The Golden Compass | Dakota Blue Richards Photo | His Dark Materials

Dakota Blue Richards Photo

Posted by Ian on October 30, 2006 at 9:15 am

The first official picture of Dakota Blue Richards, who plays Lyra in The Golden Compass, has today been released by the New Line. She is seen in the photo with her on screen mother Mrs Coulter (Nicole Kidman). Feel free to discuss this more in the [link=http://www.bridgetothestars.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=203504]relevant thread[/link] on the message boards.

Read more on the CBBC site.

JoJo says:

She looks perfect! And Nicole looks perfect as well! The look they are giving each other is….perfection.

CANNOT WAIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

November 30, 1999 12:00 am | link

BantamBuyer says:

At last!!!

She looks excellent - shame it's not a full face picture though.

Everyone will have in their own minds an ideal image of how Lyra looks to them and I'm sure Dakota won't be exactly the same as that picture, but she looks ideal to me and I'm sure that very soon she will be the image of Lyra that everyone has.

Incidentally, I'm also impressed with the look between Mrs Coulter and Lyra. The picture really highlights the scary nature of the relationship between them.

Good luck Dakota and bring on the film

November 30, 1999 12:00 am | link

Eyes says:

Wow, New Line put out an official photo already?!?!?!?!? There are really going to push this puppy. Which is good.

Oh and I love the photo. Nicole looks so perfectly icy and evil. And Dakota is so cute. Nice to finally get a good look at her.

November 30, 1999 12:00 am | link

Alewyn says:

I would just like to note that I went to see the National Theatre's Production of HDM. I also live in America and spent 6 months of my life convincing my parents to bring me. :wassat:

Of course she doesn't look like I thought she did but, whatever, it happens. She and Nicole kinda look alike. That's good! And yes, I am forcing optimism out of myself.

November 30, 1999 12:00 am | link

Sarah says:

This is a really annoying photo, it's so hard to get a real idea of how she looks just from her profile. I'm concerned by the curly hair, but otherwise I'll reserve any real opinions for a proper photograph.

November 30, 1999 12:00 am | link

PanFan says:

Isn't Mrs. Coulter supposed to have dark hair? Other than that, perfect! You can see Lyra's all made up like a little doll. From the sparkling dress that Kidman has on, I'm guessing it's the cocktail party. Can't wait for more pics!!!! :laughing:

November 30, 1999 12:00 am | link

MysticT says:

You're right, in the book she really has dark hair, bis as Lyra´s mother a light hair color is more believable.
The both look like i´ve ever imagined them^^ Great work, can´t wait for the movie to arrive here in germany…but this will take lot of time

November 30, 1999 12:00 am | link

Annabel says:

OMG!!!! Yay finally a pic of Dakota! She looks a little older than I imagined, but then again it's just a side view. This is either at the c'tail party, or maybe at the start when lyra first meets mrs coulter over dinner? Dunno, they've got it brilliant anyway

November 30, 1999 12:00 am | link

Adiam21 says:

@MysticT
Sag bloß du bist aus Deutschland,Cool :smile:Ja das ist wirklich blöd das man hier so lange warten muss.Ich hab ja nur Angst das die Synchro schlecht ist.
Yes a picture of Lyra.From the side I cannot recognise a lot. So I do not want to "exile" her also immediately, am curious,how her whole face looks. But the teamwork of her and Nicole looks very good. Although,I will probably never stop to fancy Catherine Zeta-Jones :crying:. And anyhow I do not manage yet with Nicols colour of hair and hair length. :crying:

November 30, 1999 12:00 am | link

the serpent says:

OMG!!!! fianlly here!! Cant really see her face but expected more blonde hair :crying:
but you cant have everything, its different for everyone. Mrs Coutler look sooo evil

November 30, 1999 12:00 am | link

hoobits says:

Well it is something… Still quite a tease but certainly, as I expected, Dakota as Lyra is at least in the ballpark in terms of looks for the fans, I think.
Those curls are probably indeed for the cocktail party.

