Laika Studios Reveals First Look at Stop-Motion Film ‘Wildwood’

Laika Studios released a behind-the-scenes featurette today showcasing the intricate puppet work for their upcoming stop-motion animated film, Wildwood, offering a refreshing contrast to the increasing prevalence of AI-generated content in visual media.

Adapted from the novel by Colin Meloy of The Decemberists and illustrated by Carson Ellis, Wildwood marks the second feature film directed by Travis Knight, Laika’s CEO and lead animator, following his critically acclaimed Kubo and the Two Strings. The project, initially announced in 2014, centers on Prue McKeel (Peyton Elizabeth Lee) and her friend Curtis Mehlberg (Jacob Tremblay) as they venture into a magical realm just beyond Portland, Oregon, to rescue Prue’s kidnapped baby brother, Mac. A key element of the film is The General, a majestic golden eagle voiced by Angela Bassett, brought to life with an astonishing 9,000 individually crafted feathers.

The all-star cast also includes Mahershala Ali, Carey Mulligan, Tom Waits as the antagonist Maxim, Jemaine Clement, Jake Johnson, Charlie Day, Amandla Stenberg, Maya Erskine, Tantoo Cardinal, and Richard E. Grant. The story follows Prue and Curtis as they navigate the fantastical world of Wildwood with the help of The General, facing challenges and encountering the creatures within. Stop-motion animation, a labor-intensive process, is experiencing a resurgence in popularity as audiences seek out uniquely crafted storytelling experiences, as evidenced by recent re-releases like ParaNorman.

While a specific release date has not yet been announced, Wildwood is currently slated for theatrical release next year. Studio representatives indicated that further updates regarding the release schedule will be shared in the coming months.