OUATITN: Long extract in today's Guardian

[Ian]

There's a long extract from the book in today's Guardian. See more here.

[Riali]

Bear King Ragnar...

[tyche]

I wonder whether Pullman took that name from the movie or whether it's the other way round.
Anyway judging by that extract the books looking good.

[Miko]

Hi.

Have you guys already seen the bonus content inside the book?
http://www.amazon.co.jp/exec/obidos/ASIN/0385614322/

Seems interesting.

[BenMech]

Bear King Ragnar...

could be Iorak's predecessor and NOT referring to Iofur

[Riali]

Bear King Ragnar...

could be Iorak's predecessor and NOT referring to Iofur

I didn't for a moment think it was referring to Iofur, of course it long before his reign. I just thought it was rather interesting that that particular name was chosen.

Is it a stab at the film, or an homage to the screenwriters, or a decision made entirely independent of Hollywood influence?

[Ian]

Is it a stab at the film, or an homage to the screenwriters, or a decision made entirely independent of Hollywood influence?

I think it may well be coincidence. New Line only really decided quite late on that definitely call Iofur Ragnar, and Pullman has by all accounts been writing this book for sometime (I mean, he'd finished it by last October so I assume he started long before then) - so it may be pure chance.

[Leif]

Is it a stab at the film, or an homage to the screenwriters, or a decision made entirely independent of Hollywood influence?

I think it may well be coincidence. New Line only really decided quite late on that definitely call Iofur Ragnar, and Pullman has by all accounts been writing this book for sometime (I mean, he'd finished it by last October so I assume he started long before then) - so it may be pure chance.

If that's the case, I bet Pullman suggested the name Ragnar to the producers.

[AaronD]

Nope, "Ragnar" was actually chosen as name for Iofur's character as a reference to the rag doll he kept with him at all times.


Oh, and that post wasn't just speculation. I've got family at Scholastic.