BBC One Orders His Dark Materials TV Series
BBC One has greenlit a new television adaptation of Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials trilogy, from the former Doctor Who producers.
The BBC will team up with New Line and former Doctor Who producers, Julie Gardner and Jane Tranter, to make an initial eight-part series adaptation of Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials trilogy.
Variety reports that the series will be produced in Wales and marks the first commission from Gardner and Tranter's company, Bad Wolf, as well as New Line's first foray into UK television.
Pullman’s trilogy consists of The Golden Compass, The Subtle Knife, and The Amber Spyglass, and takes place in a universe of 'daemons', polar-bear warriors, witches, magical instruments, and theological philosophy.
It had previously been adapted for the big screen in 2007 – a largely disappointing affair, the hope is that the extended scope a TV series affords will make for a much more successful adaptation.
Pullman himself said: “In recent years we’ve seen how long stories on television, whether adaptations (‘Game of Thrones’) or original (‘The Sopranos,’ ‘The Wire’), can reach depths of characterization and heights of suspense by taking the time for events to make their proper impact and for consequences to unravel. And the sheer talent now working in the world of long-form television is formidable.
“For all those reasons I’m delighted at the prospect of a television version of ‘His Dark Materials.’ I’m especially pleased at the involvement of Jane Tranter, whose experience, imagination, and drive are second to none. As for the BBC, it has no stronger supporter than me. I couldn’t be more pleased with this news.”