So what are daemons?

For those new to the series, the panel described one of its most interesting fantasy elements — daemons, an animal companion that represents a person’s soul. Daemons interact with their humans and almost serve as their conscience.

Keen explained that daemons are “a more sensible, responsible part of you. Lyra’s relationship with Pan [her daemon] shows how much Lyra loves herself; and you can see other character’s relationships with themselves through their daemon.”

“It’s fun to play bad characters,” shared Wilson who plays “the mother of all evil” Mrs. Coulter. “She’s so complicated, and frightening for that reason.” Wilson alluded to the fact that the complex relationship her character has with her daemon is explored more in the show than in the novels.

Miranda excitedly recalled acting with the puppet of his character’s arctic hare daemon, Hester. “I love my daemon,” exclaimed Miranda. “We are our own little buddy cop movie in the middle of this show — we talk to each other constantly.”

McAvoy proudly described Lord Asriel’s daemon as a “badass” snow leopard. “It’s a different type of relationship with yourself,” he described. “You have a reflection of yourself right in front of you; you can’t hide from it or lie, and everyone else can see what your soul is like. It makes for interesting relationship dynamics.”

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His Dark Materials premieres this fall on HBO.

Image at Top of Page: Photograph taken by Jeff Kravitz via Getty Entertainment