LAIKA Studios has officially released a behind-the-scenes trailer for its upcoming stop-motion animated film, Wildwood. Set to premiere in 2026, the film has faced delays but promises to be a visually stunning addition to LAIKA’s acclaimed portfolio, which includes titles such as Coraline and ParaNorman.
Based on the Wildwood Chronicles book series by Colin Meloy, illustrated by Carson Ellis, the film follows the journey of Prue McKeel, who embarks on an adventure in the forests outside Portland to rescue her kidnapped brother, Mac. Abducted by a murder of crows, Mac is taken into the mysterious Impassable Wilderness. Prue teams up with her classmate, Curtis, and together they discover a magical realm filled with unexpected challenges.
The film, directed by Travis Knight and penned by Chris Butler, boasts a star-studded cast including Carey Mulligan, Awkwafina, Angela Bassett, Jake Johnson, Charlie Day, and Richard E. Grant. The project also features the expertise of six-time Oscar-nominated cinematographer Caleb Deschanel, contributing to the film’s ambitious visual design.
Production Highlights and Challenges
According to Dave Burke, chief marketing and operations officer at LAIKA, “This is our most ambitious film yet.” The production will showcase 136 locations, utilize 231 practical puppets, and feature 54 hero characters. Development of Wildwood began as early as 2011, shortly after Meloy’s book series was released, but it was not officially confirmed until 2021.
LAIKA, known for its breathtaking visuals and innovative stop-motion techniques, faces heightened expectations following the mixed reception of its last film, Missing Link, which grossed only $26.5 million against a production budget of $100 million. Knight has described Wildwood as potentially “the hardest thing we have ever done” and believes it embodies “incredible ambition”.
Looking Ahead
The official release date for Wildwood has yet to be announced, but it is slated for release in 2026. Meanwhile, Knight is also involved in other projects, including the live-action adaptation of Masters of the Universe, set to premiere on June 5, 2024.
As anticipation grows for Wildwood, audiences and fans of LAIKA’s unique storytelling style are eager to see how this new tale unfolds in a richly crafted animated world that promises to engage viewers of all ages.
