Some bad news about the Golden Compass trilogy

Via The Independent in the UK: Christian protests may leave Philip Pullman's trilogy as one of a kind. Excerpt:

Perhaps it has disappeared through a window into another universe, like its characters.

It looked increasingly unlikely yesterday that cinema audiences in this world will get to see the planned film sequels in Philip Pullman's children's fantasy trilogy, His Dark Materials.

Sources in the film industry said that plans for a sequel to The Golden Compass appeared to have been put on ice following the fervent Christian protests surrounding the first film, which led to boycotts and box office disappointment in the United States.

Pullman told The Independent that he had not yet been contacted by Shepperton Studios and was not aware of any imminent plans to film the sequel, The Subtle Knife. When the first film was in production last year, he was regularly contacted by Chris Weitz, its writer and director.

"I know everyone would like to see a sequel and I know I'd like to see it. When the first film was in production, I was talking to the studio and to Chris Weitz and producers quite frequently. I'm sure I would be now if the sequel was in production," he said.

That's a shame. I saw The Golden Compass on DVD, and enjoyed it though it rushed through the book's content too quickly. The next two films would at least have been great to watch.

Pullman can at least content himself with his royalties: The trilogy seems to continue to sell well, and for good reason—it's a brilliant adaptation of cutting-edge science into the fantasy/SF genre. A 12-year-old who finishes the three novels has a pretty good briefing on some key controversies in modern physics.

Should writers draw a moral from this? Yes, and here it is: If you're writing to make money, go into advertising.

But if you're writing to express your vision of the world, the prejudices of your readers should be your last concern. Write what you love, and the money will follow. Or not.

And if not, so what?

Comments

[Made in DNA]

It's sad to hear this kind of news. In Japan, we have heard nothing of protests. In fact, even as an American, I knew nothing of any Christian controversy. Perhaps you would care to explain a little more?

As for your advice, well said. I have always written for myself. I will definitely continue to do so. No money needed.

[Michael]

Appreciate you message. Friend advice to read you. Intresting. Favourited! Will advice to my friends!

[Ruth]

It is sad to decide not to make the films based on protest alone - imagine if the whole of history had given way for fear of causing offence.

On the other hand, I was worried about the way the film makers would 'clean up' or more to the point edit out any controversial concepts from the novels. It is perhaps better that the films remain in potential than that the interpretation is strongly divorced from the text.

[Jeff]

I must add a quick counterpoint to your writing for bucks comment. It comes from Mickey Spillane...

"Authors write, writers get paid."

I know, I know, people can call him a soulless hack (I disagree) and people can disparage his pulpy, trashy tales all they want be he achieved what we all seek... publication and residuals.

I'm just sayin'...

By the way, your site is wonderful!