Laika's stop-motion masterpiece, 'Wildwood', is set to captivate audiences worldwide with its October 23, 2026 release. The film, directed by Travis Knight and scripted by Chris Butler, is an enchanting adaptation of Colin Meloy's 'The Decemberists'. It follows a young girl's daring journey to save her brother, leading her into a mystical forest filled with magical creatures and unexpected allies. The stellar voice cast includes Carey Mulligan, Peyton Elizabeth Lee, Jacob Tremblay, Mahershala Ali, Angela Bassett, Awkwafina, Jake Johnson, Charlie Day, Amandla Stenberg, Jemaine Clement, Maya Erskine, Tantoo Cardinal, Tom Waits, and Richard E. Grant.
Laika's Chief Marketing and Operations Officer, David Burke, emphasizes the studio's unique approach to 'Wildwood'. By partnering with Fathom Entertainment for the U.S. release and FilmNation Entertainment for international sales, Laika aims to bring the film to audiences with a tailored strategy. Burke highlights the importance of matching partners to the project's needs, ensuring a successful and authentic cinematic experience. This partnership follows Laika's recent re-releases of 'Coraline' and 'ParaNorman', showcasing their commitment to quality and innovation.
Travis Knight, President and CEO of Laika, describes 'Wildwood' as Laika's most ambitious and personal project yet. It explores themes of courage and self-discovery in the face of the unknown. Knight emphasizes the film's celebration of handcrafted artistry, challenging the dominance of algorithms in the industry. He envisions 'Wildwood' as a cinematic event, designed to be experienced in theaters, where audiences can share the magic of cinema together.
Ray Nutt, CEO of Fathom Entertainment, expresses his excitement about the film's release, calling it a 'landmark achievement in handcrafted cinematic artistry'. Fathom's partnership with Laika aims to build on their successful re-releases of 'Coraline' and 'ParaNorman', solidifying their position as a leading specialty theatrical distributor. With 'Wildwood', Fathom aims to bring a full-scale theatrical experience to audiences across the U.S., marking a significant milestone in the company's evolution.
