In a film world of sequels and remakes, original ideas aren’t exactly easy to come by. So, when something original comes along, it can be hard to know whether or not it will actually pick up any steam or traction. It looks like those fears are somewhat assuaged when it comes to adapting successful books, as Disney has acquired the film rights to the “Impossible Creatures” book series. This deal has author Katherine Rundell attached as well.
An Oxford alum and professor, Rundell has received positive critical attention for a number of stories, beginning with the culture-shock story, “The Girl Savage” in 2011. She’s continued along with other stories before striking it big in 2023 with her book, “Impossible Creatures,” about two children trying to save a fantastical land. It’s been successful enough to top sales charts in the US and her native UK. This is a feat for a British author that was last accomplished by JK Rowling. Effectively this puts Rundell in highly successful company, without the baggage that has accompanied Rowling’s troubling social politics.
“Impossible Creatures” was originally meant to be a trilogy but is now being plotted out by Rundell to be a five-book series. Disney ended up winning the auction to secure the rights to make films based off of them with Rundell writing the screenplays for them. In an even bigger win for the author, her entire catalog, current and future, has a first look deal with the company, allowing Disney to potentially work with adapting anything she’s done. And if they pass on it, as part of a first look deal, she’s still allowed to shop the project elsewhere.
“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,” Disney CEO, Bob Iger, said. “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.”
Meanwhile, Rundell in her own statement said, “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.” The Charles she’s referring to is her creative partner, Charles Collier. The two have a lot on their hands now as this deal with Disney will keep them busy for years to come.
Could “Impossible Creatures” become the next big film franchise? Disney clearly thinks so given how invested they are in terms of enthusiasm and money. It’s a very big win for Rundell though as it’s not always the case where an author gets to have enough creative control over their property to be able to write the screenplays for the film adaptations. It’s a story we look forward to reporting on more as it continues to develop.
