Summary
Even two years after it concluded, I still thinkHis Dark Materialsis one of HBO’s most underrated series — and one that’s most deserving of a sequel series. Based on Philip Pullman’s trilogy of novels of the same name, the three-seasonHis Dark Materialsisan epic fantasy series that centers on Dafne Keen’s Lyra, a young girl who gets caught up in a battle of cosmic proportions. In the first outing, based on Pullman’sGolden Compass, Lyra acquires the titular object, which helps her on a quest to rescue her abducted friend, Roger, from the North.
Along the way, Lyra encounters many ofHis Dark Materials' memorable characters, from the ruthless Mrs. Coulter (Ruth Wilson) to Will Parry (Amir Wilson), a boy who hails from another world. One of the most compelling aspects of Pullman’s trilogy is thatit hinges on a cosmic substance called Dust, an extensive multiverse, and the antagonistic, theocratic organization called the Magisterium. AlthoughHis Dark Materialsseason 3’s epic endingprovides a satisfying conclusion to the story at hand, I want to see what happens to Lyra after her multiverse-hopping adventure — and I can’t be the only one.
I Wish HBO Would Bring Dafne Keen Back For A His Dark Materials Sequel
Dafne Keen Starred As Lyra In All Three Seasons Of HBO’s His Dark Materials Adaptation
His Dark Materials,Dafne Keen’s HBO fantasy series with an 84%rating, more than deserves a follow-up show. In the series' harrowing ending, Willbreaks the Subtle Knife— a tool capable of cutting portals between worlds — so that Dust will no longer leak and create Specters.Lyra and Will, who realize that they’re in love just before this gutting conclusion, must live in separate worldswithout a way to visit each other. Although Lyra and Will’s love inHis Dark Materialsseason 3saves the world, their relationship must end in order to ensure the multiverse’s future.
His Dark Materials built such a richly imagined world, from its Dust to its daemons…
It’s a bittersweet moment, and while I think it serves as a solid conclusion to the epic story, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want more from Lyra’s story. After all, Lyra has weathered so much over the course of her story, soit would be a shame if Dafne Keen’s character didn’t return to the screen for another outing.His Dark Materialsbuilt such a richly imagined world, from its Dust to its daemons, and there’s certainly enough fallout for Lyra and the show’s other surviving characters to deal with in a follow-up.
What Happens to Lyra & Pantalaimon After His Dark Materials
The story of Lyra and Pantalaimon does not end with His Dark Materials but continues in the following books that follow them as protagonists.
Philip Pullman Already Continued Lyra Belacqua’s Story In The Book Of Dust
The Book Of Dust Trilogy Continues Lyra’s Fight Against The Magisterium
Excitingly, Pullman has already writtenThe Book of Dust, a follow-up trilogy toHis Dark Materials, which means HBO has the perfect jumping off point for its next Keen-starring adaptation. Much like the original trilogy,The Book of Dustcenters on Lyra Belacqua as she faces off against the Magisterium. Plus, as the title implies, we learn even Dark Materials' Dust and daemons, which is always welcome. Although the first book,La Belle Sauvage, is set 12 years beforeThe Golden Compass,the secondDustnovel,The Secret Commonwealth, follows a 20-year-old Lyra.
His Dark Materials Season 3’s Biggest Book Changes Explained
Adaptations cannot include everything from their source, but His Dark Materials season 3 was largely faithful to the books with few notable changes.
His Dark Materials' 84% RT Score Makes A Case For Expanding The Series
The Epic Fantasy Series Is One Of HBO’s Most Underrated Shows Of The Last Decade
Much like Pullman’s novels, I think HBO’sHis Dark Materialsis hugely underrated. Yes, both iterations of Lyra’s story were popular and well-received by critics, but it’s also true thatHis Dark Materialsnever reachedGame of Thrones-level heights, even though it deserved that level of ubiquity. If anything,His Dark Materialsproves TV adaptations outshine moviessometimes, as they allow rich worlds, characters, and narratives the time they need to unfold. An adaptation ofThe Book of Dusttrilogy could renew interest in the franchise, cementingHis Dark Materials' place as one of the great fantasy epics.
All three seasons ofHis Dark Materialsare streaming on Max.
His Dark Materials
Based on author Philip Pullman’s beloved novel trilogy, His Dark Materials is a fantasy/drama television series that follows Lyra, a brave young woman from another world. Lyra’s quest to find her kidnapped friend leads her to uncover a sinister plot of a secret organization, encounter extraordinary beings, and protect dangerous secrets. Lyra will find that her life is inextricably linked with another as they discover they may be the ones to change the world.
