Disney's 'Impossible Creatures' vs. Harry Potter, Holiday Merch, and Bedknobs & Broomsticks History

Disney's Next Big Franchise: Impossible Creatures

• 💡 Disney has acquired film rights to Catherine Rundle's fantasy book series, Impossible Creatures, sparking speculation about a new cinematic universe.
• 🚀 This move is seen as Disney's potential answer to the success of Harry Potter, aiming to build a franchise similar to Hogwarts.
• 📚 The series centers on a hidden world of mythical creatures and young heroes, with over a million copies sold, indicating strong potential.
• ✍️ Notably, the author, Catherine Rundle, is also writing the screenplays, a parallel to J.K. Rowling's involvement in the Fantastic Beasts films.

Holiday Merch and Global Retail

• 🎄 The Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party merchandise for 2025 has been teased, featuring classic Mickey and Minnie in Santa and Mrs. Claus outfits, with a theme reminiscent of Disney's Babes in Toyland.
• 🛍️ Disney is expanding its retail presence globally, partnering with Selfridges, a high-end British department store, to sell Disney Parks merchandise outside of the parks.
• 🌍 This collaboration includes items from various Disney resorts worldwide, such as plush, exclusive ornaments, and park collections, marking a significant step in making park-exclusive items more accessible.

The Casting of Bedknobs and Broomsticks

• 🎬 The development of Disney's Bedknobs and Broomsticks began in 1966, with the studio seeking a follow-up to the success of Mary Poppins.
• 🌟 Early casting considerations for the lead role of Eglantine Price included Lynn Redgrave and Judy Kaye, with Kaye even recording songs for a potential album.
• 🎭 Ultimately, Angela Lansbury was cast after director Bill Walsh saw her performance in the touring musical Mame, appreciating her ability to play a more mature character than Mary Poppins.
• 🎬 Lansbury's casting was secured despite her prior commitment to the Broadway musical Dear World and initial reservations about Disney's storyboard-heavy production process.
• 🎭 The role of Amelius Brown was initially offered to Ron Moody, who declined due to a top-billing dispute, and then Peter Ustinov, who was hesitant about the musical aspects, ultimately leading to David Tomlinson being cast.
• 🤯 Interestingly, Julie Andrews later expressed interest in the role after Lansbury was cast, having initially declined due to her new marriage and desire to stay closer to home.