The new natural history series Blue Planet III with Sir David Attenborough took four years to create and will launch on the BBC in the coming weeks. It follows Blue Planet II from 2017, which galvanised a global movement to rid oceans of single-use plastic.
Attenborough's centennial message
Sir David, who turned 100 earlier this year, sent a recorded message to the launch event, where invited guests were given a first glimpse of scenes and the BBC released a trailer. He said: “Twenty-five 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.”
He added: “In these new programmes we uncover a further wonderful array of under-water life, which is more surprising, more sophisticated and even more important than we ever realised. I am proud and delighted to be associated with Blue Planet III.”
Music and storytelling
The six-part series will show remarkable marine wildlife alongside Sir David’s storytelling. It is accompanied by an original score from Hans Zimmer and Bleeding Fingers Music, along with an original song, Into The Deep (Seas Cry), co-written by Jade, which features in the trailer.
Zimmer, who also scored Blue Planet II, called the series the "most important work" he has ever done. He 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."
Jade, born Jade Thirlwall and best known for being a member of the pop group Little Mix, said she was a "huge fan" of the franchise and praised Sir David as "a true hero" of hers. Blue Planet III will air on the BBC later this autumn.
