The Golden Compass sequel canned

Should a sequel have been made? Why wasn't it made? How does it end? Who has the right to say what to whom? What do the Catholics/Protestants/Atheists think?

None of those issues are important in light of the most vital question - what I believe is the only question, the answer to which, as it will be to each of us, will be utterly critical to you at the moment you stand poised to pass into death's dark portal - what is to be your disposition AFTER you take your last breath?

I have all three books. The Second chapter in the first book is really the only chapter in the whole series that talks of anything of church. The only thing that is says about the church is that. "Ever since the Pope moved the Papacy to Geneva and set up the Consistorial Court of Discipline the churches power over every aspect of life had been absolute." It goes on to say that after the Pope dies the Papacy gets abolished and separated into different agencies and now the Consistorial Court of Discipline is the most active and feared of all of the church's bodies. I'm currently reading all three over again so I will try to find if anything major is written about religion. Also this book is not even written in our "world" it's about Parallel universe to ours. I mean the church here is acting the same way that the church in that world would react. It's funny actually but I feel sad for the movie. Yes, it's not as close to the book as it should have been I think because they wanted to make it more friendly to kids. Nonetheless it was pretty faithful to the first but with some parts were left out and some parts inserted that were never in the book. They did the same to the Happy Potter movies (number three was the worst by far) Still they were great movies. I just hope that they will make the other two. If you get the chance to read these books do they are very good.

so for moral of this story is its ok to be in hitler youth (so he says dates dont add up for his age ) but to show a movie is evil yeh i can add that up

So, the catholic church(yes omitted the caps there intentionally) can command a crusade in the name of God, but wouldn't allow a fantasy trilogy to be filmed because it hurts the church? Oh man! How neat is that! To have veto powers over movie producers! Isn't is strange that they feel offended by a movie that has nothing to do with the church, but a scholar institution?

I just watched this movie with my baby and we are both highly upset. How in the world can you end a movie like that!!! We need part 2.!!! Now!! So ppl with a problem please stop. There are TONS of movies out there that aren't up to your standards.. Please Grow up you don't rule the world God DOES!!! THANK YOU!!

This will be the same Catholic church that has been covering up child abuse by its clergy for decades! Unbelievable hypocrisy.

I was raised Catholic. I had left their church after delving into the truth behind a lot of what they do. Many of their religious practices were indeed adopted from pagan doctrines! For them to voice out against anything not apparently accepting Jesus Christ, would be hypocritical! I feel we should limit the influence of this particular faith. After all, I did not hear Buddhists,Muslims,Pagans, speaking out.They all probably thought that this was simply a form of self expression, or hinting at the possibilities of what is actually out there. Quantum Physics, an accepted science,reveals the possibility of other worlds, As far as the actors being non-believers in God. That is simply a humorous accusation, of which cannot be proved. A true Christian doesn't voice it out in the streets. It is not man he needs to prove himself to.His beliefs are his or her own.
This is all a means of keeping the growing intellect of man stifled! One day that will end. For Hollywood has produced movies that contained ideals that were not wholly Christian. Take for example Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, CS Lewis books on Narnia.all great examples of human endurance, faith in something that cannot be seen, integrity, honor! These traits are given in creative visual examples that can appeal to those who cannot freely understand this teaching any other way. We all learn differently, and the mind of man is forever growing.

im afraid i disagree the golden compass was a great movie and i dont see how it was anti god or anti religion, when there are films like sister act out there that r all about god etc and i think u will be loosing out on a lot of money by not allowing the sequel to come out and find out the ending to the classic film that golden compass is.

I'm really beginning to hate the church with their ridiculous ideas of it being "anti-god" IT'S FANTASY PEOPLE COME ON!! IT'S NOT REAL

oh my god seriously i love that movie and it's just a movie people seriously need to chill out . they are not trying to hurt anyone's religious values or political values they are just making books into a movies because there is such a high demand for them and because its a really good book there is no reason anyone in that movie to be criticized by church or people for acting in a movie its there job ! i just don't understand why people take everything so personally , the movie was amazing and the detail in it was so fantastic they really made everything look so very realistic and real . so shame on you people that took this so personally its a movie meant for entertainment not meant to harm or hurt anyone .

