THE TV version of Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials looks set to get a second series.

Earlier this year Cardiff-based production company Bad Wolf announced it was adapting the Oxford author’s renowned fantasy trilogy for an eight-part series, which is expected to air in 2019.

The cast will include Logan star Dafne Keen as Lyra Belacqua, with James McAvoy cast in the role of polar explorer Lord Asriel.

Some filming has already taken place in Oxford in July near the popular Bridge of Sighs landmark.

Now it is understood that a second series of eight episodes will be made, with the strong possibility that United States cable and satellite station HBO will take up the option to screen the series.

Piers Wenger, controller of BBC Drama, said: “The vast, complex and deeply imaginative landscape of Philip’s novels requires a world-class but quintessentially British band of creatives to bring them to life. The BBC is proud and privileged to be the host to such visionaries.”

Mr Pullman’s novels are being brought to the small screen by Doctor Who producer Julie Gardner, with scripts from Harry Potter and the Cursed Child’s Jack Thorne and The King’s Speech’s Tom Hooper directing the first two episodes.

During Lyra’s travels she will cross paths with Lord Asriel, played by James McAvoy, Marisa Coulter, played by Ruth Wilson and Ruta Gedmintas as Serafina Pekkala.