A new movie from the incredible craftspeople at stop-motion animation studio Laika is always cause for celebration. We've already seen a Laika classic on screen this year, as CORALINE returned for an anniversary run. But the studio's last new feature was released five years ago: 2019's MISSING LINK.
In 2025, WILDWOOD brings Laika's efforts back to the big screen. It's a new dark fantasy, directed by the head of the studio and based on the 2011 book by Colin Meloy and Carson Ellis. The movie has been in development since the book first appeared, and is reportedly the most ambitiously difficult film Laika has ever made. Here's everything you need to know about WILDWOOD.
What's the Wildwood Release Date?
There is no release date set for WILDWOOD at this point, but the fact that Laika has announced the film and released a few images suggests that we'll see it in 2025.
Is There a Trailer for Wildwood?
Right now there is no trailer for WILDWOOD! We could well get a teaser along with the release date, when Laika announces details.
There is, however, a title announcement video. It features clips from former Laika movies to set up why you might be excited for WILDWOOD. But it also features just a bit of footage from the new movie.
Wildwood Is Based on the Book of the Same Name
In 2011, Colin Meloy, best known as the leader of rock band The Decemberists, published "Wildwood," a novel for kids illustrated by Meloy's wife, Carson Ellis. The book follows two seventh grade students, Prue and Curtis, as they search for Prue's toddler brother after he is abducted by crows. Yes, crows! The search takes them deep into a fantasy land and right into the middle of a conflict they know nothing about.
The book was quite popular and led to two sequels. It is set in Portland, where Meloy resides. (It's also where Laika is located, more or less.)
Who Is in the Cast of Wildwood?
As a stop-motion animated movie, WILDWOOD's cast all performs as voice actors. Peyton Elizabeth Lee plays Prue McKeel and Jacob Tremblay plays her sort-of friend Curtis Mehlberg, who is drawn into the adventure along with Prue. Carey Mulligan as Alexandra, the exiled Dowager Governess of South Wood, and the villain of the movie. And Mahershala Ali voices Brenden, a Bandit King whose community is oppressed by Alexandra.
The WILDWOOD cast also features Awkwafina, Angela Bassett, Jake Johnson, Charlie Day, Amandla Stenberg, Jemaine Clement, Tom Waits, Maya Erskine, Tantoo Cardinal, and Richard E. Grant.
Who Is Directing Laika's Wildwood?
WILDWOOD is directed by Travis Knight, who also happens to be president and CEO of Laika, and one of the studio's lead animators. He directed KUBO AND THE TWO STRINGS and then made his live-action directorial debut with the Transformers movie BUMBLEBEE.
Wildwood Is Reportedly the Most Difficult Movie Laika Has Made
Travis Knight told Empire that WILDWOOD is "the hardest thing we have ever done" and "incredibly ambitious.” The issue is that "there’s all these elements that are really challenging to do in stop-motion."
Laika has always pushed the boundaries of what seemed possible in stop-motion animation, but this movie has huge battles and flying sequences that feature lifelike birds. It's difficult stuff even for the studio that masters pioneering new techniques for every movie.
We'll tell you more about WILDWOOD soon!
All images courtesy of Laika.