern Lights (The Golden Compass in North America), published in 1995; The Subtle Knife in 1997; and The Amber Spyglass in 2000, which collectively became known as His Dark Materials. Often marketed to younger audiences, the series (which he has since expanded with additional books) has proven popular with adults as well. Pullman’s novels tell the story of an orphaned girl from another world who uncovers a plot centered around a mysterious phenomenon called Dust. Though adapted as an audiobook, a graphic novel, a radio play, a stage play, and a film, it took a television series, with Pullman himself as Executive Producer, to do justice to the trilogy. Here’s why His Dark Materials has been such a great adaptation so far.

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The Right Medium

     BBC/HBO

Pullman’s novels were popular with both readers and critics almost immediately, winning prizes and inviting interest in adaptations. First was a BBC Radio production of the trilogy in 3 episodes, each 2.5 hours long, in 2003. Though longer than typical feature films, these versions still heavily abridged the source material. Next came London’s Royal National Theatre version, a two-part, six-hour play that mixed actors and puppets. Though popular and boasting star talent like Timothy Dalton, critics correctly pointed out the impossible task of condensing the books into a theatrical format.

Next, Hollywood gave it a shot, starting with the first book in the trilogy. New Line Cinema released Chris Weitz’s The Golden Compass in December 2007. Surprisingly successful internationally, the film had disappointing North American box office receipts, dooming any sequels. Reviews were mixed, with much of the criticism again aimed at the rushed pace.

Television has proven to be the right medium for His Dark Materials. A series of episodes, each roughly 1 hour long, gives the intricate story the time it needs to develop. The BBC and HBO have given the project the necessary budget to build believable worlds and fill them with convincing characters and high-quality visual effects. Lorne Balfe, a composer known for his film scores, added a memorable theme that plays behind an award-winning title sequence at the start of each episode.

     HBO

Of course, it doesn’t matter how great a production is if nobody watches, which is why His Dark Materials needed not only talented performers but also popular ones who would attract an audience. It started with Dafne Keen, best known for co-starring with Hugh Jackman in Logan, who signed on to star as Lyra in early 2018. At the same time, it was announced Hamilton star Lin-Manuel Miranda was joining the cast as balloonist Lee Scoresby, and Tom Hooper (before his Cats debacle) would direct the first two episodes. James McAvoy joined the cast as Lord Asriel. For the second season (Series 2), Irish actor Andrew Scott (known for Sherlock and Fleabag) and the accomplished Terence Stamp signed on, alongside Amir Wilson as co-lead Will Parry.

But it is Ruth Wilson who has garnered the most acclaim thus far for her portrayal of Marisa Coulter, Lyra’s scheming mother. Wilson has been prominently featured in several films and television series, notably the Showtime drama The Affair. But as Coulter, she must balance a character who is not only icy and ruthless but also a parent with real concerns about her child. She was honored for her often understated performance with a BAFTA Cymru award for Best Actress in 2020.

Faithful to the Story

Pullman knew his books would be controversial, as they unapologetically attack organized religion. Early adaptations, especially The Golden Compass film, downplayed this aspect, so as not to offend audiences. The movie was criticized anyway, and the Catholic League called for a boycott. His Dark Materials has chosen to stay true to Pullman’s vision despite such protests, and also has the benefit of time to tell a more nuanced story.

This does not mean that the series follows the novels exactly. Obviously, books are different from films and television, and straight adaptations from print like the 2009 version of Watchmen, have been disappointing. Changes are necessary in part because more than 20 years have passed since Pullman’s books were published; thus, Will now has a smartphone. But more importantly, the medium demands that the story be advanced through dialogue and action. His Dark Materials largely avoids narrated exposition, except when absolutely necessary to move the plot forward. Still, especially with material from The Subtle Knife, the series has been extremely faithful, with the major change being a surprise introduction of Will in the first season (Series 1) to better establish to viewers his growing role in the story.

Fan Support

Though His Dark Materials obviously wanted as large an audience as possible, the creators knew they first needed the support of devotees of the books, especially in the United Kingdom, where they remain extremely popular novels. So far, the show has succeeded in pleasing most fans and critics. The premier episode attracted nearly 10 million viewers in the UK, and though numbers have fallen, it remains a favorite. Reviews have been largely positive, too. The Guardian called it “riveting” and that it “captures Pullman’s magnum opus in all its glory.”

Embracing the Darkness

If there is one criticism consistently leveled at His Dark Materials, it’s that this version lacks a sense of fun and wonder. But the show knows what it is, and it’s not Harry Potter. It’s not afraid to be dark, serious, and cerebral. It offers refreshingly ambiguous characters who are not clearly “good” or “evil,” but instead have understandable, if regrettable motivations driving their decisions. In short, it embraces the darkness.

This resolve will be tested in the upcoming third season (Series 3), due by the end of 2022. The third book, The Amber Spyglass, is complicated. It includes fantastical worlds, an epic battle, and the most overtly religious themes of the trilogy, including angels. The ending is complex. And as a practical matter, due to COVID-19 delays, it will have been two full years since audiences last saw new episodes. Fans are likely to return, but others may have moved on. It remains to be seen if the final episodes of His Dark Materials will seal its legacy as a great adaptation.