BBC and HBO series His Dark Materials is the latest adaptation of Philip Pullman’s Young Adult novels. The show will be airing on a weekly basis, capturing the fantastical parallel world created by the British author. His Dark Materials has a vast cast to accompany its expansive story, here’s a look at the stars of the drama.
Who is in the cast of His Dark Materials?
Lyra Belacqua – Dafne Keen
Newcomer Dafne Keen takes on the role of Lyra Belacqua after parts in Logan, TV series The Refugees and Ana.
Speaking to media including Express.co.uk, Keen said of joining the project: “I read [the script]. Curly blonde hair. I was like, ‘Okay’.
“When I first did the audition, I genuinely thought I wasn’t going to get it. Also, my self-tape – I’d been stung by a jellyfish, so my whole face was swollen.
“So, I sent that in and was like, ‘This is definitely not going to work’.
“Then I did an audition with Ruth [Wilson] and that went really well.”
She added: “Then I came in and I feel like me and Lyra don’t physically look that much alike but personality-wise we’re not that far off.”
Marisa Coulter – Ruth Wilson
Ruth Wilson gives a sinister turn as Marisa Coulter, who is a malevolent character with anbigous motives.
Wilson has previously starred as psychopath Alice Morgan in Luther as well as roles in Mrs Wilson, The Affair, The Little Stranger and Jane Eyre.
Reflecting on joining the show, Wilson hailed the character of Mrs Coulter as a breath of fresh air.
She said: “Usually, you get blonde, curvaceous, mid-thirties. This was like ‘cesspit of moral filth’ – I know how to do that one. When that came through, I was like, ‘Well, I can’t say no to this.’
“And these books are extraordinary and this part – she’s so mysterious and unknowable and constantly unpredictable and that’s why it’s such a joy to play because each scene you can keep switching and going this way and that way and confusing the audience, confusing your fellow actors.
“She’s a master manipulator, she knows what she’s doing and she’s incredibly intelligent and driven and she wants what she wants.”
Lord Asriel – James McAvoy
Hollywood A-lister James McAvoy portrays the mysterious Lord Asriel, who is pushing his luck with his controversial research into dust and verges on being arrested by the Magisterium.
McAvoy is no stranger to screens having started out on Channel 4 series Shameless before going on to star in The Last King of Scotland, the X-Men franchise, Atonement and Filth.
The Master – Clarke Peters
American star Clarke Peters plays the Master of Jordan College, who is left conflicted about whether to help Lyra and her family.
Peters is best known for The Wire, Oscar-winning film Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri and John Wick.
Lee Scoresby – Lin-Manuel Miranda
American composer, playwright, actor, musician and all-round genius Lin-Manuel Miranda is Lee Scoresby.
Miranda created and starred in Hamilton, which propelled him into the spotlight with the star going on to act in Mary Poppins Returns, Fosse/Verdon and DuckTales.
Ma Costa – Anne-Marie Duff
Acclaimed stage star Anne-Marie Duff takes on the part of Ma Costa, who is searching for the Gyptian children who have been taken.
She has a prolific theatre career but also starred in some big TV shows and films including Suffragette, Parade’s End, Shameless, Salisbury.
Other cast members in His Dark Materials include Helen McCrory as Stelmaria, David Suchet as Kaisa, Omid Djalili as Dr. Lenselius, James Cosmo as Farder Coram and Lucian Msamati as John Faa.
His Dark Materials starts on BBC One tonight at 8pm
Source: Read Full Article