Wildwood Is a New Stop-Motion Fantasy From Coraline Studio Laika

A new movie from the incredible craftspeople at stop-motion animation studio Laika is always cause for celebration. We've already seen a Laika classic on screen this year, as CORALINE returned for an anniversary run. But the studio's last new feature was released seven years ago: 2019's MISSING LINK.

In 2026, WILDWOOD brings Laika's efforts back to the big screen. It's a new dark fantasy, directed by the head of the studio and based on the 2011 book by Colin Meloy and Carson Ellis. The movie has been in development since the book first appeared, and is reportedly the most ambitiously difficult film Laika has ever made. Here's everything you need to know about WILDWOOD.

Now, WILDWOOD brings Laika's stop-motion animation back to the big screen. This dark fantasy adventure from the studio behind Coraline is directed by Travis Knight and based on the bestselling 2011 book by Colin Meloy and Carson Ellis. After more than a decade in development, WILDWOOD is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated animated movies of 2026

What's the Wildwood Release Date?

WILDWOOD will be released in theaters on October 23, 2026.

Is There a Trailer for Wildwood?

Yes—Laika released the first official Wildwood teaser trailer in May 2026.

The teaser offers the first look at:
- The mysterious Impassable Wilderness
- The film’s handcrafted stop-motion animation style
- The emotional journey of its main characters

Wildwood Is Based on the Book of the Same Name

In 2011, Colin Meloy, best known as the leader of rock band The Decemberists, published "Wildwood," a novel for kids illustrated by Meloy's wife, Carson Ellis. The book follows two seventh grade students, Prue and Curtis, as they search for Prue's toddler brother after he is abducted by crows. Yes, crows! The search takes them deep into a fantasy land and right into the middle of a conflict they know nothing about.

The book was quite popular and led to two sequels. It is set in Portland, where Meloy resides. (It's also where Laika is located, more or less.)

Who Is in the Cast of Wildwood?

As a stop-motion animated movie, WILDWOOD's cast all performs as voice actors. Peyton Elizabeth Lee plays Prue McKeel and Jacob Tremblay plays her sort-of friend Curtis Mehlberg, who is drawn into the adventure along with Prue. Carey Mulligan as Alexandra, the exiled Dowager Governess of South Wood, and the villain of the movie. And Mahershala Ali voices Brenden, a Bandit King whose community is oppressed by Alexandra.

The WILDWOOD cast also features Awkwafina, Angela Bassett, Jake Johnson, Charlie Day, Amandla Stenberg, Jemaine Clement, Tom Waits, Maya Erskine, Tantoo Cardinal, and Richard E. Grant.

Who Is Directing Laika's Wildwood?

WILDWOOD is directed by Travis Knight, who also happens to be president and CEO of Laika, and one of the studio's lead animators. He directed KUBO AND THE TWO STRINGS and then made his live-action directorial debut with the Transformers movie BUMBLEBEE.

Wildwood Is Reportedly the Most Difficult Movie Laika Has Made

Travis Knight told Empire that WILDWOOD is "the hardest thing we have ever done" and "incredibly ambitious.” The issue is that "there’s all these elements that are really challenging to do in stop-motion."

Laika has always pushed the boundaries of what seemed possible in stop-motion animation, but this movie has huge battles and flying sequences that feature lifelike birds. It's difficult stuff even for the studio that masters pioneering new techniques for every movie.

We'll tell you more about WILDWOOD soon!

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All images courtesy of Laika.