HBO’s ‘Dark Materials’ Is a Perfect Book Adaptation for ‘Harry Potter’ Fans

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This Christmas, HBO is launching a new TV series based on the Harry Potter books by J.K. Rowling. The trailer has already become incredibly popular, but the show is facing some challenges. Some fans are concerned it’s too soon after the movies, others worry about potential long waits between seasons, and there’s also discussion about J.K. Rowling’s role as an executive producer.

But there’s another fantasy series on HBO that handles its adaptation well: His Dark Materials, which aired from 2019 to 2022 over three seasons. It’s a thoughtful and careful adaptation of Philip Pullman’s books, and many already consider it a classic, even though it hasn’t reached the same level of popularity as Harry Potter.

‘Harry Potter’ vs ‘His Dark Materials’

Similar to Harry Potter, His Dark Materials has also been made into movies. In 2007, when the Harry Potter films were incredibly popular, the first book in Philip Pullman’s trilogy, Northern Lights, was adapted into The Golden Compass. The story follows Lyra (Dakota Blue Richards), a young girl living in a world similar to ours, but governed by a powerful religious authority called the Magisterium. A unique aspect of this world is that everyone has a “dæmon”—an animal companion that represents a person’s soul.

While the first Harry Potter film was a hit, The Golden Compass didn’t do as well. Studio meddling caused problems – the movie’s religious themes were toned down, it was heavily edited and felt choppy, and it left out the book’s dark and impactful ending. As a result, the subsequent books in the series, The Subtle Knife and The Amber Spyglass, were never made into movies.

A common criticism of HBO’s new Harry Potter series is that it feels unnecessary. Many feel the books were already well-adapted in the films, so a remake seems redundant, especially since the show appears to be closely following the movies’ storylines.

Unlike some adaptations, His Dark Materials really captured the spirit of the books. The Golden Compass movie didn’t quite succeed, so the story deserved a fresh take – and His Dark Materials delivered.

Why ‘His Dark Materials’ Is a Great Watch

As a big fantasy fan, I’ve always loved coming-of-age stories, and His Dark Materials totally fits the bill, just like Harry Potter. It’s a journey where you watch the main characters, Lyra and Will Parry, grow up. They start off as kids who don’t really know much about the world, but by the end, they’re right in the middle of this huge, universe-altering story. What’s great about the HBO show – with its three seasons – is that it really takes its time developing the characters and letting us see how they evolve, which I really appreciate.

The conclusion of Harry Potter is largely joyful and satisfying – good triumphs over evil, and most of the beloved characters find happiness. His Dark Materials offers a more nuanced ending. While Lyra and Will succeed in their quest, the conclusion carries a touch of sadness and realism, acknowledging the complexities of growing up. This doesn’t make it a better or worse ending than Harry Potter’s, but it adds a deeper layer of emotional depth.

Beyond its compelling story, His Dark Materials is simply a beautifully crafted and enjoyable show. The visual effects are top-notch, and the acting is superb, particularly from Ruth Wilson as the chilling Mrs. Coulter and James McAvoy as the resolute Lord Asriel. While the world has room for further exploration, a complete reboot of His Dark Materials seems unlikely, given how well the HBO series executed the original story.

I’ve just finished binging all three seasons of His Dark Materials – it’s all available on HBO Max now, and absolutely worth the watch. And for those of you eagerly awaiting the Harry Potter series, mark your calendars! The first season is set to premiere on December 25th.

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2026-04-02 15:35