Enthusiasts of Laika’s distinctive style in stop-motion animation now have a definite date to look forward to, as the renowned studio has officially confirmed to ComicBook that their highly anticipated film, “Wildwood,” is set for release in 2026. This confirmation puts an end to the prolonged speculation and doubt surrounding the project’s schedule, which initially hinted at a 2025 premiere that later disappeared from promotional materials, leaving fans questioning the movie’s progress. The announcement underscores Laika’s dedication to bringing Colin Meloy’s fantasy epic, helmed by studio President and CEO Travis Knight (famous for “Kubo and the Two Strings”), to the big screen.
Embarking on Wildwood is a substantial project for our animation studio based in Oregon, as it’s the first book from the enchanting fantasy series by Colin Meloy of The Decemberists. I’m talking about Prue McKeel here, a young girl whose mundane life in Portland, Oregon, takes an unexpected turn when her little brother, Mac, is snatched away by a murder of crows and whisked into the Forbidden Forest on the city’s edge – a place called Wildwood. I find myself drawn into this secret world, where Prue encounters Curtis Mehlberg, a classmate who joins her on this journey. We uncover a mystical realm teeming with talking animals, warring factions, and intricate power struggles as we race against time to save Mac from the grip of the exiled Dowager Governess, Alexandra. Wildwood boasts an impressive lineup of voice talent, featuring stars like Mahershala Ali, Awkwafina, and Angela Bassett.
The process of creating the adaptation for “Wildwood” started in 2011, not long after the book’s release. However, it wasn’t until September 2021 that the project was formally acknowledged by Laika, with Chris Sanders (known for “ParaNorman” and “Missing Link”) set to direct from a screenplay he wrote. Filming began at Laika’s advanced facility near Portland, utilizing their trademark painstaking stop-motion methods. Travis Knight himself referred to “Wildwood” as a significant step forward for the studio, hinting at an expansive scope and a large-scale battle scene that surpasses anything Laika has tackled before.
Wildwood Signals Laika’s Commitment to Stop-Motion Craft
Established in 2005, following the remains of Will Vinton Studios, Laika has been a unique studio, fueled by the vision (and financial support) of Nike co-founder Phil Knight and his son Travis. They’ve made a name for themselves creating visually stunning and thought-provoking stop-motion films that differ from mainstream animation. Their first feature, Coraline, directed by renowned stop-motion director Henry Selick, was not only critically acclaimed but also commercially successful, earning an Oscar nomination and becoming a timeless dark fantasy favorite whose appeal continues to thrive, as shown by its profitable theatrical re-releases. Later films such as ParaNorman, The Boxtrolls, Kubo and the Two Strings, and Missing Link have further cemented Laika’s reputation for exceptional craftsmanship and mature storytelling, with each of their features receiving a nomination for Best Animated Feature at the Academy Awards.
Although Laika’s films have received widespread praise from critics, their financial success has been uneven. For instance, Coraline was very profitable, but subsequent movies, despite positive feedback, didn’t perform as well, with Missing Link falling short of expectations. Due to the labor-intensive nature of stop-motion animation that demands significant time, resources, and a highly skilled workforce, it is riskier compared to computer-generated (CG) animation production. However, Laika’s persistence in this challenging field and their commitment to preserving the artistry of stop-motion despite the pressures, showcases the passion and conviction of the team behind Laika towards this unique technique.
Wildwood will hit theaters in 2026.
Are you looking forward to the upcoming movie by Laika studios? Can we expect a trailer soon? Feel free to share your thoughts below!
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2025-04-16 18:10