BBC to adapt Philip Pullman’s (1965, English) “His Dark Materials” books

The BBC has commissioned a television adaptation based on Philip Pullman‘s (1964, English) His Dark Materials book trilogy. The series will be produced by New Line Cinema and Bad Wolf Productions. It will be filmed in Wales and will air on BBC One.

The first book in the trilogy, Northern Lights, is set partly in the Oxford of a parallel universe. Its heroine, Lyra Bellacqua, lives in the fictional Jordan College, which is in large part inspired by Exeter College.

Philip Pullman said: “It’s been a constant source of pleasure to me to see this story adapted to different forms and presented in different media. It’s been a radio play, a stage play, a film, an audiobook, a graphic novel – and now comes this version for television.

“In recent years we’ve seen the way that long stories on television, whether adaptations or original, can reach depths of characterisation 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.”

Polly Hill, Controller of BBC Drama Commissioning, said: “It is an honour to be bringing Philip Pullman’s extraordinary novels to BBC One. His Dark Materials is a stunning trilogy, and a drama event for young and old – a real family treat that shows our commitment to original and ambitious storytelling.”

No cast, production dates, or release dates have yet been disclosed for the project. Philip Pullman will be involved as an executive producer.