What's Happening?
Disney has acquired the rights to the book series 'Impossible Creatures' by Katherine Rundell, investing a substantial seven-figure sum. The company plans to develop a five-film series, with Rundell writing the screenplays for the first two movies. Disney outbid Warner Bros. and Netflix for these rights, aiming to create a new franchise with potential for sequels, spinoffs, merchandise, and theme park attractions. Disney CEO Bob Iger expressed enthusiasm for the project, highlighting the vibrant world created by Rundell. The series, which began with a book published in 2023, has sold around a million copies and won multiple awards.
Why It's Important?
This acquisition marks Disney's strategic move to diversify its live-action offerings beyond adaptations of animated films. With existing franchises like Marvel and Star Wars not consistently meeting expectations, Disney is seeking new stories to captivate audiences. 'Impossible Creatures' offers a fresh narrative that could appeal to family audiences globally, potentially becoming a significant revenue stream through films, merchandise, and theme park experiences. The success of this franchise could influence Disney's future content strategy, emphasizing original storytelling alongside established franchises.
What's Next?
Disney will begin production on the first two films of the 'Impossible Creatures' series, with Katherine Rundell actively involved in the screenplay development. The company may also explore additional media and merchandise opportunities to expand the franchise's reach. Industry observers will watch closely to see if Disney can replicate the success of its other major franchises with this new property.
