The Golden Compass is a very important film for New Line, who the Hollywood Reporter say have been “idling” at the box-office since 2003's Return of the King. The movie company have been circulating a booklet extolling the virtues of the first His Dark Materials film a year before its release – “The intention is to tell the world that next year, next Christmas, a major blockbuster from New Line is arriving at a screen near you,” said the marketing president. “It wasn't geared to the awards season. If it happens, that would be nice.” Read more.