I really loved these books! The story was amazing, and very well written. I know that most people wont take the time to read them, and won't get to see how the whole story plays out. Like I said it was amazing, and I hate that they won't make a sequel. I would suggest that you read the books if you really enjoyed the movie, because they are WAY better than the movie anyway.

This is absurd! Who cares what anyone says about not making the sequel(s)! This movie was fantastic with a brilliant cast and should be made! To allow the church, Vatican or whoever to dictate what should and should not get made into a movie is a prime example of everything that is wrong in the world today. It's about freedom. Period. If they don't like it, they don't have to watch it. Make the movie and you will reap the rewards from it!!! (ie $$$)

I would love to see more movies based on the Golden Compass and it's author. There are so many movies involving far deeper topics than this one. The fantasy part should stay fantasy and the church should not have a say in the way people decide what they want to see and watch. Where is there uproar over vampires, occult, etc. that we see depicted in so many movies these days? Why does the Golden Compass stir so many protests. It is a great movie with a great cast and I will be buying the books so I can see where this author is going with the concept. Would love to see more movies!!!!

I loved the movie and didn't think about the catholic church at all. But now that they axed it, well I guess it was too close to home.. Just proves that they are all about their image and do intimidate people to their own ends. Too bad it was a great movie, with a great cast and great special effects and great plot. One more thing for the Catholic Church. "Its called science fiction and fantasy children, its just a movie."

Golden Compass was a great movie. Their opinion of this show was so inaccurate. I never picked up any of the hidden message. To me it was a great film of adventure. And now just becuase a church is claiming to have the all authority of each of us, we dont get to see where this adventure leads. So of you Hollywood folks, need to get a backbone. If I was rich, I would make the darn movie myself.

The golden compass is a fantastic movie and i was really looking forward to the sequel. The first movie stopped on a very great part and i was really disappointed that i didn't get to see the war and how the ending would turn out. I am so sad because the golden compass is one of my favorite movies and now i don't get to see the ending. :'(

I find it interesting that the Catholic church would protest against the Golden Compass and any possible sequels, but not against the movie Priest which has a leading character who is half priest and half vampire.

Also, what do you religious types have to say to the significance of Paradise Lost in these books?

The Church should be preoccupied by all those child abuses that did happend in the past and the moral oppression they have had on peoples thru the ages.
Or let say all the "witches" tha where burned! Or the fact that technology was considere like witchcraft.

Honestly curch should only be busy with church problems, and leave at least me and my movies alone.

I thought it was an decent movie, too bad it scared the kid touchers.

This is sad, how could anyone submit to just protest theres probably more to this film not being made like death threats to the producers, if anyone knows this to be true they need to speak out. Theres nothing worng with the whole god thing but religion is crazy and deadly the catholic church leads the way in evil in this world and should be abolished.

Just in case anyone missed the point. I don't give a rats A%$ about Pullman's beliefs or the Vatican's. So many anti-church groups are out there that still believe in the bible. Unfortunately they don't have a long tradition. I took this from the movie (as I believe everyone should take something personal from every story): Organized religions are the control. They want you to believe what they want and will stop at nothing. People do have a choice in what they believe and should make it freely. But once again... If you get the catholic church against you, you cannot sell a movie. At least not very well. So the money is not there. No one cares about anything else more than the First Holy Church of the Dollar Bill.

ha haaaa. Bunch of people arguing about choices on the topic of a movie about free choice. Kind of poetic. This has never been about religion or atheism or any of that garbage. It's about money. Worldwide movie sales based on ideas that involve any form of belief system are tough. If you get an opponent like the catholic church against you, movie sales go down. With you and they go up. Movies like this are always on or off topic. It's a stigma either way. You can call it the fight between pro-life and pro-choice. Bottom line. This movie apparently hits a topic too close to home and the money isn't there so it's not getting done. America is not the only country you have to think about. Most other countries are HEAVILY Catholic. Go talk to a priest about smoking. Most will tell you that you have a free choice. Get over the religion.

I would like to see the sequel('s), but it's not going to happen. Sucks!!!

The Almighty God fears nothing....

Ironic really seeing how religion itself is the greatest "story" ever told. They must not be to comfortable with competition. Funny that the Almighty is afraid of three little books. Where's the FAITH?

