If you haven’t yet caught onto the latest HBO CGI fantasy epic series, His Dark Materials, then it’s definitely worth tuning in. Based on the popular children’s book series from acclaimed writer Philip Pullman, it’s perfect viewing for anyone feeling a fantasy-shaped hole in their lives, especially since the conclusion of Game of Thrones and the Harry Potter series. Here are just a few reasons why it’s essential viewing for a truly magical winter.
It Has Some Incredible Filming Locations
If you’ve been feeling a pang of loss for those dramatic scenes of the snowy North, magnificent regal architecture and strange, wonderful lands ever since another certain fantasy series finally closed its doors this year, don’t worry. His Dark Materials has been shot in some incredible places, and you’ll get to experience stunning, wintery vistas of snow-covered mountain ranges, as well as some deeply atmospheric Oxford colleges and scenes across England. And if that gets your appetite for wanderlust going, try using Oberlo to help you find images and places to add to your travel bucket list.
It Has A Stellar Cast
The cast of the latest series includes some incredible talent that certainly makes it worth viewing. Episode 1 will introduce you to the moody and dramatic James McAvoy, who swaps his X-Men gear for rugged furs and an altogether more mysterious kind of adventure, while another former X-Men universe star, Dafne Keen (from 2017’s Logan) takes a magnificent lead as the plucky and bold Lyra. Eagle-eyed fans of Fleabag might also spot a certain priest waiting in the shadows – aka, Andrew Scott – although his role in the series is yet to be revealed.
The Incredible Creatures
For viewers missing the sight of flame-roaring dragons or magical owls in their lives, this series will fill that hole up perfectly. His Dark Materials features a vast array of animals, all beautifully and surprisingly animated. Every human in the series’ alternate version of Earth has their very own daemon, an animal-shaped familiar that embodies their soul. So, look out for a spectacular menagerie of birds, wild cats, monkeys, leopards, snakes and much more, as they accompany their humans throughout the show. As well as the various daemons, you’ll also be introduced to some incredible armored polar bears. Prepare to have your heartstrings tugged in a serious way.
The Books Are Fantastic
Once you’ve worked your way through the TV series, you don’t need to worry about what will come next. The trilogy of books was published a few years ago, meaning that you can dive back into that world straight away, and fall even deeper in love with the characters as you discover what else is in store for them. Just be prepared for a dark and thought-provoking ride that will still entertain you. Harry Potter has nothing on this series when it comes to tackling some seriously hard-hitting and profound questions about life and the universe, but once you get a taste of the compelling world this story is based on, it’s hard to pull away.