Disney Acquires Impossible Creatures for a New Fantasy Film Series

October 7, 2025

Get Ready For a Brand New Magical World Coming From Walt Disney Studios

Good news, fantasy fans! Disney just made a big move to bring a fresh, spellbinding story to theaters. Walt Disney Studios won a bidding contest to get the film rights for British author Katherine Rundell's hit fantasy book series, <strong><em>Impossible Creatures</em></strong>. This deal, worth millions, means Rundell herself will write the screenplays for the first two Movies.

For years, people have looked for the next big fantasy story to capture imaginations like the <em>Harry Potter</em> books did. While some argued against finding a replacement, the publishing world has been buzzing about <em>Impossible Creatures</em> filling that space. Now, Disney is making a big statement, hoping to do just that on the silver screen.

The Multi-Million Dollar Agreement for <em>Impossible Creatures</em> Books

The acquisition of <strong><em>Impossible Creatures</em></strong> was no small feat for Disney. It involved a bidding war with other major players in the entertainment business, including Warner Bros. and Netflix. Ultimately, Disney secured the rights in a deal reported to be in the seven-figure range. This shows just how much faith the studio has in Rundell's creations.

Katherine Rundell is not just stepping aside after selling her book rights. She will play a central part in the movie creation. Rundell will personally adapt the first two books of the series into screenplays. This level of author involvement often excites book fans, as it suggests the films will stay true to the original stories. Her production company, Impossible Films, which she runs with creative partner Charles Collier, will also work with Disney on these projects.

A Look At the Magical World Within Gilmouria Archipelago

So, what exactly has Disney so excited? <strong><em>Impossible Creatures</em></strong> introduces readers to a young boy named Christopher. While visiting his grandfather in the Scottish Highlands, Christopher discovers a secret entryway to a wondrous land. This land is called the Gilmouria Archipelago, a string of uncharted islands home to all sorts of mythical creatures, from unicorns to sphinxes.

In Gilmouria, Christopher meets Mal, a girl who lives in this hidden world. Together, they begin a quest. The islands’ magic is fading, causing the creatures who live there to suffer. Christopher and Mal must find what is draining the magic before it is too late for Gilmouria and its amazing inhabitants. It is a tale filled with wonder, danger, and a fight to protect a truly special place.

Katherine Rundell's Amazing Rise in the Children's Book World

Katherine Rundell is no stranger to success. Her book <em>Impossible Creatures</em> first came out in 2023. This year, the second book, <em>The Poison King</em>, quickly followed. Rundell originally planned the series as a trilogy, but it has grown into a five-novel saga. She also has plans for spin-off and prequel books, building a wide narrative world.

The publishing world has often compared Rundell to J.K. Rowling, the author of <em>Harry Potter</em>. Rundell recently became the first U.K. children's author since Rowling to hit the No. 1 spot on children's book charts in both the U.K. and the U.S. at the same time. Her books have sold more than four million copies around the world. In 2024, she also won both Author of the Year and Children's Book of the Year at The British Book Awards.

Before Disney clinched the deal, Rundell had been in talks with other major studios. Warner Bros. and Netflix were among those looking to acquire the rights, especially after the second book came out and she confirmed her interest in a movie deal. This competition only highlights the high regard for her stories.

Why Disney Needed This New Original Fantasy Story

For Disney CEO Bob Iger, the choice was clear. In a statement after the deal, Iger said, "When I read <em>Impossible Creatures</em>, 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." He also stressed that having Rundell write the screenplays puts the movies in the best of hands with the Walt Disney Studios team.

This acquisition represents Disney's continued efforts to bring new, original stories to its live-action film menu. While Disney has seen success with live-action versions of its animated classics, the studio is also keen to build new intellectual property that can stand on its own. With <strong><em>Impossible Creatures</em></strong>, Disney aims to create a popular fantasy series that could potentially match the cultural impact and financial success seen by franchises like <em>Harry Potter</em>.