November 30, 1999 12:00 am | link

Hazel.. says:

At long last. We have a photograph.
Not exactly a facial shot, but at least we can see Lyra. The most annoying thing is that my anticipation was built up so much- now i can finally see her all i can feel is hate for New Line. But i'll shut up and continue talking xD
From what i can see, she looks pretty good. The curly hair is probably because, as PanFan said- she's all "made up" at Mrs Coulter.
I'm content.
MORE PHOTOS PLEASE!
xxxx

November 30, 1999 12:00 am | link

silversong says:

Darn. Niether of them look the way I imagined them. Lyra I can deal with, Coulter definitely has dark hair in the books. That's why it's clear Lyra takes after her father, because he's blond, and Coulter is brunette. Darn.

November 30, 1999 12:00 am | link

Wixer says:

I know this is about Dakota and all but I just can't get over the perfect look on Nicole's face.

Ugh, she was born to play Mrs. Coulter.

November 30, 1999 12:00 am | link

catherine says:

hmmmm.. doesn't look exactly like i imagined her, curly hair esp. but u cant have everything, can u? The tension btween the two characters is great. looking 4ward to more piccies, mayb face on?

November 30, 1999 12:00 am | link

Wixer says:

I know this is about Dakota and all but I just can't get over the perfect look on Nicole's face.

Ugh, she was born to play Mrs. Coulter.

November 30, 1999 12:00 am | link

HDM Head 24-7 says:

I could go and say that i think Dakota is bad or is not the way i pictured her, but i kinda feel bad for her. She has so much pressure on her. About half the world will go into this movie hateing her already cause she doesn't "look like what they pictured" Props to her, and im sure shell be great

November 30, 1999 12:00 am | link

rats_rox says:

I'm not saying that I would of looked better or anything but, as always, they mucked up my fav character AGAIN!!! Im sorry but not how i imagined her - sorry dakota. Also is it just me or is the whole this WAY to 1920s?

November 30, 1999 12:00 am | link

Witchdoctor says:

Dakota looks different than I would have pictured, but I think it works really well. Nicole Kidman looks amazing too. I can't wait for the movie!!!!

November 30, 1999 12:00 am | link

Link says:

All these people bashing the way characters look just because it's not what YOU thought it was going to look like make me laugh. Just because the filmmakers cannot read your mind doesn't give you a reason to hate. Nor does it mean that every other person feels the same as you.

Grow up.

November 30, 1999 12:00 am | link

Lu says:

First time I'm posting, but if I don't do it today I never will!

Yes, I'm still hoping the curls are for the party look. Yes, Marisa has dark hair in the books. And no character will ever look the way we ALL imagined them.

But, MY GOD. Nicole looks perfect. She's got that grace and viciousness right beneath the surface, that authority, the saccharine sweetness going on like crazy in that ONE look at Lyra. And Dakota - she makes Lyra look here like a girl who will stare down anybody. Like she can see straight through her mother's intentions. Like she's a liar. She has the face of an angel and the mind of a devil working underneath it, JUST as I pictured her.

This goes so far beyond mere physical appearance for me - if they GET the character, and from this picture I judge that they do, it is more than enough. These are complicated characters, and we need strong actors to deliver those performances in all their nuance. I already had faith in Nicole. But Dakota looks like a little actress too, and THANK GOD for that.

By the way, anybody besides me just besotted with the lighting in this picture? If the movie looks like this, I'll be in heaven.

November 30, 1999 12:00 am | link

Violet says:

Wow! That look is just perfect! Really captures the momment and everything! Curly hair not really how I imagined it. Still great, not everything can be just how it's described in the book. Hope more pics come out soon.

