The Golden Compass

Lyra (newcomer Dakota Blue Richards), a precocious and mischievous pre-teen who lives in the halls of Jordan College in an alternative Oxford in a world where every human being's soul manifests itself in the form of an animal that never leaves its owner's side. In charge at the college is... Photograph: Public domain

Lyra's ruthless uncle Lord Asriel (Daniel Craig) who is often away on expeditions to far lands. But the real villain of the piece is the devious yet beautiful... Photograph: Public domain

Mrs Coulter (Nicole Kidman), a woman with a mysterious connection to both Lyra and Lord Asriel, and who is at the centre of a conspiracy involving the sinister Magisterium, seen here behind her. Photograph: Public domain

In Pullman's original books the Magisterium represents the Catholic church, but following concerns from Kidman and others this aspect of the film has reportedly been toned down. So in the film, they are probably naughty pixies or something, who knows? Anyway, Lyra finds herself in an adventure to the far north to rescue her kidnapped friend Roger, with the help of the kind, down-to-earth... Photograph: Public domain

'Gyptians, a tribe of travelling types who are looking for their own lost children. Someone is responsible for stealing these poor youngsters away (between you and us, we're betting on the slinky blonde) and with the help of... Photograph: Public domain

Lee Scoresby (Sam Elliott), a Texan balloon "aeronaut", and... Photograph: Public domain

Serafina Pekkala (Eva Green), queen of the witches, Lyra will do her best to find out who's behind such horrible behaviour. It's quite a bit for one small girl to manage, but this is no ordinary 12-year-old; this is... Photograph: Public domain