The curious 12-year-old lived at an Oxford College, until one day, her brusque, mysterious uncle Asriel – played by James McAvoy – appeared, fresh from a dangerous mission to the far north. Also in the mix is X-Men star James McAvoy as Lord Asriel, Lyra’s guardian and a fierce proponent of truth in a world lorded over by the theocratic Magisterium. His Dark Materials (TV Series 2019– ) James McAvoy as Lord Asriel His Dark Materials books: Lord Asriel star James McAvoy on how FAITHFUL the TV show is HIS DARK MATERIALS TV series is out now, and James McAvoy has … Lord Asriel Belacqua Played by James McAvoy A brilliant scholar and a fearless explorer, Asriel is one of few who dare to undermine the powerful forces of Lyra’s world.