For those who think I missed the point. I am as upset as anyone that the second movie will not be made. However, I understand that Pullman made certain demands that has kept these movies from being made. While Pullman continues to draw in money from book sells, he also continues to blame the catholic church for changes that he made to the scripts which nearly everyone involved in the process was against. Catholic intervention or not, the movies were put to a halt when Pullman made changes to the second and third script. That's when investors pulled out, that's when actors pulled out and that's when Pullman started blaming the church. Yes the church has made a huge fuss over these movies, but they are not the reason for the movies not being continued. In this case, Pullman has used the Catholic's as a scapegoat and as a ticket to sell more books. Choice has been taken away from you by THE PEOPLE MAKING THE MOVIES, not the catholic church (for a change). As much as I love bashing the Catholic Church, I give credit where credit is do. Perhaps instead of placing blame where you WANT to, place it where it belongs. Pullman is making a fortune on this, poor baby. And all you poor people have been denied the right to buy his books or go to the library and read them... oh wait... no you haven't. You haven't been denied anything. Get over yourselves.

From what I have been reading and gossip I have heard third and fourth parties, animated series of all the books may be the way we get to see the movies. Go Figure.

Wow. All this hullaballoo over a movie? I wish the catlicks would be more tolerant of other peoples views. I sat through that travesty of a religion based movie of narnia. (honestly I liked epic movies version better). Yet they throw a fit when someone makes a movie about being free to do as you wish?
It's a shame and a tragedy that people let religion take over everything even things they have no right to be in. No I am not an atheist. I am an antitheist. I hate god and everything he stands for. The double speak in the bible and how its such an old book that people are still trying to find relevant.
It's terrible that actors are thought so important to a movie. I thought lyra was played well. And its a shame that her parents felt it wrong to let her make a movie about having free will.
Hopefully they get over the melodrama of religion soon because its been almost 3 years and I want to see what happens. I guess I'll have to see if the library carries these books until then.

I just watched the movie and it was pretty good. I generally don't like books that are children or young adults focusing, but anything that has Catholics panties in that much of wad, must be interesting. It has convinced me to read it. I mean a book about kids, I'm surprised the priest wouldn't be all over it. Maybe, because it's set in a cold climate. Sorry, I guess that was a low blow.

you know, we all have our own opinion, scew the catholics, im sorry but a movie is a movie. They shouldn't have any say so about a movie bein made, im glad im baptist...haha...catholics, take that, at least our preachers dont go around screwing lil boys, yes i said it. Have a problem look me up...You catholics have no say so in life, you catholics, didnt say anything about narnia 2 bein made whats up, yall cant come out and tell the people, you all have to hide behind walls, like cowards, you all are. COWARDS...Its just a movie, we are all grown ups

RRBrannock
You did miss the point.
The Catholic church is a big organization, why are they worried about this author Pullman? He just writes fantasy. He is entitled to his opinion, just like you and also myself. Yes, he is an athiest. Everyone is entitled to their own belief system too. I don't agree with his beliefs, but that is my opinion.

I will probably read the books to find out what happened; how it ends. Now, because there has been a big hullibaloo made over this movie, a lot of people will be reading the books...that would not have read them before.

Why get so excited about this movie, and not attack all the satanist, horror, war, serial killer...movies? Those are the movies I avoid.

Everyone have a nice Holiday season and a Happy New Year!

RRBrannock
Sorry you have missed the point, it is about the sequel being put on indefinite hold due to religious intervention, we are all grown ups here, and we should have the choice whether or not to view the sequel knowing, even if it takes a special notice, the content may upset religious sensibilities.

In effect choice has been taken away from us, which has become a form of censorship by a religious order. Have they become the new government? The religious order in question has caused endless strife and most recently has been embroiled in covering up child abuse in its own ranks.

My thanks to everyone who has contributed to this discussion.

