Disney Secures Movie Rights for Katherine Rundell's Impossible Creatures Fantasy Series

Get ready, fantasy fans! A major new player is stepping into the cinematic world, and it's coming from a source many compare to J.K. Rowling. Walt Disney Studios just made a huge move, acquiring the rights to Katherine Rundell's highly celebrated fantasy book series, Impossible Creatures. This isn't just a simple book deal. It's a multi-film franchise in the making, set to bring a vibrant new universe of mythical creatures to the big screen.

If you've been looking for that next enchanting story to get lost in, Disney believes they've found it. Reports state this acquisition was a "substantial seven figure" deal, showing just how much the studio believes in Rundell's creation. With the author herself set to adapt the first two books into screenplays and produce, this project promises to be a faithful and passionate translation from page to screen.

The Colossal Disney Deal That Secured a New Fantasy Horizon

The news hit on October 7, 2025, confirming Disney successfully won an intense auction for the rights to Rundell's Impossible Creatures. This was no casual purchase. It involved a bidding war against big names like Netflix and Warner Bros., both eager to land the next major fantasy property. Disney emerging victorious, reportedly paying a "substantial seven figure" sum, speaks volumes about their confidence in the series' potential.

This deal means Walt Disney Studios now holds the theatrical film and related rights to the Impossible Creatures series. A key part of this arrangement is Katherine Rundell herself. She will be central to the overall artistic direction and creation of the franchise. Her tasks include writing the screenplays for the first two books under the Disney Live Action banner. She will also produce these films alongside her creative partner Charles Collier.

Behind the Scenes: The Talented Team Bringing Gilmouria to Cinematic Life

The production efforts will be guided by an impressive lineup of talent. Producer Alexandra Derbyshire, known for family favorites like Paddington 2 and Wonka, will lead the production team. Joining her is Simon Bax, former CFO of Pixar Animation Studios and President of Studio Operations at Fox. This blend of creative and logistical expertise suggests a strong foundation for the upcoming films.

Disney's leadership has shown great enthusiasm for this project. CEO Bob Iger stated that upon reading Impossible Creatures, he knew it belonged at Disney. He was immediately drawn to the vivid world Rundell imagined and the possibilities for their collaboration. Disney Entertainment Co-Chairman Alan Bergman and Disney Live Action and 20th Century Studios President David Greenbaum also expressed excitement, calling Rundell's world "spectacular." Greenbaum even shares a connection with Rundell, having earned a degree at Oxford, where Rundell is a fellow.

Katherine Rundell: The Acclaimed Writer Behind the Phenomenon

Who is Katherine Rundell, the writer inspiring such a significant investment from Disney? She's an acclaimed British author whose Impossible Creatures series debuted in 2023. The most recent book, The Poisoned King, quickly became a global bestseller. This success made Rundell the first U.K. children's author since J.K. Rowling to simultaneously achieve the No. 1 position on children's book charts in both the U.K. and the U.S.

Her literary achievements extend beyond just bestsellers. Rundell has sold over four million copies of her books worldwide. In 2024, she received both "Author of The Year" and "Children's Book of The Year" at The British Book Awards. Her earlier work includes her 2011 literary debut, The Girl Savage, which drew on her childhood experiences in Zimbabwe. She's also a fellow at All Souls College, Oxford, where she focuses on Renaissance literature. Rundell won the Baillie Gifford Prize in 2022 for her non-fiction biography, Super-Infinite, about John Donne.

Impossible Films: Rundell's Own Production Company Partners with Disney's Vision

Rundell's involvement isn't limited to writing the screenplays. She co-founded Impossible Films, a production company, two years ago with Charles Collier. As part of the expansive deal, Disney has established a "first-look development relationship" with Impossible Films. This means Disney will have the first option to consider all of Rundell's current and upcoming literary properties for screen adaptations. Impossible Films will continue to operate from London, led by Rundell, Collier, Alexandra Derbyshire, and Simon Bax.

Rundell expressed her excitement about this collaboration, stating it's a privilege to write these screenplays and create these first movies in the franchise with her team at Impossible Films and Disney. Her goal, she said, is to establish Glimouria and Impossible Creatures as a spectacular series of films to entertain and inspire family audiences globally.

A Journey to Gilmouria: What the Impossible Creatures Story Brings to Viewers

So, what exactly is Impossible Creatures about? The series transports readers to the fictional world of the Gilmouria Archipelago. This collection of islands is a place of "wild magnificence" where the ancient creatures of myth still exist. Think unicorns, krakens, griffins, and sphinxes roaming freely – a dream for any fantasy enthusiast!

The story follows Christopher, a human boy who discovers the hidden entrance to this magical world while on holiday with his grandfather in the Scottish Highlands. He soon encounters Mal, a girl who calls this extraordinary world home. Together, they embark on a pressing mission to determine why these magical beings are disappearing from the secret islands. Their adventure involves working to save the creatures, which are suffering from a decline in the magical force sustaining them.

