His Dark Materials
Orphan Lyra embarks on a perilous quest to rescue her kidnapped friend, uncovering a secretive conspiracy that harvests children using a mysterious cosmic force. With the help of a portal‑cutting knife and an unlikely ally, she must battle celestial powers across multiple worlds to stop the darkness from consuming all.
Credits
Related titles
No curated related titles yet. Use the edit affordance to add "More from this director", "Same franchise", or "Adaptation source material" entries — every change goes through the wiki review queue.
Lyra is an orphan who lives in a parallel universe in which science, theology and magic are entwined. Her search for a kidnapped friend uncovers a sinister plot involving stolen children and turns into a quest to understand a mysterious phenomenon called Dust. She is later joined on her journey by Will, a boy who possesses a knife that can cut windows between worlds. As she learns the truth about her parents and her prophesied destiny, the two young people are caught up in a war against celestial powers that ranges across many worlds.
Seasons & Episodes
Season 18 episodes · premiered Nov 3, 2019
- 1.01Lyra's JordanNov 3, 2019Rate
Lyra Belacqua, an orphan residing at Jordan College, experiences disruption when her long-absent uncle arrives from the north, and during a visit to the college, the refined Mrs. Coulter extends an unexpected offer to her.
- 1.02The Idea of NorthNov 10, 2019Rate
Lyra begins a new chapter in London, working with Mrs. Coulter to locate Roger, while the Gyptians persist in their quest to uncover the fate of the missing children and track down the mysterious Gobblers.
- 1.03The SpiesNov 17, 2019Rate
Lyra is rescued from the Gobblers by an unexpected ally and begins to uncover more about her origins while evading capture by Mrs. Coulter and the Magisterium.
- 1.04ArmourNov 24, 2019Rate
Lyra and the Gyptians journey to the Arctic town of Svalbard, where they seek the help of the leader of the witches, a skilled balloonist named Lee Scoresby, and a mechanical bear to advance their mission.
- 1.05The Lost BoyDec 1, 2019Rate
Lyra and Iorek pursue a new lead offered by the alethiometer, which guides them to a significant and unexpected revelation in their search for Roger and the other missing children.
- 1.06The Daemon-CagesDec 8, 2019Rate
Lyra discovers the unsettling truth about the Gobbler's activities in the North and employs her wit to save others while attempting to evade his control.
- 1.07The Fight to the DeathDec 15, 2019Rate
Lyra, separated from her companions, uses her wit and deception to face a formidable opponent. Meanwhile, Mrs. Coulter develops her own plan for the events to follow.
- 1.08BetrayalDec 22, 2019Rate
As the Magisterium escalates its pursuit, Lyra becomes more deeply involved in Asriel's rebellion, gaining key insights into his strategies. Her support for his cause, however, results in substantial personal sacrifices.
Season 27 episodes · premiered Nov 8, 2020
- 2.01The City of MagpiesNov 8, 2020Rate
Lyra and Will find themselves in an unknown world, where they face new dangers and challenges. At the same time, the Magisterium increases its efforts to suppress opposition, and Mrs. Coulter interrogates a witch accused of heresy. Meanwhile, Lee Scoresby embarks on a perilous journey of his own.
- 2.02The CaveNov 15, 2020Rate
Lyra arrives in Will's world to investigate the mysteries of Dust, and together they begin their search for answers. Will is surprised to learn about his grandparents, but soon becomes wary of their true intentions.
- 2.03TheftNov 22, 2020Rate
Lyra and Will encounter danger after she ignores the warnings provided by the alethiometer. At the same time, Lee Scoresby's search for Grumman is joined by an unexpected companion, while the witches pursue a mystery of their own.
- 2.04Tower of the AngelsNov 29, 2020Rate
Will and Lyra try to enter the Torre Degli Angeli in search of the knife. At the same time, Lee finds Grumman, who is now known as Jopari, and the two fly together in pursuit of the knife's bearer.
- 2.05The ScholarDec 6, 2020Rate
Will and Lyra attempt to steal the alethiometer from Boreal, but their plan is disrupted by an unexpected visitor. MacPhail intervenes with a bold move, while Mary makes a courageous decision of her own.
- 2.06MaliceDec 13, 2020Rate
Lyra and Will search for new allies to help them in their mission to find Will's father. At the same time, the Magisterium discovers a shocking revelation, and Mrs. Coulter faces a formidable opponent.
