UPDATE: Laika has just revealed breathtaking new footage from its upcoming film Wildwood, promising an ambitious cinematic journey that showcases its legendary stop-motion artistry. This unveiling coincided with the re-release of ParaNorman in theaters this weekend, intensifying excitement among fans.
The new footage features stunning concept art highlighting Portland’s majestic aerial views and introduces viewers to the character known as the General—an eagle portrayed with “unshakeable grace” and voiced by Angela Bassett. The intricacies involved in animating the General are awe-inspiring, with Laika sharing that creating her lifelike movements required models inspired by nature, alongside a staggering 9,000 individual feathers meticulously applied to special puppets designed for both flight scenes and intricate performance.
Directed by Travis Knight, known for his work on Bumblebee, Wildwood is based on Colin Meloy’s 2011 fantasy novel. The story follows a young Portland girl, Prue McKeel, and her classmate Curtis as they venture into a magical forest to find her missing baby brother, Mac. The film boasts a stellar voice cast, including Peyton Elizabeth Lee, Jacob Tremblay, and Amandla Stenberg, further adding to the film’s appeal.
Laika’s commitment to animation shines through in the footage. Viewers can see the creative process behind bringing the General to life, with animators infusing creativity into every joint, feather, and frame. The studio emphasizes the “artistry, innovation, and heart” that went into Wildwood, showcasing their technical prowess and dedication to storytelling.
Fans eagerly await the film’s release, set for 2026. With Laika’s track record of captivating storytelling and groundbreaking animation, Wildwood looks poised to be another landmark achievement in the studio’s illustrious history.
Stay tuned for more updates as Laika continues to unveil details about this highly anticipated project! Don’t miss your chance to experience the magic when Wildwood hits theaters.
