The BBC has unveiled a first look at the highly anticipated Blue Planet 3, narrated by Sir David Attenborough. A quarter of a century after the original series first aired, the new instalment was launched with a premiere in central London last night (Tuesday, October 7).
London passers-by were surprised by a special Blue Planet III takeover in Piccadilly Circus, transforming the famous screens into a window into the ocean. Sir David, who turned 100 this year, returns to narrate the series, promising viewers an even deeper exploration of marine life.
Sir David Attenborough reflects on 25 years of Blue Planet
In an extended trailer, Sir David said: "25 years ago, in the Blue Planet, we began a journey beneath the waves. Now, in this new series, we venture even further. We will uncover life that is more surprising, more intelligent, and even more precious than we ever realised. We will discover the extraordinary relationship we have with the ocean. One that has never been more important to understand."
He described the project as something he was "proud and delighted" to be part of and reflected on its significance during a recorded message played at the launch. Sir David added: "25 years ago, when I narrated the first Blue Planet series, it didn’t occur to me that I would be narrating a third series in my centennial year. The ocean is an endlessly fascinating place. In these new programmes we uncover a further wonderful array of underwater life, which is more surprising, more sophisticated and even more important than we ever realised."
Behind the scenes: Hans Zimmer and Jade Thirlwall contribute to the series
Blue Planet III has been nearly four years in the making and marks 25 years since the first series premiered. The new series features an original score by Hans Zimmer and Bleeding Fingers Music, and includes the original song Into The Deep (Seas Cry), co-written by singer Jade Thirlwall.
Mr Zimmer, who also scored Blue Planet 2, said: "I’ve worked on a lot of films throughout my career, but nothing affects humanity, our world and our planet as much as the work being done by the Natural History Unit in Bristol. I think everybody who comes to Blue Planet comes to it with the knowledge that it is something that changes the world by making you fall in love with the world. It’s not something where you’re being lectured or cajoled about things but it’s something that just shows you how spectacular and beautiful our world truly is and how we need to preserve it and how we need to love it and how whatever we love we need to treat with great kindness and great respect."
Ms Thirlwall, best known as a member of Little Mix, described Sir David as a "true hero" and said working on the project was "incredibly special." She said: "Being part of Blue Planet 3 in this way feels incredibly special and a real privilege. I’m so proud of Into The Deep (Seas Cry) and it was amazing to create it with Hans Zimmer and his team. I can’t wait for people to hear it and see the beautifully moving new trailer."
When is BBC's Blue Planet 3 coming out?
Blue Planet 3 is expected to air later this autumn, and though an exact date has not been confirmed, it is reported to be next month. The series will also be brought to life on stage, with the official score to be performed live by an orchestra during the Blue Planet III Live in Concert tour. The tour is set to travel across the UK and Europe in 2027.
