Laika on Wednesday finally released the first trailer for Wildwood, the first stop-motion animated movie from the studio since 2019’s The Missing Link, the most recent in a string of five Oscar-nominated pics in a row dating back to 2009’s Coraline.
The new pic, directed and produced by Academy Award nominee Travis Knight, was adapted by Masters of the Universe and Kubo and the Two Strings scribe Chris Butler from the book series by The Decemberists’ frontman Colin Meloy. It is produced by Fathom Entertainment, the specialty distributor that has previously backed rereleases of Laika hits like Coraline and 2012’s ParaNorman.
Development began in September 2011, weeks after the release of the novel, when Laika announced plans to adapt Wildwood as an animated feature. Production was confirmed in September 2021, with Knight directing and co-producing with Sutner, and Butler writing the script.
The plot follows cynical teenager Prue McKeel (Peyton Elizabeth Lee) who launches a desperate rescue mission into the Impassable Wilderness — an enchanted forest hidden just beyond Portland, Oregon, after her baby brother Mac (Arthur Knight) was kidnapped by a murder of crows.
Joined by her hapless but loyal classmate Curtis Mehlberg (Jacob Tremblay), Prue navigates a world of talking animals, bandits, and powerful figures driven by grief and ambition. As the pair is drawn into a conflict threatening the balance of the forest itself, Prue must discover the strength and belief she never knew she possessed. If she hopes to save her brother and protect Wildwood’s fragile future, she will have to risk everything. The logline states that “Wildwood is a tale of love, loss, sacrifice, and secrets, and of the magic you can find on your doorstep, if you’re willing to look for it”.
The voice cast also features two-time Academy Award nominee Carey Mulligan as a mysterious woman Alexandra, two-time Academy Award nominee Angela Bassett as the mighty warrior The General, Jake Johnson and Maya Erskine as Mr and Mrs McKeel, Richard E. Grant, Awkwafina, Amandla Stenberg, Tom Waits, Charlie Day, Blythe Danner, Arthur Knight, Tantoo Cardinal, Rob Delaney, Jemaine Clement, Marc Evan Jackson, Len Cariou, Ólafur Darri Ólafsson, and two-time Academy Award winner Mahershala Ali.
This gorgeous film will be releasing in theatres October 23rd, perfect for the fall season.
