Laika’s next stop-motion masterpiece, ‘Wildwood’, is set to captivate audiences when it arrives in theaters on October 23, 2024. The film is the result of a unique partnership between Laika and Fathom Entertainment.
A newly released trailer provides the first immersive glimpse into the epic fantasy world of ‘Wildwood’, based on the acclaimed book series by Colin Meloy and Carson Ellis. Watch the trailer below to experience the magic firsthand.
Plot and Cast
Directed by Travis Knight—the creative force behind ‘Kubo and the Two Strings’ and current CEO of Laika—and written by Laika regular Chris Butler, ‘Wildwood’ follows the story of young Prue McKeel (played by Peyton Elizabeth Lee). After her baby brother is snatched by a murder of crows, Prue ventures into a fantastical realm just outside Portland, Oregon.
Joined by her loyal but clumsy classmate Curtis Mehlberg, Prue navigates a world filled with talking animals, bandits, and powerful figures driven by grief and ambition. As they become entangled in a conflict threatening the forest’s very existence, Prue must uncover hidden strength to save her brother and secure Wildwood’s future.
“If she hopes to save her brother and protect Wildwood’s fragile future, she will have to risk everything.”
— Official synopsis
The trailer showcases the film’s staggering scope, featuring epic battles and a rich ensemble of characters, solidifying ‘Wildwood’ as a true fantasy epic.
Star-Studded Cast
The film boasts an all-star voice cast, including:
- Carey Mulligan
- Jacob Tremblay
- Richard E. Grant
- Awkwafina
- Amandla Stenberg
- Tom Waits
- Charlie Day
- Blythe Danner
- Arthur Knight
- Maya Erskine
- Jake Johnson
- Tantoo Cardinal
- Rob Delaney
They join Angela Bassett and Mahershala Ali in bringing this enchanting world to life.
Laika’s Creative Pipeline
‘Wildwood’ marks Laika’s first feature film since 2019’s ‘Missing Link’. Since then, the studio has expanded its portfolio with multiple animated and stop-motion projects. Notably, Chris Butler described a new feature at Annecy last year as “Dracula meets ‘Mary Poppins’.”
Travis Knight and Chris Butler also recently collaborated on ‘Masters of the Universe’, a live-action fantasy based on the Mattel property. The film is scheduled for release by Amazon MGM Studios on June 5, 2025.
‘Wildwood’ will premiere in theaters nationwide on October 23, 2024.
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