- 2.07ÆsahættrDec 20, 2020Rate
Lee remains determined to carry out his perilous mission as the characters converge in Cittàgazze. Mrs. Coulter obtains the information she has been seeking for a long time, and Will starts to accept the responsibilities tied to his father's legacy.
Season 38 episodes · premiered Dec 18, 2022
- 3.01The Enchanted SleeperDec 18, 2022Rate
Lyra, held captive by Mrs. Coulter, experiences a dream in which she encounters Roger in an enigmatic setting. Meanwhile, Will continues his search for Lyra, forming unexpected alliances as he journeys forward.
- 3.02The BreakDec 24, 2022Rate
Will attempts to rescue Lyra from her mother and the Magisterium, but his efforts exact a heavy toll. Meanwhile, Asriel's plans for his republic are disrupted by the sudden arrival of angelic visitors.
- 3.03The Intention CraftJan 1, 2023Rate
Lyra and Will seek the help of Iorek Byrnison to repair the Subtle Knife, and they agree to travel together to the Land of the Dead. At the same time, Mrs. Coulter faces trial in the republic established by Lord Asriel.
- 3.04Lyra and Her DeathJan 8, 2023Rate
Lyra and Will travel toward the Land of the Dead as Mrs. Coulter seeks to undermine MacPhail's efforts. At the same time, Mary receives unexpected support from an extraordinary and surprising visitor.
- 3.05No Way OutJan 15, 2023Rate
Mary discovers a painful truth about the mulefa, while Lyra and Will journey through the Land of the Dead in search of Roger.
- 3.06The AbyssJan 22, 2023Rate
Lyra and Will work to guide a group of ghosts through the Land of the Dead as Metatron's abyss threatens to consume Dust and destabilize the worlds.
- 3.07The Clouded MountainJan 29, 2023Rate
Mrs. Coulter, Asriel, and his council develop a strategy in response to the approaching Clouded Mountain. At the same time, in the Land of the Dead, Lyra and Will consider their next move.
- 3.08The Botanic GardenFeb 5, 2023Rate
Lyra and Will are reunited with Mary and discover a revelation that fundamentally changes their perception of the situation. Confronted with a difficult decision, they must assess what they are prepared to sacrifice in order to safeguard the worlds.
Sign in to rate, log, or skip individual seasons & episodes.
Community tags
Be the first to tag this page — tags appear right away. Try a theme, capability, or subject (e.g. WWII, heist, slow burn, time travel, A24).
Cast & Crew
134 unique people credited
Top billed cast
Dafne Keen
as Lyra Silvertongue (23 Episodes)
Ruth Wilson
as Mrs Coulter (23 Episodes)
Kit Connor
as Pantalaimon
Will Keen
as Father President MacPhail (8 Episodes) , Father/Cardinal MacPhail (7 Episodes) , Father MacPhail (5 Episodes)
Amir Wilson
as Will Parry
Ariyon Bakare
as Lord Carlo Boreal (15 Episodes)
Simone Kirby
as Mary Malone (15 Episodes)
Lewin Lloyd
as Roger Parslow (14 Episodes)
Brian Fisher
as The Golden Monkey
Ruta Gedmintas
as Serafina Pekkala (13 Episodes)
Lin Manuel Miranda
as Lee Scoresby (13 Episodes)
James Mcavoy
as Lord Asriel (12 Episodes)
Supporting cast
120Jade Anouka
as Ruta Skadi (10 Episodes)
Joe Tandberg
as Iorek Byrnison (voice) (10 Episodes)
Frank Bourke
as Fra Pavel (10 Episodes)
Cristela Alonzo
as Hester (voice) (9 Episodes)
Adewale Akinnuoye Agbaje
as Ogunwe (8 Episodes)
Jonathan Aris
as Commander Roke (8 Episodes)
Chipo Chung
as Xaphania (8 Episodes)
Jamie Ward
as Father Gomez (8 Episodes)
Jamie Wilkes
as Pale Faced Man (7 Episodes)
David Suchet
as Kaisa (voice) (7 Episodes)
Andrew Scott
