The Subtle Knife - Adaptations

Adaptations

Before the release of The Golden Compass on December 7, 2007, New Line said that an adaptation of The Subtle Knife would go into production only if the first film was a success. The Golden Compass made over twice its budget worldwide, but was a disappointment in the United States, leaving the fate of its sequel unclear. The international rights were also originally sold to provide financing for the first film, thus amounting to a significant disappointment for New Line Cinema. Producer Deborah Forte, however, is adamant that she will finish the trilogy, saying, "I believe there are enough people who see what a viable and successful franchise we have." However, over 4 years after release, it's likely that the younger members of the cast have now outgrown their roles; especially given that the events of the novel take place immediately following the conclusion of the first story. This presents new significant artistic obstacles in addition to the previously mentioned financial difficulties.

An audio book was produced in 2002. See The Subtle Knife Audio.

As the second novel of the His Dark Materials trilogy, the book has also formed part of a radio drama on BBC Radio 4 starring Terence Stamp as Lord Asriel and Lulu Popplewell as Lyra, and as a two-part, six-hour performance for London's Royal National Theatre in December 2003, running until March 2004, and a second run between November 2004 and April 2005.