Lyra's Burden

An article in the New York Times today suggests that the success of The Golden Compass movie could affect the entire future of New Line. With a budget of $180 million at stake, the movie could make or break the studio.

Toby Emmerich, New Line’s production president, explained the importance of the production to the studio “If it’s a huge hit, I think our stock goes up within the Time Warner empire, and there’s more opportunity,” Mr. Emmerich said. "If the film is a disaster, he added, the company’s prospects would likely darken."

The promising trailers have all pointed to a success so far, but hardcore fans are already preparing themselves for potential disappointment and the level of expectation is extremely high. It will be interesting to see whether New Line can replicate the success of Lord of the Rings once again. If so, it will undoubtedly set them as the studio of choice for book adaptation for many years to come.