His Dark Materials was a massively popular – and intense – trilogy that captivated and disturbed countless readers. As such, the HBO adaptation of the series has been getting a lot of ink – and with good reason.
But that got us thinking. Should the follow-up trilogy, The Book of Dust, also get adapted for the small screen? The trilogy hasn’t yet concluded (it’s two books in so far), but we’ve already been introduced to plenty of new elements, plots, and characters.
For those unfamiliar with The Book of Dust; it’s the latest trilogy written by Philip Pullman, and it brings us back to the life of Lyra Silvertongue. The first book in the series (The Belle Sauvage) followed her story from her infancy. While the latest (The Secret Commonwealth) occurred seven years after the conclusion of His Dark Materials.
With all of that in mind, here are five reasons why The Book of Dust should get a spin-off series. And five reasons why it shouldn’t.
Why It Deserves A Spin-Off: Fans Want to See More of This World
His Dark Materials was, as we mentioned above, a massive hit of a series. So naturally, fans have been jumping at the chance to see more of the world through the latest series, The Book of Dust. This series shows us events both before and after the setting of His Dark Materials. And alongside that, there is so much more of this world shown. And it’s for that exact reason we’d love to see it turned into a television series – one more chance to see what is going on here.
Why It Doesn’t Deserve One: Lackluster Reception
The first Book of Dust novel, Le Belle Savage, did not get the same fan reaction as any of the Dark Materials novels. In fact, the reaction was somewhat lackluster. It wasn’t nearly as talked about, and the ratings for the book were hotly debated.
The second book did slightly better, but it still didn’t garner nearly the same amount of chatter as the original trilogy. Perhaps that’s simply because the readers grew up. But it seems more likely that there’s another reason for this less enthusiastic reception.
Why It Deserves A Spin-Off: Baby Lyra
Okay, let’s be honest here: who doesn’t want to see cute little baby Lyra? Lyra was the main lead for the original series, and she’s once again the main focus of the new trilogy. Though during the entirety of the first book she’s nothing more than a little baby.
She’s a baby put at great risk, as you can imagine. Lots of people had plans for her, but that involved getting control over her first. The whole first book is about bringing her to safety. And we’d love to get a chance to see lots of cute scenes involving baby Lyra innocently sleeping during dramatic moments.
Why It Doesn’t Deserve One: More Adult Themes
Both Le Bella Savage and The Secret Commonwealth (the second novel in the latest trilogy) cover some very adult subjects. That isn’t to say that His Dark Materials didn’t. But it is safe to say that the new trilogy has grown a bit with their audience.
In the latest two novels, there have been several instances in which the leading ladies of the novel faced graphic assaults. This is a heavy subject even in writing, and isn’t always something people want to see portrayed in a television show.
Why It Deserves A Spin-Off: Following Lyra Post His Dark Materials
The Secret Commonwealth is set seven years after the conclusion of His Dark Materials. That might be a slightly heartbreaking fact for some, thanks to what that obviously implies. But it would also give fans a chance to see what Lyra has been up to since she was forcibly separated from Will.
And it does answer a lot of those questions. This novel shows us the young woman that Lyra is growing into, and all of the adventures she’s been getting wrapped up in ever since.
Why It Doesn’t Deserve One: The Change Between Lyra and Pan
The downside to watching Lyra grow up is seeing her turn into a different person. She and Pan used to be so close (for obvious reasons). But The Secret Commonwealth shows us how far the two have drifted apart.
It’s depressing to see how poorly these two are getting along. And it won’t make for a joyful viewing, that much is certain. Maybe we’ll be okay with this plot down the line, once we have a better idea of how the conflict is going to play out. But for now, it just feels painful.
Why It Deserves A Spin-Off: Deep Dive Into Dust and the Alethiometer
One of the best things to come out of The Book of Dust has been the opportunity to learn more about the Alethiometer and how it works. The entire first book showcased it on several different occasions.
Meanwhile, The Secret Commonwealth proved that there are alternatives. That applies both to the ways of using the Alethiometer, and of seeing without an Alethiometer. All of this news is fascinating and would do well in any adaptation.
Why It Doesn’t Deserve One: The Strange New Romantic Subplot
The Secret Commonwealth featured a romantic subplot that understandably surprised fans. And no, we’re not just saying that because we’re still not over Will (though that is true). During this book, it’s revealed that one of the other characters (introduced in the first book of the new trilogy) has fallen deeply in love with Lyra.
This is weird for a lot of reasons. And it’s made all the more weird as Lyra seems to find herself becoming more and more infatuated with him in return. It was an alarming plot to read, and isn’t one we need to see translated onto the small screen.
Why It Deserves A Spin-Off: All the New Characters
Naturally, the Book of Dust introduced dozens of new characters. Somehow they’re all connected to Lyra, forming a complex web of actions and interactions. There are some delightful and fascinating characters introduced here. And it would be so much fun to see how they were all cast for a live-action series.
And of course, it would be fun to see our new favorites in this format. And then there are the mystical creatures introduced here, which are understated yet brilliant nonetheless. We’d love to see them all here.
Why It Doesn’t Deserve One: It’ll Never Be His Dark Materials
His Dark Materials was a series that enthralled readers from the start. And many of us grew up loving the series. Because of that, there will never be anything quite like that. Not even from the mind of Philip Pullman.
And that means that The Book of Dust will just never be His Dark Materials. It’s simply a fact. And hoping for anything more will just result in a letdown.