As my second statement to this post: education is one of America's crowning achievements. Those of you who know how to read, READ the books and keep in mind certain things mentioned in the THIRD book. I keep hearing all these opinions from people who haven't even picked up the books and educated themselves about what the issue is. They continue to blame religious indifference without even knowing if there is a reason that the third book would be offensive. We all have rights in this country, including the right to post our opinions on a site like this. Many countries deny that right. People in certain countries aren't alowd to have access to the Internet unless it is monitored and if they say something the government doesn't like, they disappear. We have a freedom in this country that is almost poisonous. That freedom however comes with a price. As an artist, I understand that if I want to make a statement that is going to tick people off, I have to adhere to that. I can stamp about and whine when people react the way I know they will, but that's immature. A perfect example is this post, some people will find me ignorant, and that's fine by me. However, Pullman continues to complain and whine as do others for what he KNEW would upset people. This unfortunately is a price that ANY artist risks when you work with controversial subjects. When you use every translation of the name Jehovah in a book and call him a villain, you KNOW people are going to be offended. Pullman is no victim in this, he knew what he was getting into and he has sold MILLIONS of copies of his books. We are past the days of burning books and we are past the days of killing artists in this country. Keep in mind that ALL but one lead actor pulled out of this because of Pullman's change to his last book, not because of the church. While Kidman, Green, and Richards were all attacked by the church, all three had already pulled out of their contracts due to changes made to the final version of the third script. Many of you speak of talking and thinking for yourselves, yet you do not educate yourselves. I do not intend to be rude, but at least know more about the subject before you start criticizing. From my stand point, it's just another excuse to bad mouth religion (not that organized religion doesn't give us enough reason). Still, learn WHY people are so offended by Pullman's work before you jump to conclusions. At least the people who are upset by Pullman's work read his books... have you?

Rox1963 - Good on you. There are however many religious nutbars out there that use the Bible, or any other "holy" to justify not thinking and to justify there hatred and un-Christian behaviours. How many of them forget the teachings of Jesus, Mohamed and others to love, forgive and to treat you neighbours with respect. I come by those morals from within as you do. I wish many more would. Despite those who use religion to be better people, there are way too many who use it to destroy. Those who have confidence in their convictions (I assume that you have by your tone), can allow criticism of your views.

i love this movie, i hope they decide to make the other two!

Wow, Sticks interesting comment.....I take full responsibility for my choices in life regarding my morality and my actions and I am a religious Christian devoted to God.

They are afraid that their flocks will start to think for themselves and then they will figure out that all religions are fiction and lies designed to control the masses. There is no god! Life becomes a lot simpler when you realize this and then take responsibility for your life, morals and actions.

And i was hoping for the next movie to come out, sighs... what is wrong with a little imagination? are the Religious folks afraid of things that are entertaining or something,?

People around the world need to put an end to these Religious empire and corrupt governments. Otherwise they will continue to dictate people lives many days to come.

This is bull. The Catholics need to stuff it and get over themselves. I was looking forward to the second one. I'm actually watching the first one now. Screw what the church says. They are only mad cause they aren't incharge anymore.

I believe that it's shameful that the Catholic Church can still exert so much pressure on the world of arts and cinema in the 21st century. This shows that the church has not really changed in the past 1500 years. As stangnant as ever. Let's talk about the bookburnings, Spanish Inquisition, Holy Crusades, etc., etc., etc., .......(there is not enough TBs of memory in this computer to cover the crimes of the Catholic Church). Everyone alive should find a better perspective than the church, period.

First of all, I'd like to address a few misconceptions people are having about cinema. Specifically at Athena_Gluth, regardless of the religious implications about a movie, it is still possible to take the story out of that context and view it simply as an alternative take on reality. That the story itself is simply an extrapolation of the author's wish for a different world. Years ago, V for Vendetta was blasted by critics as being a mouthpiece for the anti-Bush movement, yet in retrospect the story was written decades before he came into office. When a religious institution seeks to silence or prevent cinema they are in fact violating basic first amendment rights of the movie maker. You don't hear about these script writers, producers and actors telling the Catholic Church that they can't spread their rendition of the liturgy, yet when a religion has a problem it's grounds for terminating what is simply a fictitious story. Being overly sensitive is a plague, prescribing people's actions based on personal faith based beliefs is nothing short of criminal. We either all have a voice and a dream, or nobody does. There is no picking and choosing. And to everyone that has a problem with the movie from a religious stand-point, don't watch it! Don't prevent everybody that enjoyed the STORY from seeing it visualized.

http://it.th

when did the catholic church become judge,jury,and exacutioner?who judges them?i mean really were just talkin about a movie here;;;its pretend its our right to watch what we want. if you dont like it dont watch it.the catholic church is so worried about what movies are being made,i think they ought to be concentrating on investigating all the perverted priest touching on little kids....i mean that should be the real issue!movies and religion are seperate.the catholic churches and whoever else is complaining need to back off.hey! i bet if the vadican got a large '''''"donation"''''''' they would let it slide!!!! i am a chritian and i love and belive in god.im just not an idiot. i can tell the difference between fact and fiction.i truly belive most people can! well, with the exception of the vadican
and its followers! the golden compass was a very exciting movie and i look forward to seeing a sequel.

