AceShowbiz - James Mcavoy and Clarke Peters have signed on to star in the BBC's TV adaptation of Philip Pullman's epic novel series "His Dark Materials".

James made his name as an actor on U.K. series "Shameless", but Hollywood soon beckoned and he quickly got snapped up as a film star, earning a Golden Globe nomination for 2007's Atonement and widespread praise for films like "The Last King of Scotland" and the "X-Men" flicks.

The Scottish actor is now going back to his TV roots in an eight-part series, alongside "The Wire" actor Clarke.

Production starts later in June in Wales, with James taking on the role of ruthless adventurer Lord Asriel, the part played by Daniel Craig in 2007 film "The Golden Compass".

Rising actress Dafne Keen, who wowed audiences in Marvel flick "Logan" last year, has been cast as Asriel's daughter Lyra, who lives in a parallel universe and is raised by Clarke's character The Master, a role which is being expanded from the books for the series.

And "Hamilton" creator Lin-Manuel Miranda is starring as hot-air balloon traveller Lee Scoresby, previously played by Sam Elliott in the big screen version.

"His Dark Materials" is made up of three books; "Northern Lights", "The Subtle Knife" and "The Amber Spyglass". It is not known at this stage if the BBC will add more seasons.

Oscar-winning director Tom Hooper is helming the new series, with "National Treasure" writer Jack Thorne penning the script and production company Bad Wolf producing it.