Laika Studios is returning to the screens with Wildwood, a mysterious feature film that has been shrouded in secrecy. The studio, renowned for preserving and advancing stop-motion animation, is known for its unique blend of dark and whimsical storytelling. While their films often carry a PG rating, they frequently feature complex characters, unsettling visuals, and mature themes. Wildwood, set to debut in 2025, is no exception. The film follows a group of new young adventurers as they venture into a dark and foreboding world filled with secrets and mysterious creatures.
The plot revolves around Prue McKeel and Curtis Mehlberg, played by Peyton Elizabeth Lee and Jacob Tremblay respectively, as they go on a rescue mission that turns into something much greater. They find themselves entangled in a struggle for the freedom of this mysterious wilderness, surrounded by warring creatures, peaceable mystics, and powerful figures with sinister intentions. None of the details have been explicitly revealed, leaving fans to speculate about the film’s narrative.
Wildwood (Image via Getty)
Wildwood boasts an impressive cast, featuring Mahershala Ali, Carey Mulligan, Awkwafina, Angela Bassett, Jake Johnson, Charlie Day, Amandla Stenberg, Jemaine Clement, Tom Waits, Maya Erskine, Tantoo Cardinal, Richard E. Grant, Kellan Tetlow, and Jamie Sara Lewis. Travis Knight, director of Kubo and the Two Strings, is at the helm of Wildwood, with Chris Butler adapting the original novel by Colin Meloy and Carson Ellis.
Stop-motion animation is a labor-intensive process, which might explain the six-year hiatus since Laika’s last feature film, Missing Link. Wildwood will likely premiere in theaters exclusively, building excitement for its release. The trailer released on August 16, 2024, showcased brief footage from Laika’s previous films, before transitioning into a haunting forest filled with eerie creatures. It’s clear that Laika has invested considerable effort into crafting a unique and charming story. As the release date approaches, fans can only speculate about the secrets and surprises Wildwood has in store.
