Will BBC and HBO decide to renew His Dark Materials for season 3 and, if so, when will it release and what will its story be? Following the show's debut in November 2019, His Dark Materials has erased the lingering bad taste of 2007 movie The Golden Compass, which similarly attempted - but ultimately failed - to adapt Philip Pullman's book trilogy. While that never got past the first novel, the His Dark Materials TV show has already made its way through Northern Lights (aka The Golden Compass) and The Subtle Knife.
The latter formed the basis for His Dark Materials season 2, which brought together Lyra Belacqua (aka Lyra Silvertongue, played by Dafne Keen) and Will Parry (Amir Wilson) as they both found their way to the world of Cittàgazze, the city in the sky glimpsed at the end of His Dark Materials season 1. Their bond has been formed alongside the growing threat from the Magisterium in Lyra's world, while introducing key new players from Will's, such as Dr. Mary Malone (Simone Kirby).
With the first two books covered, then that sets the stage nicely for His Dark Materials season 3 to adapt The Amber Spyglass, the final installment in Pullman's trilogy. Should His Dark Materials be renewed, then here's what to expect from season 3.
Will HBO & BBC Renew His Dark Materials For Season 3?
As it stands, His Dark Materials has not officially been renewed for season 3. This is a contrast from what happened with His Dark Materials season 2, which was confirmed and started filming before season 1 had even begun airing. Despite its quality, His Dark Materials hasn't been a hit for HBO, with season 2's episodes typically pulling in around 0.25 million. It's a different story in the UK, with BBC's screenings receiving just under 5 million viewers for season 2, though that itself is down from season 1. Still, since it only needs one more season to complete the story, then it's likely it will get the green light.
His Dark Materials Season 3 Release Date
His Dark Materials seasons 1 and 2 were shot back-to-back, meaning that season 2 was able to begin airing in the same November release slot as the first. That won't be the case for His Dark Materials season 3, as even if it had been renewed already, production likely would've been delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic (which did affect filming of season 2, leading to a Lord Asriel-centric episode being cut). In an interview with Deadline, executive producer Jane Tranter confirmed that creator Jack Thorne and a team were writers were working on six of a planned eight scripts, with hopes filming could begin in spring 2021. Filming on both seasons lasted around 3-4 months, with just under a year before season 1 hit screens, and just over for season 2. If there's a similar timeframe, then it's likely His Dark Materials season 3's release date would be in fall 2022.
His Dark Materials Season 3 Cast
Since His Dark Materials largely centers on the same characters across its story, then it is expected that most of the main cast will return for season 3. This includes the show's two young leads, dafne Keen and Amir Wilson, as well as Ruth Wilson as Mrs. Coulter and Simon Kirby as Dr. Mary Malone. As well as those, James McAvoy should also return as Lord Asriel in His Dark Materials season 3; while he is missing from season 2, his actions in the background will be crucial to what's to come, and he has a big role to play. There will also be some new characters involved too, with the likes of Gallivespian Lord Roke, a spymaster, and the angel Metatron needing to be cast.
His Dark Materials Season 3 Story Details
As mentioned, His Dark Materials season 3 will adapt The Amber Spyglass, and season 2 has already setup much of this story. With the teases of Asriel's actions, the brewing idea of a war coming with the Magisterium and mysterious forces at play, and things like angels coming into the story, then the stage is well set for season 3. This will will be the final season of His Dark Materials, which means bringing everything to a conclusion: resolving mysterious of Dust, the Authority and Magisterium, the relationship between Mrs. Coulter and Lord Asriel, and, of course, that of Lyra and Will. There will be new worlds, returning characters, and an epic story that, in a sense, feels almost unfilmable because of its wild nature, with so many different concepts, ideas, and themes coming together. But given the quality of the show so far, His Dark Materials season 3 may well be able to pull it off.