I keep movies and religion separate. The Catholic church has no right to dictate movies that will be made. After all the movie is just a fantasy about good and evil. From what I understand their problem is with the Author, because they don't like his beliefs. The Golden Compass is surely a lot less harmful than all the rest of the garbage that is out there.

Nicely put Sticks!!

There are no perfect churches because they are all filled with imperfect people. The difference between a good church and bad church is that the good ones try to preach the truth according to the Bible. However, they don't usually make headline news. A church has to smear the name of God by doing something evil before you hear about religion in the secular circle. Anyone can use the evil things they hear about bad churches as a reason not to believe in God. Or they could search out a good church that teaches the "truth" and see what it feels like when God enters your heart.

The Catholic Church should try cleaning up themselves before delving into the world of movie making. They think they are ordained by God to judge everything on this earth. How arrogant.

Now how is it that a religious group can be threatened by fiction..unless their whole basis is just that ?

We certainly don't need to be Christians or anything else to realize that Jesus and many others are correct that we need to be decent human beings to have a decent society. However many religious people are hypocrites and follow only certain parts of their religious books; those parts that suit them and then treat other like crap. I mention Catholic Priests because as “holy men” they are supposed to be a step closer to living by the rules of decency. The fact that the church abides their behaviour is appalling and disgusting. Taking the 50/50 chance that god exists is, I think, a cop out. If god is omniscient and omnipotent, he will know you are faking it. Also, what sort of being creates us so that we can pray to him. What kind of vanity is that? I choose not to worship him even if he does exist. More likely, being the only omniscient being in the universe he is bored and lonely and just wants us o grow up, think for ourselves and eventually be good company. Makes more sense than pray, believe and do as I say or go to hell…..

I think FeloniousMonk was smoking the leafy when he posted.....

Unfortunately, people who molest can be religious or atheist. Better to classify them as perverts. If a religion is being criticized then it should ask itself why. The Catholic church tends to be too arrogant to do this. As for if there is a God or not.....every one of us will find out after we die. Just because an individual says something does not exists does not mean that it does not exists in reality. Faith is when you believe in what cannot be seen. I think it would be better to believe in God then not believe. If there is a 50/50 chance that he is what the Bible says he is then I would rather play it safe. Besides what is wrong with being a Christian? Jesus teaches us how to be a decent human being. The problem is that many human beings don't listen to Jesus.

Here we have a bloody religion that allows its priest to diddle little boys trying to preach to us what we should watch. What is worse is we have people who should know better, listening. I'm an atheist because it has been obvious to me since I was able to think independently at age 8, that religion is Science fiction. Be that as it may, if a religion cannot tolerate criticism then it need to take a close look at its validity. As an atheist, I am asked how I can have morality and much more; what I believe in an so on. I am able to answer and feel confident that I am right.When you have a church based on lies and deception, it is a lot harder to stand up to questioning. Let's have a sequel and see if its heresies bring about the end of everything, as we know it. I have just one thing to say in closing. Grow up open your eyes and think for once. There is no god so we cannot really be insulting him - - and I will not burn in hell 'cause there ain't nothing below us but dirt and nothing above but sky.

I don't true understand the big deal about this thing entirely. If someone has something against the author bashing god, then don't read the books or watch the movies. It's that simple. Just because people feel that their religion is being attacked, they had to ruin the fun for the rest of us. It's a FICTIONAL story. I am a person of a certain religion that is often frowned upon, Satanism. People and, often, directors of movies have no problem making a movie where Satan is the bad guy and is called evil. I have no problem watching those movies, not because I don't follow my religion closely, but because I know that what I'm watching is FICTIONAL. It is someone elses creation and I enjoy watching movies that have a nice plot about them. People need to calm down.