November 30, 1999 12:00 am | link

Lily says:

I don't think the hair is just for the party. If you look at some of the previous pictures taken, there are some of Dakota's double who has curly hair. Just a thought. :wassat:

Not that I'm concerned about the appearance that much, it's all about the performance. Just hope it lives up to what we're all hoping for!

November 30, 1999 12:00 am | link

butterfly says:

she looks great! she does look a little young to me, but i didn't excpect her to look exactly the way i imagined. anyway, it's more of how good she is at acting then what she looks like. coulter looks perfect, though, exactly the way i imagined!!!!! this is GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!! i've been wanting to see a picture FOREVER!!!!!!!!!!!! good luck dakota!!!!!!!!!! :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing:

November 30, 1999 12:00 am | link

Ethan says:

I just love Nicole Kidman. She has the most expressive eyes in all of her films, and here is no exception. Can't wait to see her here.

And Dakota looks perfect! Now I want to see Daniel Craig in costume!

November 30, 1999 12:00 am | link

Andreons says:

AT LAST! Nicole is superbe, I have always known that. About Dakota I think that Saint is right, she seems too young but it's hard to judge someone just by a picture.
I hope to see other photos of her!!New Line, don't be scroogeeeee

November 30, 1999 12:00 am | link

*Aurora*Traveller* says:

Ugh! Coulter has dark hair! Otherwise, I think it's pretty good. I almost like Dakota already, even though I'm totally against making a HDM movie.

November 30, 1999 12:00 am | link

Viggo says:

Dakota looks cute! And Nicole looks beautiful as always and it looks as if she really has Mrs. Coulter pinned down. Not that I ever worried about that in the first place.

This is looking better and better by the day. I don't know if I can wait a whole year, lol.

November 30, 1999 12:00 am | link

Chaos Evo says:

Dakota looks pretty good as Lyra, and I'm looking foward to seeing a full face picture. Kidman IS Coulter! She has that Coulter-ish look down! Can't wait to see more!!

November 30, 1999 12:00 am | link

A/C says:

For some reason, I never read the part in the book where it said that Mrs. Coulter had dark hair, so I always thought she was blonde… But anyways, I believe that Dakota will be a very good Lyra.

November 30, 1999 12:00 am | link

Azazel says:

absolutely fantastic

o and guys how many people are going to worry whether Mrs. Coulter has dark hair or blonde when the movie comes out? o right. .00001%. If you're that fanatical about it, you need to obsess over something else. Like a life. Looks great though.

November 30, 1999 12:00 am | link

Lizzy says:

WOOHOO! Piccy! We LIKE piccys! Wonderful! Wonderful! Wonderful!

I'm calm.

…Kind of.

And although I am fully aware that the books say Mrs. Coulter is dark-haired, I always imagined her as blond. Besides, how do two dark-haired people have a blonde kid? Anyway. Wonderful wonderful wonderful!

I guess that's it for being calm.

November 30, 1999 12:00 am | link

Steph says:

I think they both look absolutely AMAZING! This is all I hoped it would be… so far. Good luck to both of them, and the rest of the cast and crew. They'll do great!!

November 30, 1999 12:00 am | link

Mr Anderson says:

That photo, I believe is taken at the dinner party at Jordan College, when Coulter and Lyra first meet. In the background is the Master, Lyras hair looks as if it has been brushed coursely (and in a hurry). If it was Coulters Party, then her hair would be a lot more tidy. Notice also the gold glasses, such as those found in Jordan.

Now I think it fairly cruel, that some people are already jumping to insult this poor girl. She has the weight of millions of fans on her shoulders while you just sit back and complain. Pullman himself commented that he would have picked her, before he knew the actual choice. And if anyone knows Lyra, its the very person that created her.
Not to mention he also picked Kidman out as his choice for Coulter. Now let me say this about the hair colour - who honestly cares? Why worry about something so trivial when you should worry about her ability to play Coulter? But then how can you? That picture pretty much tells us she has got it right. The expressionism is spot on for both Lyra and Coulter in the context.

