Stop-motion animation powerhouse LAIKA is officially pushing the boundaries of physical filmmaking to unprecedented heights! The celebrated studio is also behind dark fantasy classics like Coraline and ParaNorman. It has now unleashed the final trailer for its grandest undertaking yet, Wildwood. As the longest stop-motion animated movie ever made, this sweeping dark fantasy promises a cinematic milestone built on scale, artistry, and incredible craftsmanship.
A Darkly Magical Quest Into the Impassable Wilderness
The film is based on the beloved 2011 children’s novel by The Decemberists frontman Colin Meloy and illustrated by Carson Ellis. Wildwood follows a young girl named Prue McKeel. She is thrust into an extraordinary nightmare. When a flock of crows snatches her baby brother, Prue must plunge deep into the Impassable Wilderness. It’s a dense, hidden forest surrounding Portland, Oregon, that no one ever enters. Alongside her classmate Curtis, Prue navigates a treacherous world filled with warring factions, mystical talking animals, and ancient woodland magic. All to pull off a desperate rescue mission.
Master Filmmakers and an All-Star Ensemble
Helmed by LAIKA President and CEO Travis Knight (Kubo and the Two Strings), Chris Butler (ParaNorman) adapted the screenplay. The ambitious feature boasts an astonishing voice cast led by Peyton Elizabeth Lee (Pizza Movie) as Prue and Jacob Tremblay (Luca) as Curtis. Joining them is a massive roster of legendary Hollywood talent. That includes Carey Mulligan, Mahershala Ali, Angela Bassett, Awkwafina, and Amandla Stenberg. They are joined by actor/musician Tom Waits, as well as Charlie Day, Richard E. Grant, Blythe Danner, Maya Erskine, Jake Johnson, and Tantoo Cardinal. Rob Delaney, Jemaine Clement, Marc Evan Jackson, Len Cariou, and Ólafur Darri Ólafsson round out the cast.
LAIKA’s Most Technically Ambitious Feat Yet
Bringing the sprawling enchanted forest to life required LAIKA to shatter its own creative limits. To match the epic scope of Meloy’s world, the production built 136 distinct physical sets and hand-crafted 231 intricate puppets.
Prepare to experience LAIKA’s ultimate masterpiece on the big screen when Wildwood arrives in theaters everywhere on October 23! Get your tickets now. While you wait for the premiere, watch LAIKA’s Coraline and ParaNorman. Both are streaming on Hulu, Prime Video, and Roku.
