Good news, fans of dæmons, dust, and different dimensions – the BBC and HBO’s adaptation of Phillip Pullman’s His Dark Materials trilogy has been officially confirmed for its third (and likely final) season. Where Series 1 adapted Northern Lights and Series 2 focused on The Subtle Knife, executive producers Jane Tranter and Dan McCulloch and lead screenwriter Jack Thorne will be heading into The Amber Spyglass territory for Series 3. It's a wildly ambitious and gargantuan-of-scale final chapter in Lyra and Will’s story.
“It’s been a joy to see how His Dark Materials has brought British TV audiences of all ages together,” says the BBC’s Ben Irving. "Fans of Phillip Pullman’s incredible books, and newcomers alike, have been enthralled by adventuring with Lyra and Will through multiple worlds. We are thrilled that they will be able to continue their journey in a third series of this beautifully realised drama. Our thanks to our partners at HBO and the dedicated creative team at Bad Wolf for making a landmark series that will continue to be watched and enjoyed on the BBC for years to come.”
If Series 2 expanded the world of His Dark Materials considerably – heading further into the multiple-world-hopping premise – then those who’ve read the books will know that Series 3 is even bigger still. With even weirder and wilder new worlds, near-unimaginable creatures, the culmination of those theological quandaries, and a looming fantastical war, it’s going to be a major feat to wrestle it all to the screen. Dafne Keen will return as Lyra, with Amir Wilson as Will, Ruth Wilson as Mrs Coulter, and Simone Kirby as Mary Malone. Plus, James McAvoy will appear more this time as Lord Asriel – he had a minimal presence in Series 2, especially since an episode solely focused on his character had to be cut due to the pandemic.
His Dark Materials Series 3 will begin in 2021 – whether it’ll be ready to air by the end of that year remains to be seen, though this could be one to look forward to in 2022 instead.