November 30, 1999 12:00 am | link

Schrodinger's Cat says:

Mr Anderson, you have hit the nail squarely on its head. Bravo, my friend! Philip Pullman created Lyra and if he's happy with Ms Richards, then the naysayers are being very immature. Besides, it's not like the filmmakers are rewriting the books. They'll always be exactly as you left them, and every time you reread Mr Pullman's stories, you can imagine Lyra any way you like. >^_~<

November 30, 1999 12:00 am | link

Entilzha says:

Marvelous photo. And kudos for showing it to us!! As for the curly hair…I think Lyra's hair is at least partly curly, I am almost certain I remember a passage…maybe in The Amber Spyglass…about her dark blonde curls but I may be wrong about that.

November 30, 1999 12:00 am | link

Hazel.. says:

I do think people should stop being pinickity about Nicole's hair colour, and the fact that Dakota's hair is curly.
I am going to quote what Cornelia Funke said when she read the criticisms on the casting of "Inkheart" being made, as i think this could also apply to His Dark Materials and some of the pinickity comments people have been posting when they haven't been over-the-moon about the casting-

"Be prepared that there may be more casting decisions where the faces
don`t match your imagination! They sometimes won`t match mine. But the only thing that matters is whether the actors will be good enough to
portrait the heart and spirit of a character. The movie will never match your imagination. The movie will be my story told by other artists, so keep your imagination and have an open heart when you watch the movie. Is there anything more exiting than a story living many lives, a story being sung by many many different voices?"

-Applauds Cornelia- Don't you all agree? xD

November 30, 1999 12:00 am | link

chicara says:

saw this article in the times today. it doesn't say anything new, but here you go anyway: http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,14931-2429322,00.html

November 30, 1999 12:00 am | link

Alewyn says:

Entilzha- Yeah, in TAS when Coulter takes a lock of her hair it's clearly stated that it's a "curl"

But still, she kind of reminds me of a Dr. Seuss character… :tongue:

Nicole looks perfect anyways!!!

November 30, 1999 12:00 am | link

non-member says:

dakota looks like a cabbage patch doll. hate it.
kidman was born to play the part though. and i too say coulter with blonde hair, even though the book said otherwise…funny, i even pictured kidman playing her even before i heard pf the movie

November 30, 1999 12:00 am | link

stupidhead says:

I have seen Dakota, in pictures other than this! And believe me, i'm as picky as they come about people looking right, and she is perfect.
My friend is working on the principle production photgraphy, and he had a few photos and a short video of rehersals, which understandably aren't allowed for public consumption but she seemed really feisty and funny but at the same time quite sweet.
And don't worry about her being to young, the 'dolled up' look emphasises her youth, but in normal dress she looks spot on.

November 30, 1999 12:00 am | link

Skye says:

What I can't get over is the fact that she resembles me at that age… So if I was only four years younger and lived in England… Yeah. Wishful thinking!

But really, I think she looks terrific!

November 30, 1999 12:00 am | link

mysterygal says:

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!
FINALLY!!!after alllll of this waiting,a pic of her!!!!!!!!!AHHHHHH!!!(Sorry im just a 'little' excited)

November 30, 1999 12:00 am | link

Veronica says:

When I first saw Dakota, I felt a little disappointed like a lot of people because she doesn't look like my idea of the perfect Lyra. On the plus side, she looks like someone from a Botticelli painting. Also, this is just her profile, we haven't seen her full range of expression so it's difficult to have a full formed opinion.

November 30, 1999 12:00 am | link

stfletch says:

If, as most people seem to believe, this is where Lyra first meets Mrs Coulter, then presumably that is the Master in the background. Does anyone know yet who is playing that part because to me (even though he is a bit blurred in the pic) it looks like it could be Simon Callow.

