Living a Lyra

God is not invited to the much anticipated silver screen adaptation of Phillip Pullman's His Dark Materials novels.

15:44 08 December 2004

The much anticipated silver screen adaptation of the His Dark Materials novels, Phillip Pullman's epic tale of religion, the Church and the soul, will be slightly moderated - to cut out God.

Director Chris Weitz has revealed that significant plot changes were being brought in after film studio New Line expressed concern over the potential impact of a story which tells of a battle to overthrow God, predominantly through the eyes of a child.

Pullman's three part allegory on the inherent contradictions and hypocrisies within organised religion has long been lambasted by the Church, not least for the fact that the entire message is wrapped in a childish carapace aimed at bringing in the younger readers.

Now it seems that the headlong collision with religion that the novels embrace is simply not viable for a major Hollywood production.

As the man behind comedies About A Boy and American Pie, Weitz admits that he would not be many people's first choice for the gargantuan task that has been laid at his feet.

But he described the opportunity as "the most important work of my life" and vowed not to change the nature of the story.

Weitz told a His Dark Materials fans' website, bridgetothestars.net: "[New Line] have expressed worry about the possibility of perceived anti-religiosity.

"All my best efforts will be directed towards keeping the film as liberating and iconoclastic an experience as I can. But there may be some modification of terms.

"I have no desire to change the nature or intentions of the villains of the piece, but they may appear in more subtle guises."