BBC One has released the first teaser trailer for His Dark Materials, the forthcoming television adaptation of Philip Pullman’s beloved book series. Joking that “we’re keeping our dæmons close,” they provided a sneak peek of Dafne Keen as Lyra Belacqua, Ruth Wilson as Mrs. Coulter, James McAvoy as Lord Asriel, and Lin-Manuel Miranda as Lee Scoresby. We’re mostly on board… except for one key detail.
The alethiometer seems way too sleek and like something that can be easily hidden—it’s there for just one flash, then quickly shut. Yet in the books it’s described as closer to a clock or compass; are we the only ones who read that as something bulkier than what’s teased in this trailer?
Watch for yourself:
Interestingly, there’s also no sign of Pantalaimon, nor the other dæmons. Perhaps that’s what BBC One meant, and they’re saving them for another teaser…
There is no official premiere date for His Dark Materials, but it’s expected to premiere sometime in 2019.