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You think the uproar over TheDa Vinci Code was big? Just wait till His Dark Materials hits the big screen.

Some Christians are already saying that the upcoming film adaptations of Phillip Pullman's trilogy—starting with The Golden Compass, to release in November 2007—will be even more controversial than Da Vinci. Roman Catholic leaders are already calling Pullman's stories "fit for a bonfire" and "shameless" blasphemy.

As with Da Vinci, though, not all Christians are in agreement about how to approach Pullman's books. Simon Jenkins, editor of a Christian newsletter, says the films will no doubt be offensive, but that believers should use the film as a platform for sharing their faith—which is essentially how many Christians approached The Da Vinci Code.

Wrote Jenkins, "I'm sure this new film will launch 100 anti-film and anti-book websites going through all the detailed reasons why they are wrong and why they are dangerous and pose a threat to civilisation as we know it. But that's not my view of it. I think that is counter-productive. I think it's better to engage with the books on all the issues."

Pullman himself is shocked by how little reaction the books and upcoming films have received thus far. Talking with the Sydney Morning Herald, he confesses, "I've been surprised by how little criticism I've got. Harry Potter's been taking all the flak. I'm a great fan of J.K. Rowling, but the people—mainly from America's Bible Belt—who complain that Harry Potter promotes Satanism or witchcraft obviously haven't got enough in their lives. Meanwhile, I've been flying under the radar, saying things that are far more subversive than anything poor old Harry has said. My books are about killing God."

Prince Caspian may have new digital effects team (NarniaWeb)
Second Narnia movie to bring in new special effects wizards

STARZ announces Narnia contest (NarniaWeb)
Network promotes film's TV debut with free trips to Disney World

Ellen DeGeneres to host 79th Oscars (Movie City News)
Awards set for February 2007

Oliver Stone plans second 9/11 film (The Guardian)
World Trade Center director plots next movie

MGM plans five new sequels (Reuters)
Legally Blonde, Into the Blue, WarGames all return

Brendan Fraser signs on for third Mummy (Empire Online)
Franchise expects new director for next installment

Filmmakers behind anti-abortion movie to speak (FRC Action)
A Distant Thunder'sdirector, actor at Values Voter Summit

Brad Pitt: I won't get married till everyone can (AP)
Star says he'll marry Jolie when "everyone else is legally able"

States want anti-smoking messages on DVDs (AP)
32 attorneys general urge studios to include PSA

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