First off, I thoroughly enjoyed the movie. I thought it was a very interesting concept :)

But to anyone here that has ACTUALLY read the books, then you would see the anti-church anti-God messages the Catholics are referring to. I very much support free will, but I think there is a line to draw when bashing is involved. To anyone curious about it, read the books, specifically the third one. I don't believe there is anything wrong with having a difference of opinion on religion, but I would think tolerance should be applied as well. It wouldn't be right for a religious group to say athiests are evil, wicked villains, just like I found it a bit off for the author to use the Church and God as the terrible and evil villain. It seemed to me that the author had passed the point of expressing his opinion, and simply was trying to bash religion and the idea of a God in general. My point is, can't we all just respect people's beliefs, or lack thereof? So the author doesn't believe in any higher power, that's fine, but does it make it ok to speak so poorly of other religions? The same goes the other way around, of course. I think a little respect isin order.

I have not read the books. I however do have the movie and enjoyed watching it. As I recall the Queen of the Witches told Sam Elliot the child will make the decision as to war. That to me sounds like free will. I understand that Pullman is an avid atheist from many of your posts and he has his right to his belief as I have the right to my life as a Christian (Protestant). The Roman Catholic Church in black-balling this trilogy has in effect denied one of God's gifts to human kind.....free will. The strength of Christian faith within each individual as God as their Father or any Religion on earth within each individual following their higher power given that right through "FREE WILL" can enjoy the movie, disagree to some scenes and/or views as we all do in most movies we watch. That's what makes or breaks a movie and critics get paid for. I believe the Roman Catholic Church does not hold the one voice nor do they have the corner on judgment. I believe God does. Mr. Pullman believes otherwise. So be it. Let the movies be produced!

The issue is not with the movie it is with the third book. While I enjoyed the movie, and I liked the books to some extent, the use of every form of God's name the author could think to use in a negative context was even a bit much for me. While I enjoy books about many topics, even atheistic, I do believe that people's beliefs should be respected. Having read the books, the third book has left me with no doubt that not only is Pullman against religion he is against God altogether. While that is his right, people shouldn't be so shocked when a group of peoples' God is out right called a villain. At least we didn't bomb him like some cultures would do. While I believe people should have the right to make any movie they wish, I also believe if they want to make MONEY rather than art, it is their fault for not intending to take out certain parts of the script from the story. I have never read a book that places god in such a negative light BY NAME. It's one thing to blame religion, it's another thing to come right out and say that God is our enemy. If Pullman had stayed on track with religion being the problem, there would be no solid argument to a second and especially third movie being made. However Pullman made it VERY clear in the third book that God is not only the problem, but is evil and arrogant. If frustrates me that people get upset about this when they haven't even read the books. The movie is extremely different from the book and I enjoy the movie, I even own it and hope they make a sequel and a third movie. However, I see no way of them moving forward if they wish to call the Christian God, Jehovah, by name, a vilian.

Hmmm, guess I will read the book now. It's probably way better anyways like Harry Potter.

well how about all the people who enjoyed the first, protest that it was an EXCELLENT movie, and point out that MOST of us, are smart enough to know, it isn't telling up to turn on god. it is nothing more then a fantacy, but it's fun to imagine. i'm fairly sure that god never said it was against himto have some imagination. EVERYONE TELL THEM YOU WANT THE MOVIE. WE OUT NUMBER THE CHURCH, and GOD won't spite us for enjoying a DAMN movie.

Although the movie was fictional, I thought it was ok. I can see why the Catholic people and the Vatican people have requested the sequel not be made. It's got to do with the whole fact that in the movie our souls walk beside us as deamons. Even as a Christian I can see what's wrong with it, but you just let it go in one ear and right out the other. People seem to forget it's a fictional story that no one should really take to heart. If the Catholic Vatican had a say in every movie that was ever made, we'd be left with faith based movies like The Bible, Jesus Of Nazareth, Ester's One Night With The King, The Left Behind Series. which leaves us with some pretty slim pickings

this is stupid. i was looking forward to see the 2nd movie. i guess i can just sell the first one in a yard sell.

I'm an ex-catholic who went to see the movie because the catholic church protested it- who knew the church could be such great advertisement- now I'm going to order the books to see what happens next. For those who like mind expansion and reality checks try magazines "The Sun" and "Adbusters"

Funny. The Catholic Church raising such a stink about this movie being made sort of confirmed the reason movies that criticize the actions of the establishment, really are justified and need to be made. I guess we live in a world where if is generally frowned on to draw attention to the man behind the curtain. Anyways, I too really liked the books, but could not stand the movie. I hate it when they change things just to change things in the movies.. They do not make things better, only mess things up, and piss off all the people who read the story. So, to me it is really no mystery why no sequel is coming.. The first movie sucked. Was a lot of money wasted on rubbish..

