Laika Studios is set to make a triumphant return with its latest intriguing feature, the Wildwood movie. In an era where traditional animation styles face competition from the dominance of 3D animation, Laika continues to be a champion of claymation and stop-motion animation. Renowned for not only preserving these timeless techniques but also advancing them, Laika’s distinct style shines through in its visuals and its unexpectedly mature storytelling. Known for pushing the boundaries of family-friendly films, Laika consistently delivers PG-rated projects that feature complex characters, eerie visuals, and thought-provoking themes.
Films like Coraline, Paranorman, Kubo, and The Two Strings have cemented Laika’s status as a powerhouse in the animation industry. Wildwood appears to follow in their footsteps, centering on young adventurers exploring a dark and mysterious world filled with secrets. While the project remains under wraps, it promises to deliver the unique storytelling and visual brilliance Laika is known for, with fans eagerly awaiting updates on the Wildwood release date. Wildwood is shaping up to be an exciting addition for those looking for new anime to watch or anyone captivated by imaginative animation and compelling narratives.
When will Wildwood be released?
Laika has not yet announced an official release date for their upcoming film Wildwood, but it is expected to debut sometime in 2025. This marks Laika’s first feature film in six years, following their 2019 comedy Missing Link. The extended production timeline is understandable, as stop-motion animation is renowned for its meticulous and time-intensive nature. With its unique storytelling and visual artistry, Wildwood is already being anticipated as one of the best new anime-inspired films to watch in 2025.
Where Will Wildwood Be Available To Watch After Release?
The Wildwood movie is expected to debut exclusively in theaters upon its release in 2025, following the precedent set by all of Laika’s films since Coraline. It’s unlikely the studio will deviate from this successful strategy. Wildwood will join an exciting lineup of highly anticipated animated films hitting theaters in 2025, including Pixar’s Elio, Disney Animation’s Zootopia 2, and DreamWorks’ The Bad Guys 2.
What Is The Story Of Wildwood?
Based on the novel by Colin Meloy and illustrated by Carson Ellis, Wildwood takes audiences on an enchanting journey into a hidden world brimming with mystery and danger. The story follows Prue McKeel and her friend Curtis, two ordinary kids whose lives take an extraordinary turn when they stumble upon a secret wilderness on the outskirts of Portland, Oregon—an untamed land known to its inhabitants as Wildwood.
Their adventure begins as a rescue mission but quickly evolves into something much greater. Wildwood is a realm in the midst of turmoil, populated by warring creatures, peaceful mystics, and shadowy figures with dark intentions. As Prue and Curtis delve deeper, they become entangled in a battle for the very freedom of this mystical land. Their journey challenges them to confront their fears, discover their inner strengths, and navigate the complexities of loyalty and bravery in a world unlike anything they’ve known.
Wildwood is a tale of friendship, courage, and the fight to protect a world worth saving, all wrapped in a dark fantasy that promises to captivate viewers of all ages.
Who Is Behind The Creation Of Wildwood Release?
Wildwood marks the third directorial feature by Travis Knight, who is not only the filmmaker behind Kubo and the Two Strings but also the president and CEO of Laika Studios. Knight previously directed the Transformers prequel/reboot Bumblebee and is reportedly attached to a future reboot of Masters of the Universe. The screenplay for the Wildwood movie is adapted from the original novel by Colin Meloy and Carson Ellis by Laika veteran Chris Butler, known for writing the screenplays for Paranorman, Kubo and the Two Strings, and Missing Link.
Who Is In The Cast Of The Wildwood Movie?
Big-budget animated films from renowned studios like Laika often boast star-studded voice casts, and Wildwood is no exception. If the movie stays true to the novel it’s based on, the story centers around Prue McKeel and Curtis Mehlberg. Prue will be voiced by Andi Mack star Peyton Elizabeth Lee, while Curtis will be brought to life by Jacob Tremblay, known for his work in Orion and the Dark. Joining them in lead roles are two-time Academy Award-winner Mahershala Ali (Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse) and three-time Academy Award nominee Carey Mulligan (Maestro).
The impressive cast of the Wildwood movie doesn’t stop there. Also lending their voices to the film are:
Awkwafina
Richard E. Grant Â
Charlie Day
Jemaine Clement
Maya Erskine
Tantoo Cardinal
Tom Waits
When Can We Expect The Trailer For Wildwood, Releasing In 2025?
While an official Wildwood trailer has yet to be released, Laika unveiled a cryptic title reveal on August 16, 2024. Narrated by the chillingly eerie voice of Jake Johnson, the teaser begins with quick clips from Laika’s iconic films such as Coraline, Paranorman, and Kubo and the Two Strings. The video transitions to a shadowy, ominous forest filled with sinister creatures with glowing amber eyes. It concludes with a dramatic pullback to reveal two human characters before unveiling the Wildwood title card.
