Meet the cast of The Golden Compass (2024)

About The Golden Compass

There are worlds beyond our own. The compass will show the way.

Released on December 04, 2007
Drama Fantasy Adventure

"The Golden Compass," adapted from Philip Pullman's beloved novel "Northern Lights," is a visually stunning and epic fantasy adventure that takes viewers on a journey through a world where souls manifest as talking animals, known as daemons, and a mysterious particle called Dust permeates the universe. At the heart of this enchanting tale is Lyra Belacqua, portrayed with fiery spirit by newcomer Dakota Blue Richards, who delivers a breakout performance as the young protagonist. Lyra's world is turned upside down when she stumbles upon a dark conspiracy involving the disappearance of children, which leads her on a quest that spans parallel universes.

The film boasts an impressive cast, with Nicole Kidman taking on the role of the enigmatic and ruthless Marisa Coulter, whose silken exterior belies a sinister agenda. Kidman brings a chilling sophistication to the character, perfectly embodying the dual nature of a woman who is both maternal and menacing. Joining her is Daniel Craig as the adventurous and determined Lord Asriel, Lyra's uncle, whose own quest for knowledge sets the stage for Lyra's journey. Craig imbues Asriel with a sense of gravitas and urgency, driving the narrative forward with his pursuit of the truth about Dust and its connection to other worlds.

As Lyra ventures into the unknown, leaving behind the familiar halls of Jordan College, she encounters a tapestry of diverse characters, including the armored bear Iorek Byrnison, voiced by Ian McKellen, and the Texan aeronaut Lee Scoresby, played by Sam Elliott. Each character Lyra meets adds depth and complexity to her adventure, as she learns to navigate a world filled with danger, deception, and the growing realization of her own pivotal role in a prophecy that could change the course of history. "The Golden Compass" is not just a tale of good versus evil; it's a rich exploration of free will, the nature of the soul, and the unbreakable bonds of love and friendship, set against the backdrop of a magical, yet hauntingly familiar universe.

Full Cast of The Golden Compass

Nicole Kidman

plays Marisa Coulter

Nicole Mary Kidman AC (born 20 June 1967) is an American-Australian actress and producer. Known for her work across v...

See Nicole Kidman's other roles →

Daniel Craig

plays Lord Asriel

Daniel Wroughton Craig (born 2 March 1968) is a British actor. He gained international fame playing the secret agent ...

See Daniel Craig's other roles →

Dakota Blue Richards

plays Lyra Belacqua

See Dakota Blue Richards's other roles →

Ben Walker

plays Roger Parslow

See Ben Walker's other roles →

Freddie Highmore

plays Pantalaimon (voice)

Alfred Thomas Highmore (born 14 February 1992) is an English actor. He is known for his starring roles beginning as a...

See Freddie Highmore's other roles →

Ian McKellen

plays Iorek Byrnison (voice)

Sir Ian Murray McKellen, CH, CBE (born 25 May 1939) is an English actor. He is the recipient of six Laurence Olivier ...

See Ian McKellen's other roles →

Eva Green

plays Serafina Pekkala

Eva Gaëlle Green,born July 6th 1980,is a French actress and model. She started her career in theatre before making ...

See Eva Green's other roles →

Jim Carter

plays John Faa

James Edward Carter is an English actor. He is best known for his role in Downton Abbey (2010–2015) playing Mr Carson...

See Jim Carter's other roles →

Tom Courtenay

plays Farder Coram

See Tom Courtenay's other roles →

Ian McShane

plays Ragnar Sturlusson (voice)

Ian David McShane (born 29 September 1942) is an English actor. Although he has appeared in numerous films, it is by ...

See Ian McShane's other roles →

Sam Elliott

plays Lee Scoresby

Christopher Lee

plays First High Councilor

Christopher Lee was an English actor and musician. Lee initially portrayed villains and became famous for his role as...

See Christopher Lee's other roles →

Kristin Scott Thomas

plays Stelmania (voice)

See Kristin Scott Thomas's other roles →

Edward de Souza

plays Second High Councilor

See Edward de Souza's other roles →

Kathy Bates

plays Hester (voice)

Kathleen Doyle Bates (born June 28, 1948) is an American actress and director. She has been the recipient of numerous...

See Kathy Bates's other roles →

Simon McBurney

plays Fra Pavel

See Simon McBurney's other roles →

Jack Shepherd

plays Master

See Jack Shepherd's other roles →

Magda Szubanski

plays Mrs. Lonsdale

See Magda Szubanski's other roles →

Derek Jacobi

plays Magisterial Emissary

Sir Derek George Jacobi CBE (born 22 October 1938) is an English actor. Jacobi is known for his work at the Royal Nat...

See Derek Jacobi's other roles →

Clare Higgins

plays Ma Coster

Clare Frances Elizabeth Higgins (born 10 November 1955) is an award-winning English actress. Description above from ...

See Clare Higgins's other roles →

Charlie Rowe

plays Billy Costa

See Charlie Rowe's other roles →

Steven Loton

plays Tony Costa

See Steven Loton's other roles →

Michael Antoniou

plays Kerim Costa

See Michael Antoniou's other roles →

Mark Mottram

plays Jaxer Costa

Mark Mottram is a stunt performer and an actor.

See Mark Mottram's other roles →

Paul Antony-Barber

plays Bolvangar Doctor

See Paul Antony-Barber's other roles →

Jason Watkins

plays Bolvangar Official

Jason Watkins is an English stage, film and television actor. He played the lead role in the two-part drama The Lost ...

See Jason Watkins's other roles →

Jody Halse

plays Bolvangar Orderly

See Jody Halse's other roles →

Hattie Morahan

plays Sister Clara

See Hattie Morahan's other roles →

John Bett

plays Thorold

See John Bett's other roles →

John Franklyn-Robbins

plays Librarian

See John Franklyn-Robbins's other roles →

Jonathan Laury

plays Younger Fellow

Tommy Luther

plays Jacob Huismans / Daemon Puppeteer

James Rawlings

plays Passing Scholar

See James Rawlings's other roles →

Joao de Sousa

plays Hunt

Habib Nasib Nader

plays Ragnar

See Habib Nasib Nader's other roles →

Theo Fraser Steele

plays Magisterial Officer

See Theo Fraser Steele's other roles →

Bill Hurst

plays Police Captain

Elliot Cowan

plays Commanding Officer

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Elliot Cowan is an English actor, known for portraying Corporal Jem Poynton in...

See Elliot Cowan's other roles →

Sam Hoare

plays Second in Command

See Sam Hoare's other roles →

Thomas Arnold

plays Gobbler

plays Tartar Officer

See Alexander Mercury's other roles →

David Forman

plays Samoyed Kidnapper

See David Forman's other roles →

Spencer Wilding

plays Giant Gyptian (uncredited)

Spencer Lee Wilding (born 26 July 1972) is a Welsh actor and special creature performer in the UK. He is from Meliden...

See Spencer Wilding's other roles →

Caridad Angus

plays Witch (uncredited)

Satoshi Tsumabuki

Satoshi Tsumabuki (born December 13, 1980) is a Japanese actor. His breakthrough film was Waterboys for which he was ...

See Satoshi Tsumabuki's other roles →

Crew of The Golden Compass

Discover the backstage crew of The Golden Compass →