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Credit: UniversalDisney is officially stepping into the race to launch the next great fantasy franchise. In a move that’s already turning heads across the entertainment world, the company has secured the film rights to a wildly successful book series that many are calling the “next Harry Potter.”
The seven-figure deal marks one of Disney’s boldest pushes into fantasy storytelling in years, according to reports.
A New Era of Disney Magic
The series at the center of the deal is Impossible Creatures by acclaimed author Katherine Rundell. This isn’t just any acquisition. According to reports from Deadline, Rundell is the first U.K. children’s author since J.K. Rowling to simultaneously hit No. 1 on the children’s book charts in both the U.K. and the U.S. That alone has put Disney in a prime position to craft a cultural juggernaut.
Disney confirmed that Rundell herself will be adapting the screenplay for the first two installments, ensuring the story retains its original voice and vision. She’ll also produce alongside her creative partner, Charles Collier, as part of a first-look deal that covers her current and future literary works.
Impossible Creatures unfolds in the Glimouria Archipelago — a cluster of mystical, unmapped islands inhabited by magical creatures. The saga follows a boy named Christopher who stumbles upon this hidden world, teaming up with Mal, a girl on the run, to unravel why the magic is fading and its creatures are dying.
The first book was released in 2023, followed by The Poisoned King in 2025. Three more books are planned, forming a five-part epic. The series has already sold over a million copies across 34 territories, with Rundell’s overall sales surpassing four million worldwide. Critics and fans alike have praised her world-building and character-driven storytelling.
Disney Sees Big Potential
Disney executives aren’t hiding their excitement. CEO Bob Iger called the world of Impossible Creatures “vibrant and full of possibilities.” He added, “When I read Impossible Creatures, I knew it belonged here at Disney. These movies are in the best of hands with Katherine and our Walt Disney Studios team.”
Alan Bergman, Co-Chairman of Disney Entertainment, and David Greenbaum, President of Disney Live Action and 20th Century Studios, echoed Iger’s sentiment, describing Rundell’s world as a “perfect match for the Disney storytelling tradition.” The team’s confidence signals that Disney isn’t just making a movie — they’re betting on a full-blown franchise.
The Next Harry Potter?
It’s hard not to draw comparisons between this deal and the rise of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (1997). Rowling’s novels spawned eight blockbuster films, a massive merchandise empire, and entire theme park lands across the globe.
Disney, which has never had a fantasy saga of this scale under its own umbrella, seems poised to build something that could rival Warner Bros. Pictures’s legendary franchise. With an in-house streaming platform, theatrical distribution power, and decades of storytelling expertise, Disney has all the tools to make Impossible Creatures a cultural event.
What Makes This Different
One major advantage Disney has going into this is creative control. Unlike Harry Potter — where Rowling licensed the rights to another studio — Rundell is directly collaborating with Disney on the adaptations. That means the studio can weave her stories into its broader ecosystem from the ground up, opening the door for park experiences, merchandise, and spin-offs that align seamlessly with its brand.
The company also has a proven track record of blending practical and digital effects in a way that brings magical worlds to life. If done right, the Glimouria Archipelago could become Disney’s next big world-building playground.
What Happens Next
With the deal locked in, pre-production will soon begin on the first live-action film adaptation of Impossible Creatures. Given Disney’s franchise strategy, fans can likely expect a multi-film roadmap similar to other major sagas.
While no release dates have been announced yet, the studio’s enthusiasm suggests it could be fast-tracked to become one of Disney’s next tentpole properties. Theme park integration is also a strong possibility down the line — and given how quickly fans embraced Harry Potter, there’s every chance this new series could become Disney’s answer to the Wizarding World.
A Bold Move for Disney’s Future
Disney’s acquisition of Impossible Creatures is more than just a publishing deal — it’s a strategic bet on building a new cultural phenomenon. With the author deeply involved, a rich and imaginative world to explore, and Disney’s unmatched global reach, this might be the biggest fantasy launch of the decade.
Whether it reaches Harry Potter-level status remains to be seen, but one thing’s for sure: Disney isn’t just dipping its toes into fantasy storytelling — it’s diving in headfirst.
Impossible Creatures has already proven its power to capture imaginations on the page. Now, Disney is betting it can do the same on the big screen. The next great fantasy adventure may be just around the corner.