November 30, 1999 12:00 am | link

Elanorielle says:

Hm, they're wonderful. =)
Well, I even can submit Kidman's blonde hair!
But this curly little girl… Well, I can imagine that so she looked when she stayed at the house of Mrs. Coulter, but I hope they won't always make her those curls! She's not a Barbie!

November 30, 1999 12:00 am | link

f says:

stfletch: according to wikipedia the Master is being played by an actor called Jack Shephard. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/His_Dark_Materials:_Northern_Lights

November 30, 1999 12:00 am | link

Lizzietiffon01 says:

:tongue: :tongue: :tongue:
hey! Finally a pic of Dakota! Nichole Kidman has that look just right! She seems to have immersed herself in the role of Mrs Coulter and that look is so her! As 4 Dakota, even if she doesn't strike me as Lyra straight away, that is probably coz she is doing that blatant-defiant-blank and plain look to stare out Mrs Coulter. That look 4 Lyra is brilliant. u can tell from the picture that Dakota is a very talented actress-she has complete control over her face. It's great that she's so committed to getting Lyra's character right and is doing an amazing job! u can see how they are mother and daughter-so like each other.

as 4 Dakota having curls; would Lyra really CARE about wot her hair looked like?

November 30, 1999 12:00 am | link

Mr Anderson says:

Yes Coulters hair was in fact black, they had their reasons for changing it I am sure. It doesn't bother me that its blonde, nor should it bother anyone, that is simply nit picking.

For the final time, Lyra DID have curly hair.
When Marisa takes a locke of her hair it is clearly stated that it is a Curl.

November 30, 1999 12:00 am | link

katherine says:

on the subject of lyra's curls, i think people are maybe thinking of the US covers of TSK and TAS? since in those it kind of looks like lyra "should" have straight hair.

i dunno, just a thought!

as for dakota, <i>perfect</i>. i've never been able to clearly picture lyra, but she seems to be as close as anything i've ever thought of. i think she's going to do a great job. look at that facial expression! i mean.. it's like they've both got this "okay, cut the crap" thing going on. i love it.

November 30, 1999 12:00 am | link

Rin says:

you're right! she does kinda look like a dr. suess character….
I always imagined coulter with blond hair, even though it said dark. i wonder why…
i always imagined lyra as wavy hair, but not like that! i say her hair is way to curly!
yes, i know, i shouldn't be mean to her, but still……her hair is to curly!!!!
i'm HYPER!!! yesterday was halloween!!! i collected over 150 pieces of candy. if you don't celebrate halloween, to bad for you! i'm HYPER!! sorry i'll calm down now.
everyone probably thinks i'm crazy! but i'm not! this is just how i am when i'm hyper :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing:

November 30, 1999 12:00 am | link

mysterygal says:

hey everyon!i tried to post a news letter of the following but my computer is stupid and it wont let me.anyway…here is a life size polar bear wearing armor-i think it lorek 'cause the armor is all rusty and stuff:
http://www.wetaworkshop.co.nz/resources/images/gallery/fullsize/PolarBear001_522w.jpg

November 30, 1999 12:00 am | link

Witch-girl says:

Ah, Mysterygal, what a wonderful picture that one there is! :tongue: Good job!

Now, if we could only see a picture of young Dakota Blue Richards facing us head-on… :wassat:

November 30, 1999 12:00 am | link

Alewyn says:

Isn't that the same bear from that one time?

If anyone remember/understands that, you rock :tongue:

November 30, 1999 12:00 am | link

glittercloud says:

i think it's just great. I think a full on picture would be more useful though. I got a full on picture but it turns out it's just a double…

November 30, 1999 12:00 am | link

KittyKat: says:

Wow. It just hit me how much she in't my Lyra. Okay, now I'm going to decipher her acting ability using only her facial expression and surroundings in a freeze-frame shot. Wish me luck.

November 30, 1999 12:00 am | link

MCH says:

*sarcastic sigh* I'm so glad people aren't prejudging DBR…
But on a serious not, I think she looks pretty cool for Lyra - maybe not exactly how I imagined her, but then Viggo Mortensen wasn't exactly how I imagined Aragorn, but he turned out to be GREAT!

