Disney just released what could be its next big blockbuster fantasy franchise. The studio has officially won a high-stakes bidding war for the rights Impossible creaturesthe bestselling fantasy book series from the acclaimed author Catherine Rundell.
According to Deadline, Disney prevailed against Warner Bros. and Netflix, landing a seven-figure deal. Rundell, who is also adapting the first two novels, is ready to bring her world of mythical beasts and young heroes to life for the big screen.
THE Impossible creatures saga is planned as a five-book series, with the first chapter debuting in 2023 and the second, The poisoned kingjust released last month.
The description for the first book reads: “The day Christopher saved a drowning baby griffin in a hidden lake changed his life forever. It’s the day he learned about the Archipelago, a group of unmapped islands where magical creatures of all kinds have thrived for thousands of years, until now. And it’s the day he met Mal, a runaway girl who desperately needs his help.”
It says: “Rundell has just become the UK’s top children’s author since then JK Rowling to simultaneously reach position no. 1 in the children’s book charts in both the UK and US. Her books have so far sold more than four million copies worldwide and in 2024 she was awarded both Author of the Year and Children’s Book of the Year at the British Book Awards.
The author’s success has already sparked two massive publishing deals with Bloomsbury and Knopf, and she is expanding the Impossible Creatures universe with spin-offs and prequels.
CEO of Disney Bob Iger he was fascinated by Rundell’s work, saying, “When I read Impossible creaturesI knew it belonged here at Disney. I was immediately drawn to the vibrant world Katherine imagined and the possibilities of what we could do together with this story.
“Written by Katherine herself, these films are in the best hands of our team at Walt Disney Studios and I can’t wait to see this story brought to the screen.”
Walt Disney Pictures heads Alan Bergmann AND David Greenbaum further praised the collaboration, adding: “Katherine Rundell has masterfully created a spectacular and immersive world with Impossible Creatures, and her vision fits perfectly with the Disney storytelling tradition.
“We are thrilled to partner with Katherine and Charles to bring this epic saga to life for audiences around the world – it will be an extraordinary adventure.”
With Impossible creaturesDisney adds another powerful fantasy franchise to a line-up that already includes the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Star WarsAND Avatars. If the films captured the same imagination and magic that made the books a worldwide hit, this could easily become the studio’s next big cinematic universe.
Fans of vast fantasy worlds and magical adventures should definitely keep an eye on this one, it looks like Disney is preparing something truly extraordinary.
by Joey Paur
Source: Geek Tyrant
Lloyd Grunewald is an author at “The Fashion Vibes”. He is a talented writer who focuses on bringing the latest entertainment-related news to his readers. With a deep understanding of the entertainment industry and a passion for writing, Lloyd delivers engaging articles that keep his readers informed and entertained.
