The film's decision to "soften" the anti-religious themes of the books—specifically regarding the Magisterium—led to criticism that the work lost its philosophical "spirit".

International covers of His Dark Materials - Kathryn Rosa Miller

The film À la Croisée des Mondes : La Boussole d'Or , released in France on December 5, 2007, brought Pullman’s world to a wider Gallic audience. Directed by Chris Weitz and starring Nicole Kidman and Daniel Craig, the production was visually ambitious but faced a "mixed reception".