November 30, 1999 12:00 am | link

mysterygal says:

thnx everyone.im kinda new so i didnt know.
anyway,i REALLY dont want to be mean or anything but i think that dakota chin sticks out a little to much…IM SO SORRY DAKOTA!!!!!

November 30, 1999 12:00 am | link

Ali says:

Yay DBR I think she'll make a great Lyra–after all, Pullman thinks she's perfect for the role, so that's good enough for me. And people: yeesh, she's not going to look exactly as you imagined her, but give her a chance… the poor girl doesn't need this kind of criticism from fellow fans of the books. She hasn't even gotten the chance to prove how good an actress she is and people are already judging her.

And is it just me, or is Nicole's facial expression *perfect* for Coulter? That just made me so happy right there.

November 30, 1999 12:00 am | link

crazy_stunt_girl says:

WOW. Spot on the expressions for both of them! Can't wait for this movie. But do any of you know if Kidman is pregnant? The earlier pictures of her definitly show her with a baby bump. Just wondering…

November 30, 1999 12:00 am | link

Azeria says:

but i think that dakota chin sticks out a little to much…

Dude you're an idiotl. Ibet your face isn't perfect…

being played by an actor called Jack Shephard

omg you are kidding right? Jack Shephard???

November 30, 1999 12:00 am | link

Mad Larkin 619 says:

Jack Shephard am I missing something here because I have no clue who Jack Shephard is. Anyway I think Kidman would look better with light hair than dark and I always thought Lyra's hair was straight.

November 30, 1999 12:00 am | link

orange says:

I don't know what to say… i don't like nicole as coulter, SHE ISN'T BLOND… but dakota, i don't know. her hair isn't supposed to be curly, and… i just need to see a front view i guess. we'll see.

November 30, 1999 12:00 am | link

Mr Anderson says:

AAAAAHHH!!

Lyra had curly hair!! Read HDM again :tongue:

Damn these American paperbacks. :laughing:

November 30, 1999 12:00 am | link

KittyKat: says:

See that little shadow cast by one of her curls, on her upper cheek? That's preventing us seeing her cheek and under eye shape. We need a shadowless front picture to see her properly.

November 30, 1999 12:00 am | link

Elanorielle says:

Hey, people, we know that Lyra has curly hair, but can you pretend that a girl that spend most of the time in the movie travelling has tidy light curls as if she had just went to the hairdressers's! =)
I just hope that she won't look like that all the time!

November 30, 1999 12:00 am | link

Hazel.. says:

Oh my lord, people are now picking on Dakota's chin sticking out too much! Leave the poor girl alone, for goodness sake. She might have curly hair in the whole film, or just for a few scenes. Her chin may stick out a little bit (though, that comment to me makes no sense at all- I think her chin is perfectly normal) but what you should all be concerned about is whether she can act well, regardless of her looks.
Even if she was a purple skinned girl with blue hair and orange eyes (okay, i'm over dramatising a little here but you get the picture) it doesn't matter what she looks like, as long as she can portray the heart and spirit of Lyra. THAT'S what we should all be worrying about. I'm sure she's a great actress- you can tell from the facial expression she has in the photo.

Lets just all wish her luck and hope she does well! I'm sure she'll do a lovely job playing Lyra.

November 30, 1999 12:00 am | link

mysterygal says:

ok?WTF?that wasnt me who said that back there!!i havnt been on the computer for ages so that coudnt be me!!! i think dakota looks great!and whoever is using my name..STOP IT!!!

November 30, 1999 12:00 am | link

mysterygal says:

100th comment!!!WOOHOO!! anyway..i think dakota's chin is fine!!!whoever wrote that comment before was stupid and shouldnt use other peoples names!!

