Laika's 'Wildwood' Soars with an Incredible Golden Eagle Sneak Peek!

Get ready to fly into Laika's next stop-motion masterpiece! A brand-new featurette gives us an astonishing look at 'The General,' a key character in the upcoming 'Wildwood' and a testament to the studio's unmatched artistry.

TL;DR: The Quick Scoop on Laika's 'Wildwood'

• Laika recently dropped a fascinating behind-the-scenes featurette for their highly anticipated stop-motion film, Wildwood.
• The video highlights "The General," a majestic golden eagle, brought to life with over 9,000 hand-placed feathers on two specialized puppets, and voiced by the amazing Angela Bassett.
• Starring Peyton Elizabeth Lee, Jacob Tremblay, and a star-studded ensemble, Wildwood is currently slated for release sometime in 2026.

Alright, animation fans, gather 'round! Laika, the studio that consistently blows our minds with its unique stop-motion magic (think Coraline, ParaNorman, and Kubo and the Two Strings), has just pulled back the curtain a little further on their next big project: Wildwood. And trust us, it's looking absolutely breathtaking.

While we're still patiently waiting for a full trailer, Laika recently treated us to a behind-the-scenes featurette that focuses on one of the film's most visually stunning characters. If you're into the intricate craft of Stop-motion Animation, or just love a good fantasy adventure, you're going to want to hear all about this.

Soaring into the Details: Meeting 'The General' of Wildwood

The star of this latest sneak peek is none other than "The General," a truly majestic golden eagle who commands the skies of the mysterious Wildwood. And who better to give voice to such a powerful character than the iconic Angela Bassett? Her presence alone tells you this isn't just any animated bird; this is a fierce warrior and a leader.

The featurette dives deep into the incredible, painstaking process Laika's brilliant artists go through to bring their characters to life. For The General, they built not one, but two extraordinary puppets. Why two, you ask? Well, one is specifically designed for those grand, soaring flight sequences, allowing for fluid and natural aerial movements. The other is crafted for more intricate performance controls, capturing every subtle nuance of emotion and expression.

And here's a detail that truly highlights the dedication: the animators hand-placed a staggering 9,000 individual feathers onto these puppets! Imagine the patience and artistry involved in that. They studied real golden eagles, drawing inspiration from nature to perfect every avian movement, ensuring that when The General takes flight on screen, it looks utterly believable. It’s no wonder Laika calls this their "most ambitious cinematic journey yet."

"Known throughout Wildwood as The General. She embodies power & unshakeable grace."

— Description of Angela Bassett's character in 'Wildwood'

Diving Deep into the Magical Story of Laika's Wildwood

Beyond the feathered spectacle, what's Wildwood actually about? The film takes us to the magical, hidden forest just outside of Portland, Oregon – a place you're not supposed to go, or even know exists. Our story kicks off when an ordinary girl named Prue McKeel finds her life turned upside down. Her baby brother, Mac, gets snatched away by a murder of crows and carried deep into the forest's depths.

Determined to rescue him, Prue, along with her hapless classmate Curtis, ventures into this enchanted wonderland. It’s a place brimming with strange talking animals, roguish bandits, and powerful, sometimes dark, figures. Prue might think she's too old for fairytales, but she's about to find herself right in the middle of one.

If the premise sounds familiar, that's because Wildwood is based on the beloved middle-grade fantasy novel series by Colin Meloy, frontman of the band The Decemberists. The books are beautifully illustrated by his equally famous wife, Carson Ellis. What's even cooler is how "Portland" this whole project is: Laika Studios is based in Hillsboro, just outside Portland, and the story is rooted in the fantastical version of Portland's very own Forest Park.

Meet the Incredible Voice Talent Bringing Wildwood to Life

Laika movies always attract an amazing roster of talent, and Wildwood is certainly no exception. Leading the charge as Prue McKeel is the rising star Peyton Elizabeth Lee, known for her roles in Disney's Andi Mack and Doogie Kameāloha, M.D. Joining her is Jacob Tremblay as her friend Curtis, a familiar voice from other acclaimed animated features.

