Sadly, this might not be the end of compass. If it can get enough on DVD and cable, they might press ahead for the other two movies anyway. They might take the loss just for the opportunity to “kill God”.
Pullman’s “theology” is the heart of the Golden Compass novels. In attempting to render the adapted screenplay less objectionable to religious audiences, the plot was stripped of its purpose. I agree that New Line would be wise to abandon the remainder of the trilogy. When a film’s goal is to pacify it is unlikely to truly gratify.