I'm so happy to hear this! I'm a huge fan of His Dark Materials books and was so excited to see the first instalment brought to the silver screen, but it was SUCH as disappointment! Whoever wrote the screenplay for the film needs to go back to screenwriters school! :D

skygirl33, gay is great, but the Catholic Church's fear of this movie is disappointing and frightening. Also disappointing and frightening is your using "that is so gay" to say, "that sucks." That's hate speech, skygirl.

There are many reasons the sequel should be canned (it's just a bad movie) but the protestations of the Catholic church is not one of them, It would be interesting to know what the percentage of movie-goers world wide subscribe to the dogma and general beliefs of Catholicism. Is it not common for Hollywood and the creative art community in general to express concern about some of the teachings of all institutions including all the world's major religious organizations, My own feelings on the movie is that it is more of a condemnation of totalitarian rule, of the fascistic machinations of an all powerful ruling class and of the seeming insatiable need of a privileged few to impress their self-righteous view on the general populous... Oh! yeah... right... the Catholic church. These are the same unenlightened dimwits, blinkered Philistines and mindless morons who aid in the propagation of serious drug crime by standing in the way of the legalization or at least decriminalization of marijuana, thereby by creating criminals from common citizens... there will be no room for these fools in the "New World Order"

I can't believe that the Catholic Church is so against this movie. What happened to the freedom of speech? If they so against this movie why didn't they cause a fit about the Harry Potter Series? This is not right, Religion should have no say in the making of movies!!!

I can't believe that the Catholic Church is so against this movie. What happened to the freedom of speech? If they so against this movie why didn't they cause a fit about the Harry Potter Series? This is not right, Religion should have no say in the making of movies!!!

Sucks, I wanted to see the sequel too! They look bad regardless what they stop anyways. What other church prey on boys!! Seriously, nothing the Catholic do will change their image, how stupid!!

The Vatican should have protested to THE DAVINCI CODE! In fact the Vatican could have manned a 24 hour protest to much of what Hollywood puts out. Was the Vatican fronting the money for this movie? If not then why did the production company care? Doesn't sound plausible like, well you know, men that never have sex.

WTF guess were not in a free country. the government are all pussy's, all you have to do is say its agents the church and they get what they want, i love this movie and im a grown man. They don't pay taxes so why do they get a say?

Since when do the film maker listen to the church? How many movies are out there full of cruelty, hate and destruction which is definitely anti-christian. Where is the church's voice when we ban the cross from the school, when we officially 'don't trust in GOD' because it is not politically correct. Endless is the list of allowed anti-christian and anti-god measures we take.
This is one of the most interesting ideas and a great movie. Even in the science channel is the possibility and high probabilities of parallel universes being discussed. Assuming we will some day access a parallel universe, who will dare to say how GOD will look like? May be GOD is way bigger than our little brain can comprehend? The church may claim to know GOD, but the church did not make him nor is GOD reserved for the church and their believers alone. We serve him in the first place since he is our creator. May be he build other universes with different ideas, eh? May be somewhere he created a universe where the soul is in an separate animal right next to us, why not? GOD is almighty, would be a piece of cake for him to create such world. Or was the series 'Stargate' also anti-christian?
I believe in GOD and Jesus. This movie will not chance a bit.
Btw, did you get the news? The earth is not a flat disk. Guess who tried to hold on to this believe some 100s years ago?

This is very dissapointing news... afterall there have been many movies made that I'm sure the Catholics would dissaprove of. This movie is one of our homes favorite movies and we have been long looking forward to the sequal. As usual the Catholics seem to think they are the most imporatant people in the world. What a bunch of B.S.

I am very upset that a church would go to these links to stop children from enjoying a very good movie, they should be ashamed of them selfs.

