New Line are saying that rumours that Paul Bettany would take the role of Lord Asriel in The Golden Compass movie are false. Our source within New Line said that he can, “guarantee that Paul Bettany is not cast in this movie.” We were given to understand previously that Bettany was interested in the part, but that negotiations were stalling over fees – with New Line wanting to scale the actor's fees down for the first movie, where Asriel has comparatively little to do. This may have led to Bettany eventually turning down the role. As with all rumours, things may change – but this seems to be how things stand at the moment.