Hillsboro’s LAIKA studio sets a new date. Their latest stop-motion film arrives October 23, 2026. The movie is titled ‘Wildwood.’ This marks LAIKA’s sixth feature film. It is also their most ambitious to date.
Travis Knight directs ‘Wildwood.’ He is LAIKA’s President and CEO. The story follows a young girl. Her quest takes her into a forbidden forest. This epic fantasy promises adventure. It also explores deep themes.
The Enchanted Forest Beckons
‘Wildwood’ is based on a popular novel. Colin Meloy and Carson Ellis wrote the book. The film adapts this magical tale. It centers on Prue McKeel. She ventures into a secret world. This forest lies near Portland, Oregon. Prue searches for her kidnapped baby brother. Crows steal him. A mysterious woman leads them. The forest is full of wonders. It also holds dark secrets. Strange creatures inhabit this land. Unlikely allies help Prue. Formidable adversaries stand in her way. The film explores courage. It delves into the unknown. It also touches on themes of sacrifice. Life lessons unfold within its pages. For the audience, it offers an escape into fantasy. This offers a great leisure pursuit.
A Stellar Voice Ensemble
LAIKA has assembled a huge voice cast. Carey Mulligan lends her voice. Mahershala Ali also joins the cast. Peyton Elizabeth Lee stars as Prue. Jacob Tremblay voices Curtis. Awkwafina provides a voice. Angela Bassett is part of the ensemble. Jake Johnson lends his voice too. Charlie Day joins the talented group. Amandla Stenberg is also featured. Jemaine Clement adds his voice. Maya Erskine participates. Tantoo Cardinal lends her talent. Tom Waits and Richard E. Grant are included. This star power enhances the film’s appeal.
Oregon’s Animation Legacy
LAIKA Studios calls Hillsboro, Oregon home. It is part of the Portland metropolitan area. Phil Knight, Nike’s co-founder, owns the studio. His son, Travis Knight, leads it as president. The studio began in 2005. It grew from Will Vinton Studios. This Oregon studio has a rich history. It champions stop-motion animation. Its films earned numerous Oscar nominations. Past works include ‘Coraline.’ They also made ‘ParaNorman.’ ‘The Boxtrolls’ was another hit. ‘Kubo and the Two Strings’ earned acclaim. ‘Missing Link’ won a Golden Globe. LAIKA’s commitment to Oregon is strong. The company fosters local talent. It embraces the region’s creative spirit. Its presence highlights Oregon’s role in the arts. This news is significant for local news. It showcases artistic life in the state.
The Art of Handcrafted Cinema
‘Wildwood’ is LAIKA’s most ambitious film. It uses meticulous stop-motion animation. This technique involves physical artistry. Puppets and sets are handcrafted with great care. The studio builds intricate worlds. They create unique characters. The film pushes the boundaries of this art form. It features expansive environments. Complex creatures inhabit its scenes. This approach celebrates artistry over algorithms. It shows the power of handmade creations. The film’s production took years. This dedication ensures a unique visual experience.
Release and Anticipation Build
Fathom Entertainment is the U.S. distributor. FilmNation Entertainment handles international sales. This partnership ensures a wide release. Tickets become available later this summer. Fans eagerly await this new adventure. LAIKA’s return to theaters is a major event. It is their first film since 2019’s ‘Missing Link.’ The movie aims for a true cinematic event. It encourages shared experiences in theaters. This aligns with LAIKA’s vision for film. It promises wonder and excitement for viewers.
A New Chapter for LAIKA
‘Wildwood’ represents a significant milestone. It showcases LAIKA’s dedication to storytelling. It highlights their mastery of stop-motion. The film offers a magical escape. It explores universal themes. It arrives as a testament to enduring craftsmanship. LAIKA continues to inspire. This new release promises joy and discovery. It offers a grand fantasy for all to enjoy. Life’s wonders are often found in unexpected places. The forest of ‘Wildwood’ holds many secrets.