Beyond the First Two Books: A Sprawling Narrative Horizon for Audiences

Originally conceived as a trilogy, the Impossible Creatures series has expanded. Rundell now plans for a five-book saga, a development secured through two major seven-figure publishing deals with Bloomsbury and Knopf. The first two books alone have sold over one million copies across 34 territories, underscoring the series' broad appeal.

The vision for this universe extends even further. Rundell is already discussing expanding the story beyond the five-novel series, with plans for spinoffs and prequel books. This expansive vision aligns perfectly with Disney's interest in building a comprehensive narrative universe, ensuring a wealth of stories to draw from for future film projects.

Disney's Strategic Move: Why Impossible Creatures Represents a Big Win

Disney's decision to go "all in" on Impossible Creatures is a calculated move in the current entertainment landscape. The studio is actively seeking new intellectual properties to expand its live-action film offerings beyond adaptations of its animated classics. While animated transfers have found success, Disney wants fresh, original stories that can build new franchises. Impossible Creatures fits this need perfectly, offering a ready-made world with a proven fan base.

The "heady numbers on a global scale" achieved by the books made them a highly sought-after Hollywood property. Studios were picturing youth-focused movies, merchandise, and even theme park attractions. This speaks to the commercial viability and broad appeal of Rundell's creation. With the market showing an opening for a new global fantasy series, especially with past controversies surrounding other major fantasy authors, Disney is clearly positioning Impossible Creatures to fill that space.

The Quest for the Next Harry Potter: A Significant Cultural Moment

The comparison to Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling is hard to ignore. It’s a comparison the market readily makes. Rundell being the first UK children's author since Rowling to top both UK and US charts simultaneously highlights her remarkable success. This cultural moment is significant. With Rowling's legacy facing complexities due to ongoing controversies, there's a clear opening in the market for a new beloved fantasy series that can unite audiences globally. Disney is betting on Rundell's world to become that next big phenomenon.

The studio's pursuit of Impossible Creatures aligns with its strategy to identify and invest in stories with wide appeal and long-term franchise potential. Disney views Rundell as an ideal partner, appreciating her writing style, noted for its "cracking dialogue." Her direct involvement as screenwriter and producer ensures the films will stay true to her artistic vision, maintaining the integrity of the world she created.

The Road Ahead for the Impossible Creatures Film Franchise's Development

While the deal is sealed and excitement is building, fans will need to be patient. There's no firm release date set for the first Impossible Creatures film. The studio plans to allow Rundell to complete her screenplays, find a director, and assemble the cast and crew before locking in any release plans. This suggests a careful and deliberate approach to production.

What we do know is Disney intends to release Impossible Creatures in theaters. This commitment to a big-screen presentation means audiences will experience the "majestic nature of Gilmouria" as intended. The visual spectacle of mythical creatures and the imaginative landscapes of the Archipelago are sure to be a treat for cinema-goers.

Casting the Residents of Gilmouria: Who Will Play Christopher and Mal in the Films?

The casting process is still a future step. Once Rundell's scripts are finalized and a director is attached, the search for actors will begin. For the central roles of Christopher and Mal, Disney will likely look for younger, lesser-known actors. This approach allows the chosen actors to grow with the roles, similar to how the Harry Potter cast matured with their characters over multiple films.

Supporting roles, such as Christopher's Grandfather, Mal's aunt, the assassin Adam Kavil, and the villainous Sforza, could potentially be filled by more established actors. The success of the film will heavily depend on finding the right blend of fresh talent and experienced performers to bring Rundell's memorable characters to life.

Will Filming Happen in the UK? Important Production Location Details

While a definitive location hasn't been confirmed, sources close to the project suggest "a good chance" the films would be made in the UK. This would be a welcome development for the British film industry, following in the footsteps of other successful fantasy adaptations. Cressida Cowell, author of How To Train Your Dragon, highlighted the economic benefits, noting how her film adaptation created jobs in Northern Ireland and involved British talent for CGI, score, and cast.

Frank Cottrell-Boyce, the children's laureate, also celebrated the news, calling it "fantastic" and emphasizing how British authors serve as "brilliant ambassadors." He pointed out the value of Britain's "fictional imaginative ones," referencing iconic characters like Mary Poppins, Paddington Bear, and Winnie the Pooh. He suggested Impossible Creatures could join their ranks.

A New Era for Family Fantasy Entertainment Begins Now

The acquisition of Impossible Creatures marks a bold step for Disney, signaling a renewed focus on original, large-scale fantasy franchises. With Katherine Rundell at the helm of the creative process, and a clear roadmap for multiple books, spinoffs, and prequels, this series holds immense promise. The comparisons to Harry Potter are not just hype. They reflect the genuine excitement and commercial confidence surrounding this property.

As the magical world of Gilmouria prepares to open its doors on the silver screen, family audiences worldwide can anticipate an extraordinary new adventure. Disney's commitment, Rundell's artistic guidance, and a talented production team are all aligning to bring this captivating story to life. The wait begins for what could truly become the next big fantasy movie phenomenon.