Page
His Dark Materials
- Summary
- How to watch
- Seasons
- News & features
❚ We may earn commission from links on this page. Our editorial is always independent (learn more).
Watch show trailer
02:39
His Dark Materials
Save
Summary
Epic fantasy adventure based on Phillip Pullman's acclaimed novels, with Dafne Keen as heroic protagonist Lyra.
Ad
Powered By
IMDB
Review
David Butcher
Early on in this version of Philip Pullman’s epic, a snow leopard swims across a flooded Oxford quad and we barely blink an eyelid. That says something for the special effects, which are quietly astonishing, but also for the bang-up job the drama does generally of whooshing us into Pullman’s fantasy world — or possibly worlds — where the spiritual and physical intermingle. (Let’s not get started on the metaphysics of dæmons and Dust or we’ll be here all day.)
We begin in Jordan College, where explorer Lord Asriel (James McAvoy) once sought sanctuary for a baby called Lyra. Now a sparky 12-year-old, she darts happily around the rooftops with her orphan friend Roger. But when Asriel returns to deliver news of his discoveries in the frozen North, Lyra prevents an attempt on his life — and starts a larger quest.
As the charming Mrs Coulter (Ruth Wilson) takes Lyra under her wing, a string of child abductions spreads alarm among the Gyptians, nomadic outcasts who are very much the cool, bohemian folk. It’s a lavishly rendered story full of complex, gnarly characters.
imdb-square
7.7/10
How to watch
Loading
Streaming
Credits
Cast
rolenameMrs CoulterRuth WilsonVoice of PantalaimonKit ConnorWill ParryAmir WilsonLyra BelacquaDafne KeenLee ScoresbyLin-Manuel Miranda
Show more
Crew
rolenameDirectorWeronika TofilskaDirectorRussell DodgsonDirectorCharles Martin
Seasons
Latest season
Season 3
Season 2
Season 1
News & features about His Dark Materials
-
Doctor Who and His Dark Materials actor Patrick Godfrey dies, aged 93
Godfrey also had roles in films including A Room with a View and Ever After: A Cinderella Story.
-
One Piece: The Battle of Alabasta casts His Dark Materials star and more for third season
Jamie Ward leads four fresh faces joining Netflix's live-action pirate saga for its Alabasta arc.
Ad
-
Sarah Quintrell on His Dark Materials, The Power and The Other Bennet Sister
Quintrell, whose new drama tells the story of a lesser-explored Jane Austen character, is the latest guest on our interview series looking at the art of screenwriting.
-
His Dark Materials writer reveals whether he could return to adapt Philip Pullman's The Book of Dust
Jack Thorne was speaking with us for The Radio Times Writers' Room.
-
His Dark Materials' Ruth Wilson would reprise role of Mrs Coulter on screen
The BAFTA nominee is interested in returning "if there's an opportunity".
-
Harry Potter TV series hires His Dark Materials writer as showrunner
Francesca Gardiner will act as showrunner, while Succession's Mark Mylod has been chosen as the lead director.
-
His Dark Materials' Ruth Wilson narrates Philip Pullman's iconic novel – listen now
Wilson is back as more than just Mrs Coulter.
Ad
-
Meet the cast of His Dark Materials
Dafne Keen, Lin-Manuel Miranda and James McAvoy lead the cast of the BBC’s Philip Pullman adaptation.
-
Why won't there be a His Dark Materials season 4?
The fantasy series – adapted from Philip Pullman's beloved trilogy – is drawing to a close.
-
His Dark Materials ending explained: What happened to Lyra and Will?
How did it all end for Lyra and Will? *WARNING - Contains full spoilers for His Dark Materials season 3.*
-
His Dark Materials star teases character's huge transformation
"It’s a different world from what we had in season 2."
-
His Dark Materials ending feels "bittersweet", says Dafne Keen
The third and final season is almost upon us.
-
His Dark Materials features on this week's Radio Times cover
In this issue, star Ruth Wilson discusses playing the iconic Mrs Coulter ahead of the series’ return
-
His Dark Materials bosses explain unseen leaked Lord Asriel moment
The fantasy series may have drawn to a close but there's still chatter about *that* unseen alternative take.
-
James McAvoy on His Dark Materials, loving fantasy and his daemon allergy
Speaking to Michael Hodges in Radio Times magazine, James McAvoy discusses the final season of His Dark Materials and whether he gets career envy with other actors.
-
His Dark Materials team "very keen" to adapt The Book of Dust
We might yet see more of Philip Pullman's world on the small screen.
-
His Dark Materials confirms UK air date for third and final season
The fantasy drama will drop its upcoming final season as a boxset on BBC iPlayer.
-
His Dark Materials' Amir Wilson takes fans on exclusive tour of set
The His Dark Materials star welcomes viewers to the Land of the Dead in this exclusive video tour.
-
His Dark Materials season 3: Release date, cast and latest news
What’s next for Lyra, Will, Lord Asriel and Mrs Coulter? Here’s what you need to know about the upcoming Amber Spyglass adaptation.
-
His Dark Materials stars reveal “pressure” of getting final scenes right
Dafne Keen and Amir Wilson spoke exclusively to RadioTimes.com during production on the final season.
-
His Dark Materials' Ruth Wilson teases “very different” Mrs Coulter
"She’s quite depressed."
-
His Dark Materials: Potential spin-offs and sequels following season 3
Where could the world of His Dark Materials go next? *WARNING - Contains full spoilers for His Dark Materials season 3.*
-
His Dark Materials season 3 review: A stunning end, with emotional heft
This adaptation of Philip Pullman's fantasy novels remains a thrilling, immersive TV treat.
-
His Dark Materials unveils brand new season 3 teaser trailer
The third and final season of the fantasy epic will be landing on our screens soon.
See more about His Dark Materials
Ad
Ad
Ad