Sir David Attenborough is set to narrate the third installment of the acclaimed Blue Planet series, which delves into the least understood environments of the world’s oceans. Produced by the BBC Natural History Unit in Bristol, the six-part documentary took nearly four years to complete and airs this autumn, marking a quarter-century since the original series debuted.
Having turned 100 earlier this year, Attenborough expressed his delight at continuing his work with the franchise. “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,” he said at a launch event. He promised viewers would encounter marine life that is “more surprising, more intelligent, and even more precious than we ever realised.”
The production team utilized cutting-edge technology, including remote underwater cameras, drones, and manned submersibles, to capture previously unseen animal behaviors. The series journeys from vibrant coral reefs and tropical islands to the darkest, most remote depths of the sea.
Renowned composer Hans Zimmer, who also worked on Blue Planet II, provided the original score alongside Bleeding Fingers Music. Zimmer described the project as the most significant work of his career, noting that the series aims to inspire love and respect for the ocean rather than relying on lectures. “It shows you how spectacular and beautiful our world truly is,” he said.
The documentary also features an original song titled “Into The Deep (Seas Cry),” co-written by Jade Thirlwall, a member of the pop group Little Mix. Thirlwall, who called Attenborough a “true hero,” stated that being part of the series was a privilege.
The global premiere was celebrated at Piccadilly Circus in London, where footage from the new series was displayed on the area’s iconic digital screens. The series will examine the habitats and behaviors of various marine creatures, including humpback whales, dolphins, and bioluminescent deep-sea organisms.
Another nature doc promising to inspire love for the ocean. I just hope it tackles pollution more directly than just showing pretty fish.
Hans Zimmer composing again? That’s a dream team. Expect an absolutely breathtaking soundtrack to match the visuals this season.
How are they even filming in the absolute deepest parts? The technology must be mind-blowing to capture bioluminescent creatures without scaring them.
Attenborough at one hundred is incredible. I simply cannot wait to see what he discovers in those darkest ocean trenches this time.