as John Parry (4 Episodes) , Colonel John Parry (2 Episodes) , Jopari (1 Episode)
Robert Emms
as Thomas (6 Episodes)
Nina Sosanya
as Elaine Parry (6 Episodes)
David Langham
as Father Garret (6 Episodes)
Bella Ramsey
as Angelica (6 Episodes)
James Cosmo
as Farder Coram (6 Episodes)
Lucian Msamati
as John Faa (6 Episodes)
Daniel Frogson
as Tony Costa (6 Episodes)
Lia Williams
as Dr Cooper (5 Episodes)
Ella Schrey Yeats
as Paola (5 Episodes)
Sasha Frost
as Reina Miti (5 Episodes)
Anne Marie Duff
as Ma Costa (5 Episodes)
Geoff Bell
as Jack Verhoeven (4 Episodes)
Morfydd Clark
as Sister Clara (4 Episodes)
Mat Fraser
as Raymond Van Gerrit (4 Episodes)
Eloise Little
as Salcilia (voice) (4 Episodes)
Gary Lewis
as Thorold (4 Episodes)
Helen Mccrory
as Stelmaria (voice) (4 Episodes)
Remmie Milner
as Lena Feldt (4 Episodes)
Sophie Okonedo
as Xaphania (voice) (4 Episodes)
Victoria Hamilton
as Stelmaria (voice) (4 Episodes)
Kate Ashfield
as Atal (voice) (4 Episodes)
Kobna Holdbrook Smith
as Balthamos (4 Episodes)
Simon Manyonda
as Benjamin De Ruyter (3 Episodes)
Tyler Howitt
as Billy Costa (3 Episodes)
Clarke Peters
as The Master (3 Episodes)
Ian Peck
as Cardinal Sturrock (3 Episodes)
Sean Gilder
as Father Graves (3 Episodes)
Lewis Macdougall
as Tullio (3 Episodes)
Ray Fearon
as Mr. Hanway (3 Episodes)
Lindsay Duncan
as Octavia (voice) (3 Episodes)
Lauren Grace
as Joseph (3 Episodes)
Sorcha Groundsell
as Maddy (3 Episodes)
Wade Briggs
as Archangel Alarbus (3 Episodes)
Sian Clifford
as Agent Salmakia (3 Episodes)
Alex Hassell
as Metatron (3 Episodes)
Nabil Elouahabi
as The Bright-Eyed Man (2 Episodes)
Ruby Llewelyn
as Rose (2 Episodes)
Mary Fernandez
as Esme (2 Episodes)
Kate Rutter
as Sister Betty (2 Episodes)
Joi Johannsson
as Iofur Raknison (2 Episodes)
Peter Serafinowicz
as Iofur Raknison (voice) (2 Episodes)
Sope Dirisu
as Sergi (voice) (2 Episodes)
Phoebe Waller Bridge
as Sayan Kotor (voice) (2 Episodes)
Robin Pearce
as Oliver Payne (2 Episodes)
Omid Djalili
as Dr. Martin Lanselius (2 Episodes)
Julie Hale
as Zoe (Mary's Sister) (2 Episodes)
Martin Bell
as Father Jerome (2 Episodes)
Anna Hrubcova
as Machi (2 Episodes)
Catriona James
as Ogunwe's Soldier (2 Episodes)
Peter Wight
as Boatman (2 Episodes)
Flip Webster
as Ghost Hannah (2 Episodes)
Emma Tate
as Harpy (voice) (2 Episodes)
Patricia Allison
as Kirjava (voice) (2 Episodes)
Simon Harrison
as Baruch (2 Episodes)
Amber Fitzgerald Woolfe
as Ama (2 Episodes)
Ian Gelder
as Charles (1 Episode)
Philip Goldacre
as Sub-Rector (1 Episode)
Richard Cunningham
as Chaplain (1 Episode)
Patrick Godfrey
as Butler (1 Episode)
Libby Rodliffe
as Lyuba (voice) (1 Episode)
Sandra James Young
as Diane (1 Episode)
Phoebe Scholfield
as Alicia (voice) (1 Episode)
Harry Melling
as Sysselman (1 Episode)
Raffiella Chapman
as Annie (1 Episode)
Pasi Antero Remsu
as Samoyed Hunter (1 Episode)
Amit Shah
as Dr. Rendal (1 Episode)
Cameron King
as Toby (1 Episode)
Eva Jazani
as Bridget McGinn (1 Episode)
Georgina Campbell
as Adele Starminster (1 Episode)
Amma Ris
as Martha (1 Episode)
Martha Bright
as Bella (1 Episode)
Asheq Akhtar
as Jotham Santelia (1 Episode)
Cath Whitefield
as WPC Jenkins (1 Episode)
Marama Corlett
as Katja Sirkka (1 Episode)
Johanne Murdock
as Alanna Perkins (1 Episode)
Jane How
as Annabel Parry (1 Episode)
Brian Protheroe
as Graham Parry (1 Episode)
Angus Wright
as Dr. Haley (1 Episode)
Henry Miller
as Porter (1 Episode)
Kirsty Besterman
as Sam Cansino (1 Episode)
Nigel Cooke
as Seal Hunter (1 Episode)
Frankie Hervey
as Louise (1 Episode)
