LAIKA's Wildwood Takes Flight: A Stunning First Look at Their Most Ambitious Film Yet

Get ready, animation fans! LAIKA, the studio that brought us Coraline, just dropped an incredible sneak peek at Wildwood, revealing the intricate magic behind its next stop-motion masterpiece.

TL;DR:

• LAIKA's highly anticipated stop-motion film Wildwood gave us a breathtaking behind-the-scenes look, showcasing its incredible artistry.
• The featurette focuses on The General, a majestic golden eagle voiced by Angela Bassett, brought to life with 9,000 individual feathers.
• Based on Colin Meloy's beloved novel, this "most ambitious" project is directed by Travis Knight and boasts an all-star voice cast, hitting theaters in 2026.

If you're anything like us, the mention of LAIKA immediately conjures images of wonderfully eerie, handcrafted worlds and stories that stick with you long after the credits roll. From the spooky charm of Coraline to the epic adventure of Kubo and the Two Strings, this Oregon-based Stop-motion studio consistently delivers unique cinematic experiences. So, when they pull back the curtain on a new project, you know it's going to be something special. And their recent first look at Wildwood? It's exactly that, and then some!

After years of anticipation, LAIKA has offered us a fascinating glimpse into the making of their next stop-motion epic, a film they're calling their "most ambitious cinematic journey yet." It’s clear from this sneak peek that Wildwood is set to be a visual and technical marvel, continuing LAIKA's legacy of pushing the boundaries of what stop-motion animation can achieve.

Witnessing the Magic of Stop-Motion Animation in Action

The recently released three-minute behind-the-scenes featurette isn't just a teaser; it's a testament to the meticulous artistry and sheer dedication that goes into every frame of a LAIKA film. And the star of this particular show? None other than The General, a magnificent golden eagle who commands the skies over Wildwood.

Voiced by the incredible Angela Bassett, an Honorary Academy Award recipient, The General isn't just a character; she's a fierce warrior and a watchful guardian. Bassett’s powerful and regal voice is a perfect match for this majestic creature, promising a character with both gravitas and an unshakeable presence. Seeing her brought to life is truly awe-inspiring.

What truly stands out in this first look is the mind-blowing technical preparation involved. LAIKA's animators didn't just sculpt a puppet; they meticulously designed several models inspired by nature to perfectly capture the nuanced avian movement of an eagle. Imagine this: they placed a staggering 9,000 individual feathers on two specialized puppets for The General! One puppet is designed for dynamic flight sequences, allowing for breathtaking aerial ballet, while the other is crafted for more fine-tuned, intricate performance control. This isn't just about looking good; it's about achieving a level of naturalistic articulation and fluidity that often makes you forget you're watching stop-motion.

Watching the footage of artists hand-crafting these puppets, positioning each feather, and subtly manipulating them into motion underscores why LAIKA's work feels so alive. It’s an art form that rejects shortcuts, pouring creativity into every joint, feather, and frame, as the narration describes. This commitment to detail truly makes Wildwood look like another winning entry in LAIKA's impressive filmography.

Delving into the Enchanting Story of Prue's Wildwood Adventure

Beyond the technical wizardry, Wildwood promises a captivating story rooted in classic fantasy. The film is based on the beloved middle-grade novel by Colin Meloy, who many know as the frontman of the Portland-based band The Decemberists. The book itself is beautifully illustrated by his equally famous wife, Carson Ellis, creating a rich visual world that LAIKA is perfectly suited to adapt. This deep Portland connection adds another layer of authenticity, given LAIKA's own roots just outside the city in Hillsboro, Oregon.

The story follows Prue McKeel (voiced by Peyton Elizabeth Lee), an ordinary girl whose life takes an extraordinary turn when her baby brother, Mac, is snatched away by a murder of crows. Talk about a dramatic kidnapping! Her desperate search leads her and her classmate, Curtis Mehlberg (voiced by Jacob Tremblay), into the mysterious, magical realm known as Wildwood, or sometimes the "Impassable Wilderness," a fantastical forest existing just beyond the edge of their familiar Portland. It's a place teeming with magic, intriguing creatures, and a host of dangers.

In this enchanted forest, Prue will encounter bandits, talking animals, and, of course, team up with The General, the golden eagle, to help her on her quest to rescue Mac. But it won't be easy. The articles also tease a "terrifying" antagonist named Maxim, voiced by the one and only Tom Waits, which promises a suitably eerie and formidable foe for Prue to face. It's a classic hero's journey wrapped in a visually stunning, handcrafted package.

An All-Star Ensemble Lending Their Voices to Wildwood's Characters

LAIKA films are known not just for their visuals but for their incredible voice casts, and Wildwood is absolutely no exception. The lineup for this movie is packed with star power, bringing a wealth of talent to these unique stop-motion characters. Leading the ensemble is Peyton Elizabeth Lee as Prue McKeel, whose fresh voice will undoubtedly capture the courage and vulnerability of the young protagonist.