November 30, 1999 12:00 am | link

Calypso says:

I dont know…personally I need a fuller, more direct picture before I can make a call. BTW this picture was in an article in TIME magazine, it was horrible. The title of the article was something like: Harry Potter Barbie Style. Goddamm journalists obviously haven't read any of Pullman's masterpieces. :angry:

November 30, 1999 12:00 am | link

FB says:

I think DBR and NK are a good match for each other, they look akin in this pic. I hope that similarity carries thorugh the film and in their behaviour.

-FB

November 30, 1999 12:00 am | link

From Norroway says:

If this picture is from Mrs Coulter's party, Lyra was taken to the hairdresser to have her hair softened and curled, remember?? Hence the dollish look…

November 30, 1999 12:00 am | link

virgile says:

I had initally thoght that Monica Bellucci would have made a perfect dark haired Mrs Coulter, but hey, as long as we keep things blonde, this might just work.

looks as the first meeting between Lyra and Mrs Coulter, when Lyra was initially so seduced by Mrs Coulter's charm. In the backgtound it might well be the Jordan College Master.

November 30, 1999 12:00 am | link

Alewyn says:

"Harry Potter Barbie Style."
yeah, and the NYTimes Book Review of the sixth harry potter book was "Her Dark Materials"
and the paragraph about Tom Stoppard being cut from the movie in the NYTimes said "Pullman's Tolkienesque- or is is Rowlingesque?"

So YEAH. Would just like to point out the TGC/NL came out a year before harry potter. :crying:

November 30, 1999 12:00 am | link

Nicola says:

Just no.
God no, why?
Why is she blonde?
I know it cant be exactly like the books, but from these pictures I dont get a good feeling.
Oh, what have they done?
ANd I have no words for Lyra.

November 30, 1999 12:00 am | link

no name says:

why is she blonde? Well not least becos Philp Pullman describes her that way im guessing…
:laughing:

i think shes great. shes not "my lyra", obviousli but im pleased. and anyway, surely the character she potrays is vastly more important than her appearance?

i just worry that some people who are worked up over the looks of one actor may be quite dissapointed with the film. I don't intend to accuse anyone of being precious but surely we all realise the film will never live up to the books and should probably be taken with a pinch of Hollywood salt? Having said that I really do hope its good! Nicole Kidman is fantastic.

November 30, 1999 12:00 am | link

starcatcher says:

she doesnt look at all like i though lyra would although she looks OK.what is with her nose btw?! For some reason she looks really evil in that pic!!! lol
Nicold Kidman is the perfect match for Mrs. Coulter! i hope she gets the accent right though!

November 30, 1999 12:00 am | link

Pants girl says:

OH MY GOOOOOOD!!!!!!!!!!!
dONT U PEOPLE TAKE IN EVERY SINGLE SHEER GENIUS WORD THAT PHILLIP PULLMAN SPILLS ON TO THE HIS PAGES??? I HAVE READ SO MANY BOOKS IN MY 13 YEARS AND NEVER HAVE I READ SUCH A SPIRIT CHANGING, BREATH TAKING, BEAUTIFUL, POWERFUL BOOK. IN MY OPINION IT EASILY SHADOWS THE LIKES OF LORD OF THE RINGS AND DEFINITELY HARRY POTTER AND ANYONE CRAZY ENOUGH TO TRULY COMPARE HARRY POTTER TO HDM SHOULD BE EXILED FROM READING. MAY I JUST SAY HOW MUCH OF A WORSHIPPER OF PHILLIP I AM AND THE AMBER SPYGLASS WAS THE REAL PINACLE OF THE TRILOGY. FYI LYRA DID HAVE CURLY BLOND HAIR(NOT AS WELL GROOMED AS IN THE PICTURE BUT THE SCENE WAS JUST BEFORE MRS COULTERS PARTY AND SHE HAD HAD IT DONE SPECIALLY IF U RECALL)DAKOTA BLUE RICHARDS IS THE PERFECT FORM OF LYRA IN EVERYWAY I CAN TELL JUST FROM THAT ONE PICTURE AND WE CAN EXPECT GREAT THINGS FROM HER. NICOLE SHOULD NOT HAVE BLOND HAIR EVEN THOUGH I AM ALSO A HUGE FAN OF HER WORK. OVERALL EVERYONE WHO THINKS OTHERWISE TO MY COMMENTS SHOULD SERIOUSLY RETHINK RE READING THE BOOKS AS I AM PROBABLY THE BIGGEST HDM FAN U CAN GET AND THE COMMENTS ABOUT DAKOTAS CHIN?????????? GET A LIFE!!!!!!!!!!!!

