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Friday
18Jul2008

'The Golden Compass' Now Pointing South?

Even though it eventually recouped its money after stronger international ticket sales than we saw in the states, it was a bit surprising when we heard rumblings earlier this year that there would be a sequel to The Golden Compass. It wasn't odd from the standpoint of the story; after all, Phillip Pullman wrote a trilogy of books. But it was one of those sequels that was hard to accept financially.

 

Sure, The Golden Compass made $372 million worldwide against a $180 million budget, but when you add in marketing costs and all the rest, it's safe to say that this didn't come close to doubling its money (until you factor in DVD rentals and sales...and then the math gets really cloudy). And when you're talking about a $200 million sequel, well, you don't want to run the risk of Prince Caspian happening - and that series got off to a great start.

Contact Music is reporting that Pullman says he's never been approached by a sequel, which fans the flames of speculation that this was truly a one-and-done. "When the first film was in production, I was talking to the studio and to (writer/director) Chris Weitz and producers quite frequently. I'm sure I would be now if the sequel was in production," he admits. "I know everyone would like to see a sequel and I know I'd like to see it."

Some say the protests from the Catholic Church not only hurt the box office performance of the first film but may be keeping the sequel from moving forward. I certainly buy that the Church had a big influence here in America with regard to the output of The Golden Compass, but as for the sequel? I think what might be dooming that is the only thing more powerful than God in this country: Money.

Reader Comments (14)

I thought The Golden Compass was a failry fresh and individual CGI fairytale. It worked despite having several flaws, such as not deciding if it was a movie for children or for grown-ups (it certainly wasn't for families). Perhaps it was the obvious pitch for a sequel that did it. Audiences must be getting tired of all the epics without proper endings. Regarding the religious issues (?!) I'd be very surprised if people with real faith lose it over watching The Golden Compass. Someone surely made a mistake?

Saturday, July 19, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterHenry Oak

I didn't see the movie mostly because Ann Coulter was played by Nicole Kidman. I figured if a blond Nicole, highly overrated actress that she is, would be playing a dark haired Mrs. Coulter (so easy to change, that) and featured so prominently in their marketing the movie would be a far cry from the trilogy that I cherished so well. I figured it wouldn't be the Lyra centered fable of epic journey and from what was reported to me, I was right. Nicole Kidman ruined this movie before I even saw it. A sequel? Maybe if they followed the story and found an actress to play the mother fatale. But you're right, given the fizzled first, why would the clueless even bother? And the church wouldn't squawk about a sequel. By ignoring the petty production, the Catholic church retains it's dignity and probably prevents a boost in sales from those wanting to know what got the pope's panties in a bunch.

Sunday, July 20, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterClarissa

Nicole Kidman was actually the best actor in the film so don't let the hair colour issue stand in your way ;)

Films are entirely different kettles of fish from books anyway, so it's usually best to regard them as completely separete works.

Tuesday, July 22, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterHenry Oak

I loved the movie and am very anxious for a sequel. I admit that I was extremely disappointed to read that there may not be one. I have yet to read the trilogy but, I am definitely going to go out and get them now. I vote YES for a sequel and as far as the church goes....don't they have enough 'irons in the fire' to be worries about fabulous movies! What's next???

Tuesday, July 29, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterCammie

I bought this movie for my children and watch it them and I loved it. I liked the action, the spx effects, and the story. As for the the squeal I would love to see it. I think the church should worry about other important things. It is fairy tale. People it is a made-up story.

Tuesday, August 19, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterTracy

As a fan of Pullman’s Dark Materials trilogy I looked forward to this film. Even though it severely abridged the story of the written works it was a fabulous piece of story telling. Yes it is true its not a family movie. The violence was a bit too ferocious and the deaths of souls a bit too graphic. The book the film is based on is a triumph of imagination and scholarly art. Pullman’s grasp of diverse religious ideas is broad and inextricably woven into the plot. This is not the film the Catholics were worried about – it would have been the two to follow which would have made them squirm. This is a film about spiritual freedom and individual sovereignty – something the brainwashed religious of the world can’t stand. I was amazed even this film made it to the box office. And it is fabulous it did so. Can’t wait for the sequel – but sounds like a sequel is not happening. And I though Nicole was suitably evil – a well acted role.