Shame its not being made it may not of been a box office smash but I liked it as did the kids ............. Dose that make me a big kid lol

I am disappointed they aren't making a sequal. I am Catholic but I don't see anything anti-God or anti-religion, it's just a movie. I think it's probably a money thing and the studio is just using the bad press as a crutch. As for the taxing the church for their opinion comment, I think that's stupid. I've never heard of taxing opinions, unless I have been living under a rock or something. Am I being taxed for writing this? I hope not, I'm pretty opinionated so I would really be poor. Ha Ha

The ignorance and narrow mindedness is ridiculous. You can not say the movie was terrible, in your personal opinion you may dislike the movie. For the film quality and story line - they were outstanding. Not to knock on you Rob_Lombardo as for your "...came across as looking more like a kid movie." I have read the books. By my honest opinion I believe this film/book series was meant for the younger crowd. It's not like it was meant to be a blood/sex/gore movie that attracts the more adult crowd. As for if the film is "canned" or not I don't see any hard evidence proving any of said theories - I haven't done my research into reasoning. I don't see protesting stopping the film industry. They will make what they want to make no matter what the general public voices.

Since when has Hollywood listened to what any church has to say about making movies. Catholic or otherwise.

The Jews were against the release of The Passion of the Christ.
The Catholics tried to stop The last temptation of Christ.
The Evangelical Christians have tried to stop or at least denounce, so many movies it would too long to list.
The reason a sequel hasn't been made, is because the movie just about tanked at the box office.

It's about money. Nothing more then that.

I liked the movie too. But honestly I didn't see it until it was on cable.
The studio did a terrible job of advertising the film and it came across as looking more like a kid movie.

Way to prove the movie's point right.

I think the next time the Catholic church attempts to form an opinion based on pop culture, music, social issues, or anything else that has nothing to do directly with religious matters, we should start taxing them out the wazoo. And not just Italy... ALL the countries...

I'm sure the pope's gold encrusted hat could bring at least one nation out of poverty.

This is horrible news! I've been waiting for the sequel to come out ever since I saw the first one. Since when does Hollywood pay any attention to what the Vatican has to say? If that were the case Hollywood would be out of business! I'm a Catholic also but this is a movie and fiction. It inspires and makes you think. I absolutely loved the first one and am sorely disappointed!!!!!!!!!!

“The Golden Compass,” claiming it will encourage children to read a series that promotes atheism and “denigrates Christianity.” is what the 'christians' are saying....to me, doesnt it seem like preventing a sequel will just make everyone who's seen it run out and buy the books to find out what happens? I know i will...

so the catholic church gets to dictate what movies are made now? i didnt see a single thing in this MAKE BELIEVE movie that would would hurt the church's business... they do know it's not real right? they dont seem to mind demons, zombies, vampires or the harry potter series lol.

Ok, i've been waiting for the next movie to come out and it sucks that now they're not making it. i agree with the person that said that if the churches want an opinion they should be taxed. it's a movie that enchants the viewers and gets everyone's minds off of the bad stuff that is currently going on. i was just getting ready to watch the first movie again and i wanted to see if the sequel was out yet and nope i find this instead.

the book series is wonderful. nothing about the movie or the books is "anti-church" it's just a story and it's just a movie. screw the churches. i can't believe the government and Hollywood made the decision to can the sequel. it's serious bull crap.

What an absolute joke. I didn't see the church try and stop the Da Vinci Code or even Dan Browns new peices of work Angels & Demons

ghostwolf8------"I understand that the church is very important and should be respected, but to single out a movie like this. It screams tired old men and women".

Lets make that--- "Bossy, grumpy,insecure,tired old men and women,.....who take notes about all the "voices" they have heard,surround themselves with decaying 'relics' in a big mostly unoccupied house...and who spend a hell of a lot of time and energy giving mostly incomprehensible directions to places some of their neighbors suspect don't actually exist at all.. ( There are overtones of senility ). They probably should have had their licences revoked and been taken off the road long ago,....but no one wants to endure the raving fit they would throw". And about the bedwetting,.....uh,....no,....that would be going to far.

I SWEAR TO GOD IF THE CATHOLIC JERKS WANT TO HAVE AN OPINION ON MOVIES THEIR ASSES SHOULD BE TAXED THEN TO THE FULLEST EXTENT..SERIOUSLY THAT IS BULL SHIT. ITS A DAMN MOVIE AND GUESS WHAT IT WAS GOOD. JUST SHOWS THAT CHURCHES RULE OUR DAMN GOVERNMENT WAY TO MUCH...FEW WORDS TO THOSE WHO PROTESTED THE MAKING...SHUT THE HELL UP OR BE TAXED. YOU HAVE NO SAY.