Disney Hopes ‘Impossible Creatures’ Can Rival The Harry Potter Franchise
Impossible Creatures is a title you should get familiar with. For over two decades, the Harry Potter series has been the undisputed champion of family-friendly fantasy. From a record-shattering book series to a multi-billion dollar film franchise, the Wizarding World has captured the imaginations of a generation. Studios have spent years searching for a successor, a new intellectual property with the depth and appeal to build a global phenomenon. Now, Disney believes it has found its champion in a new literary sensation. In a landmark seven-figure deal, The Walt Disney Studios has acquired the film rights to Katherine Rundell’s fantasy series, Impossible Creatures, signaling a major new player in the quest to build the next great cinematic universe.
What is Impossible Creatures?
Impossible Creatures transports readers to the Gilmouria Archipelago, a hidden cluster of islands where every mythical creature from global folklore—griffins, sphinxes, dragons, and more—still exists. The magic that sustains this world is fading, and the creatures are dying. The story follows Christopher, a young boy who discovers a portal to this magical realm while visiting his grandfather in the Scottish Highlands.
Christopher learns that his family belongs to a long line of guardians sworn to protect the Archipelago. He soon befriends Mal, a girl from this hidden world who has the ability to fly. Together, they embark on a dangerous quest to find the source of the magical decay and save the last magical place on Earth. The series is celebrated for its rich world-building, compelling characters, and a sense of wonder that has drawn comparisons to the greatest works of fantasy.
A Publishing Juggernaut
Before Hollywood came calling, this series was already a massive success in the literary world. The series has become a publishing phenomenon on a scale not seen since franchises like Harry Potter and The Hunger Games.
The numbers speak for themselves. The first two books in the series, Impossible Creatures and The Poisoned King, have already sold over four million copies worldwide across 34 territories. Author Katherine Rundell recently became the first UK children’s author since J.K. Rowling to simultaneously hold the number-one spot on the children’s bestseller charts in both the United States and the United Kingdom.
The series has also earned significant critical acclaim. The first book won the prestigious Waterstones Book of the Year award, and at the 2024 British Book Awards, Rundell was honored with both “Author of the Year” and “Children’s Book of the Year.” This rare combination of explosive commercial success and critical praise made Impossible Creatures a must-have property for any studio looking to build a new franchise.
Disney’s All-In Strategy
The competition for the rights to Impossible Creatures was fierce, with Disney, Warner Bros., and Netflix all making a major push. In the end, Disney won the auction with a substantial seven-figure deal, but its commitment goes far beyond a simple acquisition. This is an all-in bet on a new universe.
Key elements of the deal include:
- Film Adaptations: The deal includes plans to adapt the first two books into feature films.
- Author Involvement: Katherine Rundell will write the screenplays for the first two movies, ensuring the adaptation remains true to her vision. She will also produce the films through her company, Impossible Films.
- First-Look Deal: Disney has secured a first-look development deal for all of Rundell’s current and future literary properties. This signals a long-term partnership and a commitment to building out the franchise.
This level of investment and author involvement is a clear sign that Disney sees Impossible Creatures as more than just a movie; it’s the foundation for a new tentpole franchise. The studio is looking beyond the initial films to the potential for merchandise, theme park attractions, and spinoffs. Disney CEO Bob Iger personally championed the project, stating, “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.”
Can Impossible Creatures Rival Harry Potter?
The comparisons to Harry Potter are inevitable, but does Impossible Creatures truly have what it takes to become a cultural phenomenon of that magnitude? The potential is certainly there.
A Rich and Expansive World
Like the Wizarding World, the Gilmouria Archipelago is a fully realized fantasy realm with its own history, rules, and mythology. By drawing from global folklore, the series has a built-in appeal that can resonate with audiences around the world. The concept of a hidden world filled with every mythical creature imaginable offers limitless storytelling possibilities. What was initially planned as a trilogy has already expanded to a five-book saga, with the author planning further spinoffs and prequels. This provides Disney with a deep well of source material to draw from for years to come.
Compelling Characters and Universal Themes
At its core, Impossible Creatures is a classic adventure story about friendship, courage, and the responsibility to protect the natural world. The dynamic between Christopher, the ordinary boy thrust into an extraordinary world, and Mal, the magical native of that world, provides a powerful emotional anchor. These universal themes of discovery and fighting for a greater cause are the bedrock of all great fantasy stories and have a timeless appeal for family audiences.
A Proven Track Record
The biggest advantage the series has is its proven success. It is not an unproven concept; it is a certified bestseller with millions of dedicated fans. This built-in audience provides a massive head start and significantly reduces the risk for Disney. The books have already captured the public’s imagination, and a series of high-budget films funded by Disney will only amplify that excitement.
The Road Ahead
The journey from a beloved book series to a global film franchise is a long one, but the studio has laid the perfect foundation with its acquisition of Impossible Creatures. By partnering closely with the author and committing to a long-term vision, the studio is giving the series its best possible chance to succeed.
While matching the unprecedented success of Harry Potter is a monumental task, Impossible Creatures has all the necessary ingredients: a captivating world, a massive and passionate fanbase, and the full backing of one of the most powerful entertainment companies on the planet. For fans of epic fantasy, a new adventure is on the horizon, and it may just be the one to fill the void left by Hogwarts.