Saturday, August 23, 2008 | Unregistered CommentereDragon

I for one loved the books and was disappointed to see that the movie cut out before the end of the first book, but i absolutely want to see the rest of lyra's adventures. i am saddened to hear that it is likely there will not be a sequel. the rest of the story is such a good one

Friday, August 29, 2008 | Unregistered Commenterblair

I just have to say that i have read the books and loved them. And for a movie made from the books it wasnt that bad i actually really enjoyed it. If people are true god seeking people, things in the entertainment world shouldnt bother them so much. Its not really meant for it to change peoples mind, its there for their enjoyment.

Monday, September 8, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterKels

I'm sorry but Why does the math get "cloudy" when you factor in rental sales?!

It's actually a really simple thing to do. it's called addition. SOME of us learned how to do it in gradeschool...

Tuesday, September 9, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterBad at Math

If you compare the book & the movie you'd probly realize quickly the movie is actually religion friendly compared to the book. As for the religious stance of the sequel I can only guess it will have to be much more anti religion than the first to stay remotely true to the book several million americans.

Monday, September 15, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterBaeo

I personally think that it's rubbish that the catholic church has to worry about this movie. I myself is a Christian and my faith is strong enough not to be bent by this movie. The Golden Compass movie is ONLY a fairy tale, a FICTION, which is a made up story from Pullman's imagination. So, if you're faith as a Christian is strong how can it be dampened by such a movie? If this is anti-religion, what do you think of Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code? Is it pro Church? I don't think so. But even if it's not pro-church, it hit the box office big time. Even after watching that I still believe in the Church.

I believe this movie is just for entertainment and does not at all contradicts or disrespects the beliefs of the Catholic Church. I loved this movie because it's a breath of fresh air and the effects are outstanding. I hope that new line cinema open up their minds and make the sequels. That would be something to look forward to.

Tuesday, September 23, 2008 | Unregistered Commenterculturedworm

So, since we are all free to choose...what is the big deal? Now as for the DaVinci Code...it is most wicked of movies. It is a pack of lies that confuses the Truth. I object to that more than the movie I just watched..the Golden Compass. I have never read the book "Northern lights" which is the book the Golden Compass is based on from the film credits I read..... but I hear that the goal here is that they kill God in the end. How ludacris...the created destroying the Creator. Does our vanity and over inflated sense of self know no bounds? Like that is ever going to happen. But that is the point, isn't it? It is entertainment. Period. I have no objection and I am a spirit filled believer in Jesus Christ . No, not a brain washed religious person, as some have stated earlier...a person of faith. I was not too thrilled about the witches being portrayed as the good guys,and the fortune telling compass, but hey, we all have brains and can discern truth from fiction....well, most of us can anyway.

And on a lighter note, I thought Nichole Kidman was awesome in this movie. Sounds like the green eyed monster has bitten someone, eh?

Wednesday, October 8, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterRooter

all i have to say is i liked the movie and i want to see the trilogy completed. as for the church when dont they protest. hmmmm maybe its time eveyone protested against them pushing thier beliefs on us all the time???? whos with me????

Saturday, November 29, 2008 | Unregistered Commenterjay

Look anyone who claims "religon"has anything to do with movies has too much time on their hands. Movies are another way to express freedom of speech. If you don't agree with the context of the movie simply choose not to see it. As for the Catholic Church, the fact that anyone would even give the Church the time of day, or even allow them to influence your decision on a MOVIE. Is rediculous. They can't even keep their preists from commeting Gross Behavior. (Child Molesting) Why anyone would let them have any effect on there decisions is beyond me. I am a God loving person as well. I have seen this movie and there was no mention in it about Killing God. I can say this, the movie industry is WAY too smart to ever show a movie about killing God. It simply would not happen. What is likly to happen, is the story being changed or the movie not being made. I work for Hollywood, And it IS safe for me to say this. No, I have not read the books, but I have allowed my children to see the movie. No harm has come to them due to seeing it. Kids today see way more violence on TV. As a parent WE have to make the tough decisions for our children. Simply put. If you don't agree with the movie don't see it. The CHOICE is yours and your alone.

Friday, January 16, 2009 | Unregistered CommenterJen

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