In an intimate setting, Katherine Rundell poses a profound question: confronted with humanity's complete historical record, encompassing both immense suffering and boundless creativity, would one conclude that our species is inherently flawed, or instead marvel at our capacity for love, designating it as the paramount miracle? This philosophical inquiry, born from John Donne's "Metempsychosis," serves as the creative spark for her highly anticipated "Impossible Creatures" series. This bestselling fantasy saga, set to become a five-book collection, recently secured Rundell, 39, a lucrative seven-figure agreement with Disney. The third installment, "The Neverfear," is slated for release next month, further fueling the excitement around her imaginative universe.
Rundell's books have captivated a broad audience, from children to adults, selling over a million copies and achieving the rare feat of simultaneously topping children's book charts in both the UK and US, a milestone not seen since J.K. Rowling. Her narratives, rich with hidden magical islands and mythical beings, follow the adventures of a young boy named Christopher on perilous quests for the greater good. While comparisons to "Harry Potter" are frequent, Rundell distinguishes her work, aligning it more closely with Philip Pullman's "His Dark Materials" trilogy, a comparison she openly embraces. Her early life in Harare, Zimbabwe, profoundly shaped her, instilling a deep appreciation for the natural world and its mysteries, a sense of wonder that permeates her literary creations.
The author's formative years were also marked by the loss of her older foster sister, Alison, at the age of ten, an event Rundell identifies as a pivotal moment. This experience led her to voraciously consume books, finding solace and a sense of possibility beyond tragedy, a need that still resonates in her writing. Her "Impossible Creatures" series frequently explores themes of global catastrophe and existential threats, using the struggles of mythical beasts and the challenges facing their magical world to mirror real-world environmental concerns. Rundell views fantasy as a powerful tool for engaging with complex global issues, asserting that while her books are filled with adventure, affection, and humor, they also carry an underlying message about humanity's most significant questions. She sees climate change as the defining moral challenge of our era, and her stories encourage readers to seriously consider its implications and the potential for collective action.
As Rundell stands on the brink of significant literary recognition, the forthcoming film adaptation of "Impossible Creatures" represents another major step. With an estimated budget of 100 million dollars for the first film, she expresses satisfaction with the collaboration with Disney, highlighting her significant creative control over the project. Beyond writing the screenplays, she will also serve as a producer alongside her long-term partner, Charles Collier, whose background as a film lawyer has proven invaluable. This ensures that her artistic vision remains at the forefront of the adaptation. While specific story changes are kept under wraps, the focus is on finding the perfect young actor to embody Christopher, someone who can convey both wit and a gentle strength, projecting a positive image of nurturing masculinity. Rundell's enthusiasm for life, exemplified by her recent experience with the flying trapeze, underscores the bright-eyed wonder that defines her, making her writing both captivating and deeply inspiring.
