Impossible Creatures, a fantasy novel by British author Katherine Rundell, was published in 2024 and is now being adapted into a movie series by Disney. The story follows Christopher, a young boy who discovers a hidden passage to a magical archipelago filled with mythical beings—dragons, unicorns, and other legendary creatures. Along with his friend Mal, Christopher must uncover the mystery behind why the island’s creatures are dying and what dark force threatens this enchanted world.
A fantasy story written by a female British author, centered around a young boy venturing into a magical realm of fantastical beasts—sound familiar? With Disney securing the film rights and planning a large-scale adaptation, some are wondering: Is this Disney’s answer to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter?
Harry Potter Was Almost in the Magic Kingdom
The Harry Potter book series became a global phenomenon in the 1990s. With its massive popularity, several studios explored adapting the books for film. J.K. Rowling, protective of her creation, was selective about who would bring her world to life. Disney expressed interest in acquiring the film rights, but ultimately passed. Warner Bros. went on to produce Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, released in 2001 to tremendous success.
Dominic McLaughlin in his wizarding robes as Harry Potter – HBO
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After Bob Iger became Disney CEO in 2005, there were early discussions about bringing Harry Potter to Walt Disney World. At one point, Disney entered talks with Rowling and Warner Bros. to create a Harry Potter-themed area inside Magic Kingdom. However, those negotiations fell apart—primarily because Disney wanted complete creative control, while Rowling insisted on having final approval over the land’s design and details.
The rights instead went to Universal, which led to the groundbreaking Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando. The first land, Hogsmeade, opened in 2010 at Islands of Adventure, followed by Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida in 2014, both connected by the Hogwarts Express. Now, with a third Potter-themed area—the Ministry of Magic— having debuted this year at Epic Universe, Universal continues to outshine Disney in immersive world-building.
Does “Impossible Creatures” Rival “Fantastic Beasts”?
Disney may be trying to capture the same “lightning in a bottle” that Warner Bros. did with Harry Potter. Rundell’s Impossible Creatures transports readers to a richly imagined world of magic and adventure that resonates with young audiences in much the same way Rowling’s books did three decades ago.
Hogwarts Castle in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando’s Islands of Adventure – Photo Credit: M. Montanaro
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Disney may also be thinking long-term. If the first Impossible Creatures film connects with younger audiences, it could launch a successful new franchise—one that might even inspire new, immersive theme park lands. It’s a move Disney sorely needs, as the company continues to lean heavily on aging franchises like Monsters, Inc. and Cars while phasing out beloved park staples such as Rivers of America and Muppets Courtyard. With Universal’s Epic Universe already redefining the theme park experience, Disney’s creative momentum feels increasingly uncertain.
Success Remains a Major Question
For now, Disney’s adaptation of Katherine Rundell’s Impossible Creatures is in the early stages of development. The studio reportedly acquired the rights in a seven-figure deal, with plans to adapt the first two books into films. Rundell herself will write the screenplays and serve as a producer alongside her creative partner Charles Collier through their production company, Impossible Films.
Diagon Alley in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Orlando – Photo Credit: M. Montanaro
But as with all early-stage Disney projects, everything could change. Will Impossible Creatures become Disney’s next great fantasy franchise, rivaling Harry Potter in scope and success? Or will it suffer the same fate as other Disney properties that lost direction under current leadership? If handled correctly, “Impossible Creatures” has the potential to breathe new life into the company whose pixie dust has recently turned to just dust. However, given Disney’s recent track record with the Star Wars and Marvel franchises, the answer—at least for now—feels far from magical.
Do you think Disney can strike gold with Impossible Creatures? Sound off in the comments and let us know!
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