Philip Pullman's "His Dark Materials" trilogy, which is inspired by Paradise Lost, is being adapted for the screen. "His Dark Materials: The Golden Compass" is said to be due out in 2007.

However, I see that according to this site as of late 2004 --
'Filmmakers are adapting Philip Pullman's fantasy trilogy His Dark Materials, in which two children do battle with an evil, all-powerful church, to remove anti-religious overtones, The Times of London reported. Chris Weitz, the director, has horrified fans by announcing that references to the church are likely to be banished in his film. Meanwhile the "Authority," the weak God figure, will become "any arbitrary establishment that curtails the freedom of the individual," the newspaper reported.'

The trilogy loses its entire point without it. I didn't think it could be done right. Hate to be proven right on that, though.

~ Becky in Tucson