Joining Lee and the already mentioned Angela Bassett and Tom Waits, the cast includes:

• Mahershala Ali: A two-time Academy Award winner, his presence guarantees depth.
• Carey Mulligan: Known for her versatile and compelling performances.
• Jacob Tremblay: A talented young actor who brings a youthful energy.
• Awkwafina: Her distinctive voice and comedic timing will surely add charm.
• Jake Johnson: Known for his unique blend of humor and heart.
• Charlie Day: Expect some energetic and perhaps chaotic brilliance.
• Amandla Stenberg: A rising star with a powerful vocal presence.
• Jemaine Clement: His dry wit and musical talent often make for memorable characters.
• Richard E. Grant: An acclaimed actor who can bring gravitas or quirky charm.
• Maya Erskine: A fantastic comedic and dramatic talent.
• Tantoo Cardinal: An experienced and respected actress.

This diverse and celebrated cast, combined with the direction of LAIKA president and CEO Travis Knight (who also directed the acclaimed Kubo and the Two Strings and Bumblebee), and a screenplay penned by frequent LAIKA collaborator Chris Butler (ParaNorman, Missing Link), ensures that Wildwood will be as rich in performance as it is in visual spectacle. Six-time Oscar-nominated cinematographer Caleb Deschanel is also on board, which means we can expect breathtaking visuals from every angle.

LAIKA's Ambitious Vision and a Decade in the Making

The journey to bring Wildwood to the screen has been a truly epic one. LAIKA acquired the rights to Colin Meloy's novel all the way back in 2011, the same year the first book was published and when LAIKA had only released Coraline. That's over a decade of development! The official announcement for the film wasn't even made until September 2021.

This extended timeline isn't unusual for stop-motion, but LAIKA has been particularly vocal about the challenges involved. Director Travis Knight himself shared just how monumental this undertaking has been:

"A huge part of the reason it's taken us so long to bring this to life cinematically is that it's incredibly ambitious."

— Travis Knight, LAIKA President and CEO

Knight has even gone on record calling Wildwood "the hardest thing we have ever done." When a studio known for films like Coraline and Kubo makes such a claim, you know they're truly pushing the limits. And the numbers back up that ambition: the film reportedly features 136 unique locations, 54 hero characters, and a staggering 231 practical puppets. This isn't just a movie; it's an entire miniature universe built by hand.

This dedication to the craft, even in the face of immense difficulty and a world increasingly dominated by CGI, is what makes LAIKA so special. They embody the spirit of handcrafted storytelling, creating films that feel both timeless and uniquely modern. After 2019's Missing Link, Wildwood marks LAIKA's much-anticipated return to feature films, promising to deliver on all the magic and meticulous detail we've come to expect.

When You Can Immerse Yourself in the Magical World of Wildwood

So, after all this talk of breathtaking animation, a captivating story, and an incredible cast, when can you actually see Wildwood? The good news is that the wait isn't too much longer! LAIKA has confirmed that Wildwood is expected to arrive in theaters in 2026. While there isn't a more specific release date or window just yet, knowing it's on the horizon for next year is fantastic news for animation enthusiasts.

This theatrical release means you'll get to experience LAIKA's intricate artistry on the big screen, where every carefully placed feather and sweeping landscape can truly shine. With the studio having recently re-released their fan-favorite ParaNorman in 3D and dropped a new CG short called The Thrifting, it's clear LAIKA is gearing up for a big year. We'll be keeping our eyes peeled for more updates, including that official release date, so you know exactly when to mark your calendars!

Frequently Asked Questions About Wildwood

When is Wildwood coming out?

Wildwood is currently slated for release in theaters sometime in 2026. A more specific date has not yet been announced.

Where can I watch Wildwood?

The film is confirmed for a theatrical release. Details on streaming availability after its theatrical run are not yet available.

What is Wildwood about?

Wildwood follows Prue McKeel, a young girl from Portland, Oregon, who ventures into a magical, hidden forest to rescue her baby brother, Mac, after he is kidnapped by a murder of crows.

Who are the main voice actors in Wildwood?

The impressive voice cast includes Peyton Elizabeth Lee as Prue, Angela Bassett as The General, Jacob Tremblay as Curtis Mehlberg, and Tom Waits as the antagonist Maxim, alongside Carey Mulligan, Mahershala Ali, Awkwafina, Jake Johnson, Charlie Day, Amandla Stenberg, Jemaine Clement, and Richard E. Grant.

Is Wildwood based on a book?

Yes, Wildwood is based on the bestselling middle-grade fantasy novel by Colin Meloy, illustrated by Carson Ellis. It's the first book in "The Wildwood Chronicles" trilogy.

Sources

• Original articles from The Oregonian/OregonLive, Mashable, Cartoon Brew, Gizmodo, befores & afters, TechRadar, A.V. Club, ComingSoon.net, Movies.ie, FirstShowing.net, and Yahoo.