November 30, 1999 12:00 am | link

Depth of Character says:

I'm very pleased to see that this savvy group of posters fully understands that compelling characters in film and literature are defined solely by hair color. I mean, oh-muh-gawd, it is obvious from that single photograph that Dakota is a horrid actress and criminally mis-cast because her hair is too curly! Anyone who has read Pullman's works must understand that the blondeness/wavyness (NOT CURLYNESS) of Lyra's hair is CRUCIAL to her function as the protagonist. At the risk of spoiling the plot for those who may have not read it, I must point out that if Lyra's hair were too straight or too tightly curled the whole storyline would have fallen apart immediately. That was Pullman's central theme in this trilogy: A person's soul is defined entirely by their hair…that and their enormous chins.

All of you, congratulations on your astute critical analyses of fine literature!

November 30, 1999 12:00 am | link

dasha says:

dakota looks so much like a littel girl…. :wassat: i kinda cant really picture her getting into a romantic relationship w/ will in the end if shes going to look like a child. i dont know i guess she'll deff grow by the time they film the 3rd one. i dont know about her yet though…more pictures!!!! OH and nicole kidman is PERFECT for this.

November 30, 1999 12:00 am | link

Olivia Mackenzie says:

I know Dakota she was in my old drama club. I left a while back and was amazed when i heard that she got the part (a tad envious of her working with Daniel Craig and Nicole Kidman!)

November 30, 1999 12:00 am | link

nanouska says:

hey…
oh, Dakota's taken my dream away, u don't know HOW badly I wanted the part As Lyra, I know her character inside out.. :crying:
I was soooo anoyed (that's putting it lightly)to hear someone had already been chosen, that I just refused to talk to anyone for a day… and the most ANOYING thing is that she actually looks like a GOOD Lyra, kind of how I imagined her…if she was terrible I wouldn't have minded coz at least I could tease her and brag how much better I would have been… :crying:
Still, if Philip Pullman is happy with Dakota, that's really what matters, rite??? I mean, after all, he was the one who invented her in the first place…
Well, if she doesn't want to continue after the first film (hint hint), there's alway me as a back up

November 30, 1999 12:00 am | link

RaaRItsEmmY says:

I think it is absolutely RIDICULOUS! to have a blond, very blond, Mrs. Coulter ! In the book Pullman described her as being DARK HAIRED! The people that film the movie obviously have not read the book.Raaaaaar! :angry: :angry: :angry:

November 30, 1999 12:00 am | link

RaaRItsEmmY says:

Dakota Blue Richards is the perfect Lyra! She gives me that kind of feeling (just by looking at her) that she is going to be the curious, outgoing Lyra that we have all known!

November 30, 1999 12:00 am | link

merCUry says:

I just agree with pants girl,I JUST LOVE THİS BOOKKKKKKKK!!!!!!!!!!!!I have read all series of Harry Potter and The Lord Of The Rings and I think I 've never read a book like this!!!!!!!!!I love you Pullman for writing this book!!!!!!!!!!I don't care Dakota's hair but I think Kidman is not very good choice :tongue:

November 30, 1999 12:00 am | link

Dakota Blue Richards Photo

Posted by Ian on October 30, 2006 at 9:15 am

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