Listening Library to Publish New Audiobook Editions of Philip Pullman's HIS DARK MATERIALS
Actress and Tony Award Winner Ruth Wilson in the studio.
On July 18, 2024, a Deadline exclusive announced the news that Phillip Pullman’s world of His Dark Materials will be heard like never before as the star of the HBO Max series and Tony Award Winner, Ruth Wilson (Luther, Mrs Wilson, The Affair), narrates new audiobook editions of the novels.
Published by Listening Library, these editions of His Dark Materials (THE GOLDEN COMPASS, THE SUBTLE KNIFE, and THE AMBER SPYGLASS) allows existing fans and new listeners to escape into a masterful new performance of the iconic, globally bestselling fantasy novels. The new edition of THE AMBER SPYGLASS will also feature a conversation between Philip Pullman and Ruth Wilson, recorded in 2021. The original recordings of the novels, narrated by Philip Pullman and featuring a full cast, will continue to be available alongside the new editions.
The novels follow the coming of age of two children, Lyra Belacqua and Will Parry, as they adventure through a series of parallel universes, encountering armored bears and witches, aeronauts, spectres and each other.
When discussing the new audio project, Ruth Wilson said: “I fell in love with Philip’s world of His Dark Materials when I first read the books: they’re so complex in their themes and playing Mrs. Coulter on screen allowed me to explore themes deeper than just her villainy: narcissism, freedom, motherhood, imagination. Having the opportunity to narrate this series of audiobooks and delve further into Philip’s profoundly intricate world was an honor and a pleasure.”
Philip Pullman (AFP via Getty Images)
Ruth’s narration of the series comes following her success as Mrs. Coulter on the screen adaptation of the franchise. On her performance of these audiobooks, Philip Pullman said, “I was delighted when I learned that Ruth Wilson was going to narrate the new audio edition of His Dark Materials. I enjoyed her TV performance so much, and I learned from that – and from talking to her separately – how much thought she puts into every characterization. Her voice is naturally rich and attractive, and she can vary it with the tiniest possible intonation here or emphasis there and make the story live as vividly in the ear of the listener as I hoped it would have in the eye of the reader. I count myself very lucky that she was involved in both TV and audio.”
New listeners and long-time fans can start listening to the series when THE GOLDEN COMPASS publishes on September 5, 2024, with the next two books coming in early 2025.