By Addie Morfoot
Variety.com

At Sunday's Gotham premiere of "The Golden Compass," writer-director Chris Weitz said the religious controversy over the film made him "a bit sad."

"People are essentially misreading and misrepresenting a book that is full of good values," he said. "At first I was surprised about the viciousness of the attacks, but now I am just looking forward to the film coming out so people can actually see it."

Celebrating the pic's bow alongside Weitz were stars Sam Elliott, Dakota Blue Richards and Eva Green, who gathered at the Rainbow Room after-party.

Movie's producer Deborah Forte called the controversy "a tempest in a teapot" and said she is hoping "Compass" will be followed by a second and even third film.

"Considering it took me 12 years to get this film made, I am hoping it will be an instant decision to make the second one," Forte said.

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