Of course, we've already highlighted Angela Bassett as The General. But the incredible cast doesn't stop there. Prepare to hear voices from a seriously impressive ensemble, including:

• Carey Mulligan
• Awkwafina
• Mahershala Ali
• Jake Johnson
• Charlie Day
• Amandla Stenberg
• Tom Waits
• Jemaine Clement
• Richard E. Grant

That's a lineup that promises plenty of personality and depth for the diverse characters populating this magical world!

Behind the Scenes: Crafting Laika's Most Ambitious Cinematic Journey Yet

Bringing a story like Wildwood to life with stop-motion animation is no small feat. It's a testament to the vision of Laika CEO Travis Knight, who is not only the studio's leader but also the film's director. Knight previously directed the critically acclaimed Kubo and the Two Strings (another Laika masterpiece) and the fan-favorite live-action film Bumblebee, proving his versatile directorial chops.

Knight himself has called Wildwood "the hardest thing we have ever done" and "incredibly ambitious." And when you hear the numbers, you understand why: the film features a staggering 136 locations, utilizes 231 practical puppets, and includes 54 hero characters. That's a massive undertaking for any film, let alone one meticulously crafted frame by frame in stop-motion. They've even brought in six-time Oscar-nominated cinematographer Caleb Deschanel to ensure every shot is pure cinematic gold.

This project has been a long time coming, too. Laika acquired the rights to Colin Meloy's book way back in 2011, the same year the first novel was published. It wasn't officially announced until 2021, meaning it's been in some form of development for over a decade! This long gestation period underscores the complexity and the studio's commitment to getting it just right. It will be Laika's first feature film since 2019's Missing Link, making its 2026 release even more anticipated.

Why Wildwood is Poised to Be a Major Event in Animated Film History

Laika has an enviable track record: every single one of their feature films has received a nomination for Best Animated Feature at the Academy Awards. That's an astonishing achievement and speaks volumes about their consistent quality and innovation. With Wildwood being touted as their most ambitious project to date, it's safe to say that its Oscar prospects are looking very strong for 2027 (for films released in 2026).

For fans of truly unique storytelling, breathtaking visuals, and the dedication to craft that only stop-motion can provide, Wildwood is shaping up to be a must-see. The blend of a compelling, magical narrative with Laika's signature artistry promises an unforgettable cinematic experience. We can't wait to delve into the depths of Wildwood in 2026!

Frequently Asked Questions About Laika's 'Wildwood'

When Can We Expect Laika's 'Wildwood' to Hit Theaters?

Currently, Wildwood is scheduled for release sometime in 2026, with some sources mentioning "early 2026." However, a specific release date has not yet been officially announced by Laika Studios.

What Kind of Rating Might 'Wildwood' Receive, and Where Can We Watch It?

While no official rating has been given, Laika's previous films like Coraline and Kubo and the Two Strings have generally received PG ratings for mild thematic elements or peril. It's safe to assume Wildwood will follow a similar path, making it suitable for a broad audience. It is expected to have a theatrical release, with streaming availability to be announced later.

Is 'Wildwood' Based on a Book Series, and Who Are the Authors?

Yes, Wildwood is based on the bestselling children's fantasy novel series of the same name. The books were written by Colin Meloy, lead singer and songwriter for The Decemberists, and beautifully illustrated by his wife, Carson Ellis.

What Makes Laika's 'Wildwood' So Special and Ambitious?

According to Laika CEO and director Travis Knight, Wildwood is their "most ambitious cinematic journey yet" and "the hardest thing we have ever done." This is due to its immense scale, featuring 136 distinct locations, 231 practical puppets, and 54 hero characters, all brought to life with the studio's renowned, intricate stop-motion animation techniques, including thousands of hand-placed feathers on characters like The General.

Sources

Based on recent news articles and studio announcements from First Showing, The Oregonian/OregonLive, io9, Cartoon Brew, befores & afters, TechRadar, ScreenRant, and Gold Derby.