Laika Unveils ‘Wildwood’, a New Stop-Motion Adventure Set in Portland

Laika, the renowned stop-motion animation studio, returns with its newest film, ‘Wildwood,’ marking seven years since their last feature, ‘The Missing Link.’ Known for creating intricately crafted, tangible worlds, Laika continues to push the boundaries of stop-motion animation. ‘Wildwood’ follows teenager Prue McKeel, who ventures into a secret wilderness beyond Portland to rescue her kidnapped baby brother, encountering magical and mysterious elements along the way. The film is directed by Travis Knight, who draws on his Portland upbringing to merge real locations like the Hawthorne Bridge with fantastical landscapes. The story, adapted by Chris Butler from Colin Meloy’s book series, promises themes of love, loss, and discovery. The score is composed by M83, adding a rich musical layer to the visual storytelling. Notable voice actors including Carey Mulligan, Mahershala Ali, Tom Waits, Awkwafina, Jacob Tremblay, Angela Bassett, and Jemaine Clement bring the characters to life. ‘Wildwood’ opens in theaters on October 23, and the trailer highlights Laika’s signature attention to handcrafted detail, immersive set design, and dedication to the artistry of stop-motion animation.