The next great fantasy franchise could be coming soon, as Disney announced its plans to adapt the Impossible Creatures books into a series of films. Audiences have turned great fantasy book series into multi-billion-dollar movie franchises in the past, with Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings, but Disney has not been behind one in quite some time.
The Chronicles of Narnia started well, but faded out before the studio adapted each film, and is now being rebooted by Netflix. Disney is currently adapting the Percy Jackson books, but as a series on Disney+ after 20th Century Fox’s movie franchise concluded after two entries.
Impossible Creatures is a fairly new series, but it’s been wildly successful so far. Author Katherine Rundell is the first U.K. children’s author to reach No. 1 in both the U.K. and U.S. since J.K. Rowling. The series has sold more than four million copies worldwide, and Hollywood became very interested in a movie adaptation. That’s now officially happening.
Impossible Creatures Movie Announcement
On October 7, Disney announced it won the rights to adapt Impossible Creatures in a seven-figure deal. Rundell had been looking to sign a movie deal and had been in talks with Warner Bros. and Netflix. She will be writing the movies herself, as confirmed by Disney CEO Bob Iger in a shared statement:
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. Written by Katherine herself, these movies are in the best of hands with our Walt Disney Studios team, and I can’t wait to see this tale brought to the screen.
Disney will also collaborate with Rundell and her creative partner Charles Collier in producing the films under her Impossible Films banner in a first-look development deal that includes all the writer’s current and future novels. Rundell also released a statement, sharing her excitement about collaborating with Disney.
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. I’m especially grateful to Bob Iger, whose enthusiasm after reading the book helped set this collaboration in motion, and to Alan Bergman and David Greenbaum for being incredible partners throughout this process. Our ambition is to build Glimouria and Impossible Creatures into a spectacular series of films, so that we can entertain and inspire family audiences across the world.
Given the early stages of this announcement, there is much about the adaptation that Disney and Rundell must still figure out. There is no director attached and no firm timeline on how quickly the development will move along. The studio acquired the Impossible Creatures movie in a seven-figure deal, showing that there is great urgency and interest, though.
Impossible Creatures’ Story
The first novel in Impossible Creatures was released in 2023 and introduced readers to a new fantasy realm. The story centers on Christopher, a young boy who discovers a magical world while visiting his grandfather in the Scottish Highlands. This world is called Gilmouria Archipelago, a collection of islands inhabited by fantastical creatures.
While exploring the Archipelago, Christopher meets Mal, a unique girl who lives in this world. The pair join forces to defeat a dark enтιтy that threatens to destroy Gilmouria by removing what makes it so beautiful and vibrant. There are familiar creatures for avid fantasy readers, and the world’s distinct lore and history make it stand out among other fantasy novels.
With Rundell set to write the Impossible Creatures movie screenplay, book readers should expect a rather faithful adaptation from page to screen.
Impossible Creatures’ Cast
There are currently no cast members attached to the Impossible Creatures movie. This is not likely to happen until after Rundell finishes the script and the studio finds a director to shepherd the adaptation. Then, the author, director, and studio can figure out who’s playing Impossible Creatures‘ main characters.
Mal and Chris will likely be played by younger, lesser-known actors who can portray the characters for several years. Similar to Harry Potter, Disney will need to cast actors who can grow with the role. More established actors could take on supporting roles, such as Christopher’s Grandfather, Mal’s aunt, an ᴀssᴀssin named Adam Kavil, and the villainous Sforza.
Impossible Creatures’ Release Date
Disney has not secured an early target release date for Impossible Creatures so far. The studio appears ready to let Rundell finish her script, find a director, and get the cast and crew rolling before locking in any release plans.
This means that we are likely still years away from the film’s premiere. Luckily, it is already confirmed that Disney will release Impossible Creatures in theaters rather than attempt to make this a streaming film. Fans will be able to see Christopher’s adventures and the majestic nature of Gilmouria on the big screen when the time comes.
Impossible Creatures’ Franchise Future
The first Impossible Creatures movie might not even be out yet, but Disney and Rundell have their sights set on a sprawling, big-screen franchise with this property. The second Impossible Creatures book, The Poisoned King, was released in September 2025, giving the studio a clear roadmap for the franchise before it even begins.
Additionally, a total of five books are planned, with Rundell also planning for spinoffs and possibly more within the same universe. It will largely depend on how well the books continue to do, as well as how successful the movie adaptations perform in theaters.
This could give Disney a new hit franchise to explore for years to come once it starts. Given the youthful nature of Christopher and this story, there’s a chance the studio could even copy Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings and make the movies in quick succession. If so, Impossible Creatures could be the next big fantasy movie franchise.