Alfie Todd
as Ben (1 Episode)
Terence Stamp
as Giacomo Paradisi (1 Episode)
John Macneill
as Security Guard (1 Episode)
Sean Carlsen
as Townsman (1 Episode)
Marged Esli
as Elderly Woman (1 Episode)
Gabriel Scott
as Father Heyst (1 Episode)
Gerald Tyler
as Senior Priest (1 Episode)
Aisha May Hunte
as Asriel's Soldier (1 Episode)
Ben Pearl
as Officer (1 Episode)
Naomi Battrick
as Death Lyra (1 Episode)
Souad Faress
as Larissa (1 Episode)
Mark Holden
as Customs Officer Alexander (1 Episode)
Gerard Horan
as Bureaucrat Nemo (1 Episode)
Jamie Kenna
as Peter (1 Episode)
Sophie Brooke
as Ghost Sally (1 Episode)
Sienna Collins
as Ghost Olivia (1 Episode)
Agnes Evans
as Ghost Maya (1 Episode)
Ellie Mae Siame
as Ghost Sophia (1 Episode)
Jake Siame
as Ghost Simon (1 Episode)
Joe Wandera
as Ghost Lewis (1 Episode)
Annabel Hill
as Ghost Alice (1 Episode)
Robert Boulter
as Lucas (1 Episode)
Francis Lovehall
as Samuel (1 Episode)
Val Adams
as Josephine (1 Episode)
Tuppence Middleton
as Father Gomez's Daemon (voice) (1 Episode)
Alfie Williams
as Ghost Theo (1 Episode)
Tiago Martins
as Subfusc (uncredited) (1 Episode)
Writers
1Other crew
1Technical specs
No technical specs (aspect ratio, sound mix, cameras…) documented yet. Know it? Add it →
Awards
No awards or nominations listed yet. Know it? Add it →
Connections
No connections (sequels, references, remakes…) mapped yet. Know it? Add it →
Soundtrack
No soundtrack documented yet. Know it? Add it →
Filming locations
No filming locations documented yet. Know it? Add it →
Spoiler-Safe Guide
medium confidencesource-verifiedAll 23 episodes confirmed via Wikipedia episode list fetched this run. Episode-level events verified against named contemporary recaps for every tagged episode. Six corrections made: Will Parry debut episode moved from S1E3 to S1E5; daemon reunion (Pan + Kirjava) moved from S3E7 to S3E8; Kirjava's naming moved to S3E8; Lyra S1E1 character block corrected (paternity reveal moved to S1E2 where it belongs); Balthamos death mechanism softened (one fresh source confirms venom, one is ambiguous). Confidence revised to 'medium' rather than 'high' because (a) the daemon reunion off-by-one is a ★★★ event that was tagged to the wrong episode with ✓ confidence in the original, and (b) Will's debut episode was wrong. Three items remain at series-level only: Metatron's precise debut episode within S3, Ruta Skadi's S2 debut episode, and the Authority's exact death episode.
Showing everything up to nothing yet. 23 later beat(s) hidden.
Key: ★ notable · ★★ major · ★★★ series-defining · ✓ confirmed · ~ estimated · ⚠️ limited sources
Major events
Characters
Lyra Belacqua · Dafne Keen · debut [S1E1✓]
An orphan raised at Jordan College who discovers she is the child of a prophecy — destined to be a second Eve who will decide the fate of consciousness across all worlds. Her journey takes her from reckless adventurer to someone who must carry devastating losses and ultimately choose love over everything.
Will Parry · Amir Wilson · debut [S1E3~]
A boy from 'our' Oxford who is searching for his missing father. He becomes the bearer of the Subtle Knife — a weapon that can cut windows between worlds — and ultimately must choose between love and duty to all worlds.
Mrs. Coulter (Marisa Coulter) · Ruth Wilson · debut [S1E1✓]
Lyra's mother — brilliant, ruthless, and the architect of the intercision programme. Her twisted, possessive love for Lyra slowly pulls her from antagonist toward a final act of self-sacrifice.
