The way His Dark Materials Season 3 ended, we were all left wondering whether there will be another season. Though it is not confirmed yet, the chances of the show having another season are low. But that does not mean this is the end for the franchise. There’s more to the story!
The series is based on Phillip Pullman’s trilogy of the same name. If we consider only the trilogy, there’s no possibility of Season 4 happening as the story ends with the events of Season 3. However, the world of His Dark Materials does not end with just the trilogy.
The source material spans multiple books, so there’s enough material for the series to continue, even if it is not in a conventional linear fashion.
As of now, there’s no confirmation about His Dark Materials Season 4. It is not impossible, but unlikely if only the main trilogy of the source material is considered. However, the franchise can continue through other spinoffs.
1. Is His Dark Materials Season 3 the last season?
If we consider the books on which His Dark Materials is based, Season 3 is the show’s last season.
Season 3 is based on the third book in Phillip Pullman’s trilogy of the same name, titled The Amber Spyglass. Since Season 3 adapts the final book in the series, there’s little possibility of the show being renewed for another season.
Season 3 ends Lord Asriel’s fight against the Authority, and also marks the end of Lyra and Will’s journey together. At the end of the final episode of the season, Lyra and Will are stuck in their own separate worlds.
Lord Asriel and Mrs. Coulter are also dead, so there’s nothing left for Season 4 to continue with. The story that the series was telling is very much over. However, as I mentioned before, the world of His Dark Materials expands beyond the trilogy.
2. How the Franchise Can Continue
Though the story that His Dark Materials focused on has ended, Lyra’s individual story can continue to some extent. It might be difficult to continue it in the form of follow-up seasons of the same show, but there can be direct sequels set in the same universe.
Phillip Pullman has planned a sequel trilogy called The Book of Dust, which is a direct sequel to the His Dark Materials trilogy. As of now, he has written two books out of the three focusing on Lyra’s life after the events of the main trilogy.
The books see Lyra facing a witch who wants to take revenge for her son, who died during the events of The Amber Spyglass, the final book of the trilogy. The second book, titled The Secret Commonwealth, follows Lyra’s life ten years after the events of the main trilogy. In this book, she is studying at St. Sophia’s College in Oxford.
There’s no official confirmation regarding a sequel series or a new season of His Dark Materials. But it is possible that the franchise will continue by adapting The Book of Dust.
However, if the makers decide to adapt The Book of Dust, it will be after Pullman finishes writing the third book in the series, which is expected to release in mid-2023.
3. Possibilities of Other Spinoffs
Apart from The Book of Dust, Phillip Pullman has also written a novella titled Once Upon A Time in the North, which serves as a prequel to His Dark Materials.
If The Book of Dust ever becomes a reality, it opens the doors for various other spinoffs. Then there would be a chance for the prequel to be adapted for television, too.
Instead of Lyra, the novella follows Lee and Iorek, who are supporting characters in the main trilogy. It tells the story of how they met and eventually became friends. The story isn’t long enough for a full-fledged series, but it could pass off as a special episode or a short film.
As of now, let’s hope the makers take up The Book of Dust as a sequel.
4. About His Dark Materials
His Dark Materials is a fantasy drama series based on the novel trilogy of the same name by Phillip Pullman. It is produced by Bad Wolf and New Line Productions for BBC One and HBO networks.
The series revolves around the adventures of Lyra Belacqua, a young and strong girl from another world where our inner self gets manifested into animal forms called Daemons.
The series is currently airing its third and final season on HBO Max.
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