Introducing a new fantasy universe in the making…
A new magical cinematic universe could soon be taking shape under the Disney Live Action banner. The studio has officially acquired the film rights to Impossible Creatures, the acclaimed fantasy book series by British author Katherine Rundell, setting the stage for what many are already calling a potential Harry Potter-esque franchise.
Rundell herself will pen the screenplays for the first two films, adapting her own bestselling novels set in the world of Gilmouria — a breathtaking archipelago filled with mythical beasts and boundless imagination. She’ll also produce the adaptations alongside her creative partner Charles Collier under her banner, Impossible Films, as part of a newly inked first-look development deal with Disney.
“When I read Impossible Creatures, I knew it belonged here at Disney. I was immediately drawn into the vibrant world Katherine imagined and the possibilities of what we could do together with this story” said Bob Iger, CEO of The Walt Disney Company.
The Impossible Creatures series has already captivated millions worldwide, with the latest installment, The Poisoned King, topping children’s book charts across both the U.K. and U.S. To date, Rundell’s books have sold over four million copies globally, solidifying her as one of the most influential contemporary voices in children’s literature. Rundell expressed her excitement for the partnership, stating:
“I’m absolutely thrilled to be linking arms with Disney. It’s a privilege to be writing these screenplays and developing these first movies in the franchise together with Charles, my team at Impossible Films, and with the exceptional team at Disney. Our ambition is to build Gilmouria and Impossible Creatures into a spectacular series of films that will entertain and inspire family audiences across the world”.
With its lush world-building and intricate mythology, the Impossible Creatures universe is already being compared to the early days of Warner Bros.’ Harry Potter franchise. Both for its literary origins and its cinematic potential. Disney’s acquisition not only signals a renewed investment in big-scale fantasy storytelling but also marks a strategic move to anchor its future live-action slate around original, world-expanding IP.
If executed with the same care and creativity as its source material, Impossible Creatures could be the start of Disney’s next great fantasy saga brimming with adventure, heart, and a touch of impossible magic.