Disney Entertainment Co-Chairman Alan Bergman and David Greenbaum, President of Disney Live Action and 20th Century Studios, also expressed excitement. They noted that Rundell's vision makes a good match for Disney's storytelling tradition. This team, including Disney Live Action President Daria Cercek, Allison Erlikhman, SVP Production, and Disney Head of Literary Affairs Clare Reeth, strongly supported the book from the start.

Building a Future Fantasy Cinematic World With Rundell's Vision

Disney's plans for <strong><em>Impossible Creatures</em></strong> extend far beyond just the first two movies. The studio hopes this will become a long-running series of films. Rundell herself plans to write more books beyond the initial five-book saga, including spin-offs and prequels. This indicates a goal to build a wide fantasy universe, similar to other major franchises.

This is not just about movies. A successful book and film series can lead to merchandise, theme park attractions, and other forms of entertainment. Disney is betting big on the appeal of Gilmouria and its creatures to entertain audiences across the world for many years to come.

Rundell said, "Our ambition is to build Glimouria and <em>Impossible Creatures</em> into a spectacular series of films, so that we can entertain and inspire family audiences across the world." This statement shows a shared vision between the author and the studio to create something truly special and long-lasting.

Assembling a Talented Team for the <em>Impossible Creatures</em> Project

The team behind bringing <strong><em>Impossible Creatures</em></strong> to the screen includes a mix of experienced professionals. Rundell and Charles Collier's Impossible Films production company will work with Disney. Their London-based team includes Alexandra Derbyshire, known for producing beloved films like <em>Paddington 2</em> and <em>Wonka</em>. Also on board is Simon Bax, former CFO of Pixar and President of Studio Operations at Fox.

David Greenbaum played a key part in securing the deal for Disney. It is interesting to note that Greenbaum attended graduate school at Oxford, where Rundell is a Fellow of St Catherine's College and a Quondam Fellow of All Souls College. This shared academic background may have helped build a strong relationship during the negotiations. The deal was brokered by Collier on behalf of Rundell, working directly with Disney's team, including Kal Walthers, Paige Olson, and Bill Neuschaefer.

In addition to the film rights, Disney has also secured a first-look deal with Rundell. This means Disney will have the first chance to acquire the rights to all of her current and upcoming literary projects. This shows a real commitment to a long-term collaboration with the acclaimed author.

Beyond the <em>Harry Potter</em> Comparisons: What Makes This Story Unique

While comparisons to <em>Harry Potter</em> are understandable due to Rundell's publishing achievements and the fantasy genre, there is also an important idea that pop culture benefits from new stories. <strong><em>Impossible Creatures</em></strong> certainly meets a demand for a particular type of fantasy. However, Disney also needs to focus on what sets this story apart to make it a valuable series.

The tale of Christopher and Mal in Gilmouria Archipelago, fighting to restore fading magic, has its own special elements. Disney should highlight these unique qualities. By doing so, they can create a fantasy series that stands on its own while also expanding what the genre can be for audiences around the world.

Rundell herself has spoken about her inspirations, including C.S. Lewis's <em>Chronicles of Narnia</em>, Tolkien, Ursula K. Le Guin, and Greek myths. She also puts a lot of work into researching the magical beasts in her books, drawing from historical beliefs about creatures that were once thought real. This thoughtful approach to world-building promises a rich and distinct experience for viewers.

A Bright Future For Fantasy Fans With <em>Impossible Creatures</em> On Screen

Disney's acquisition of <strong><em>Impossible Creatures</em></strong> signals an exciting time for fantasy entertainment. With Katherine Rundell at the helm of the screenwriting process, fans can look forward to a faithful and captivating adaptation. The potential for a wide film series, spin-offs, and even theme park attractions makes this a significant event for Disney and for audiences eager for new magical adventures.

Keep your eyes peeled for more news on these upcoming movies. It seems a fantastic journey to the Gilmouria Archipelago is just beginning.