The Golden Compass is the film adaptation of Northern Lights (later published in the US as The Golden Compass), the first book of the His Dark Materials trilogy by Philip Pullman. The film was released on December 5, 2007 by New Line Cinema. The project was announced in February 2002, following the success of other recent adaptations of fantasy epics. With a budget of $180 million, it is one of New Line's biggest-budget projects ever after a series of box office disappointments preceding the release.
Before its release the film received criticism from both secular organizations and fans of His Dark Materials for the dilution of the religious elements from the novels, and also theist organizations - in particular, it was the subject of a boycott campaign by the U.S. Catholic League due to perceived anti-Catholic themes.
Cast
- Nicole Kidman as Marisa Coulter
- Daniel Craig as Lord Asriel
- Dakota Blue Richards as Lyra Belacqua
- Ben Walker as Roger
- Freddie Highmore as the voice of Pantalaimon
- Sir Ian McKellen as voice of Iorek Byrnison
- Eva Green as Serafina Pekkala
- Jim Carter as John Faa
- Tom Courtenay as Farder Coram
- Ian McShane as voice of Ragnar Sturlusson
- Sam Elliott as Lee Scoresby
- Christopher Lee as First High Councilor
- Kristin Scott Thomas as the voice of Stelmaria BUM HOLE ASS GOON
- Edward de Souza as Second High Councilor
- Kathy Bates as voice of Hester
- Simon McBurney as Fra Pavel
- Jack Shepherd as Master of Jordan College
- Magda Szubanski as Mrs. Lonsdale
- Derek Jacobi as Magisterial Emissary
- Clare Higgins as Ma Costa
- Charlie Rowe as Billy Costa
- Steven Loton as Tony Costa
- Michael Antoniou as Kerim Costa
- Mark Mottram as Jaxer Costa
- Paul Antony-Barber as Bolvangar Doctor
- Jason Watkins as Bolvangar Official
- Jody Halse as Bolvangar Orderly
- Hattie Morahan as Sister Clara
- John Bett as Thorold