People say that all good things must come to an end, and so it is that HBO and BBC One have renewed His Dark Materials for a third and final season.
Where Chris Weitz's 2017 feature adaptation – The Golden Compass – of Phillip Pullman's classic material failed to connect with audiences, HBO's episodic odyssey has given fantasy fans a version of the tale they've been dreaming of for generations. In addition to being visually splendiferous, the series offers a dark and twisted take on the material that feels both true to its source material as well as something fantastical and new. A fantasy series of this magnitude only comes along once in and a while, so it brings me joy to know that it'll finish on its own terms.
“Bringing Phillip Pullman’s epic, intricate, and culturally resonant body of work to television has been a tremendous privilege,” said Francesca Orsi, Executive Vice President, HBO Programming. “We thank our incredible partners at the BBC and the entire Bad Wolf team, led by the indefatigable Jane Tranter, for their exceptional work on the first two seasons. We look forward to completing the trilogy with this final chapter in Lyra’s journey,”
“It’s been a joy to see how HIS DARK MATERIALS has brought British TV audiences of all ages together on BBC One and BBC iPlayer,” said Ben Irving, BBC Drama Commissioning Editor, Wales. “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 the third series of this beautifully realized 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.”
“His Dark Materials has been a truly global TV experience and a personal career highlight,” said Executive Producer Jane Tranter. “The creative team at Bad Wolf in Cardiff made the impossible possible and brought Philip Pullman’s worlds into vivid life. To see that hard work and dedication applauded and embraced by fans around the world has made all the hard work worthwhile. None of this would have been possible without the wonderful commitment and conviction of the BBC and HBO. I am excited, thrilled, and honored to be making the third part of Philip Pullman’s trilogy with their support and encouragement. Diolch”
For those of who've yet to take the journey, here's the official description for His Dark Materials, per HBO:
The series follows Lyra (Dafne Keen), a seemingly ordinary but brave young woman from another world. Season two began as Lyra, distraught over the death of her best friend, embarks upon a journey in a strange and mysterious abandoned city. There she meets Will (Amir Wilson), a boy from our world who is also running from a troubled past. Lyra and Will learn their destinies are tied to reuniting Will with his father but find their path is constantly thwarted as the war begins to brew around them. Meanwhile, Mrs. Coulter (Ruth Wilson) searches for Lyra, determined to bring her home by any means necessary.
His Dark Materials stars Dafne Keen, Ruth Wilson, Amir Wilson, Ariyon Bakare, Andrew Scott, Will Keen, Ruta Gedmintas, and Lin-Manuel Miranda, with Terence Stamp, Jade Anouka, and Simone Kirby.
His Dark Materials will conclude its second season Monday, December 28 at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT on HBO.