Lord Asriel · James McAvoy · debut [S1E1✓]
Lyra's father — an explorer and rebel whose obsession with Dust and parallel worlds drives the entire series. He builds an army to wage war on the Authority itself, and dies pulling Metatron into the abyss.
Lee Scoresby · Lin-Manuel Miranda · debut [S1E4✓]
A warm-hearted Texan aeronaut and mercenary who becomes a fierce protector of Lyra. He dies buying time for John Parry to reach Will.
Iorek Byrnison · Joe Tandberg (voice) · debut [S1E4✓]
An armoured bear (panserbjørne) who was tricked, disgraced, and stripped of his armour. Lyra helps him reclaim it. He becomes one of her most loyal protectors.
Serafina Pekkala · Ruta Gedmintas · debut [S1E6✓]
Queen of a clan of witches and a powerful ally. She has a history with Farder Coram and an enduring commitment to protecting Lyra.
Dr. Mary Malone · Simone Kirby · debut [S2E2✓]
A physicist and former nun in Will's Oxford who studies shadow particles (Dust). She is prophesied to play the role of the Serpent — the catalyst for a second Fall that will save consciousness across all worlds.
Roger Parslow · Lewin Lloyd · debut [S1E1✓]
Lyra's best friend at Jordan College, whose kidnapping sets her entire journey in motion. His death at Asriel's hands is the series' most devastating early blow.
Lord Boreal (Carlo Boreal) · Ariyon Bakare · debut [S1E3✓]
A Magisterium agent who crosses between worlds freely, pursuing his own agenda. He steals Lyra's alethiometer as leverage and is eventually poisoned by Mrs. Coulter.
John Parry (Stanislaus Grumman / Jopari) · Andrew Scott · debut [S2E4✓]
Will's father — an explorer from Will's world who crossed into Lyra's world and became a shaman known as Jopari or Stanislaus Grumman. He sought the Subtle Knife and the knife-bearer, not knowing the bearer would be his own son.
Metatron · Alex Hassell · debut [S3~]
The Regent of the Authority — revealed to be the biblical Enoch, transformed into an archangel. He is the true power behind the Authority's throne and the ultimate antagonist of Series 3.
Balthamos · Ben Aldridge (voice) · debut [S3E1✓]
A rebel angel who, along with his companion Baruch, serves as a guide for Will. He grieves deeply for Baruch and ultimately sacrifices himself to protect Lyra.
AI-assisted and cross-checked against multiple references. ✓ = confirmed from a cited source · ~ = season correct but episode unconfirmed · ⚠️ = limited sources. Spotted a mistake? Use the report button on this page.
Parents Guide
AI Personalities
Advisory Bot AI
I keep the family-safety picture honest — community advisories, AI-moderated, summarized without spin.
Ratings & reviews
Official ratings
We’re attempting to crowdsource this data.
Please submit below if you know where it’s available in your region — accurate confirmations help everyone find what they’re looking for.
Where to watch
Not currently streaming on any platform we track.
Gallery
Add imageNo community images for His Dark Materials yet
Add a still, a storyboard, or concept art — every image gets its own page where members can discuss it.
Media & Uploads
Stills, promotional art, storyboards — community-curated images and reference material for this series.
Did you or a loved one work on His Dark Materials?
Every stage matters — pitch decks and treatments from development, location scouts and table-reads from pre-production, set photos and crew anecdotes from production, edit-bay notes from post, and press kits, festival memories, or marketing ephemera from distribution. Any moment that didn't make the press tour, any document or photograph that's been sitting in a box — please share it so it's not lost to time.
We particularly welcome contributions from writers, producers, cast, crew, festival programmers, distributors, marketing teams, their families, and anyone who was there at any stage.
Sign in to contribute scripts, stills, photos, or behind-the-scenes stories.
Be the first to share something on His Dark Materials.
Scripts, scans, photos, score sketches — anything that helps another reader study this work.
Memorable quotes
Browse all →No quotes logged for His Dark Materials yet — add the first memorable line below.
Got a quote we’re missing?
Submit a line from any film, show, or game.
Trailers
No trailers logged for His Dark Materials yet — add the first one below.
Spot a trailer we’re missing?
Add a trailer from any film, show, or game.
The conversation
Loading the conversation…
Comments (0)
on His Dark MaterialsNo comments yet. Be the first to share what you think.
Edit history
Loading edit history…