Laika Unveils First Teaser for Stop-Motion Fantasy Film ‘Wildwood’

The First Look at a Fantasy Portland

Laika has released the first official teaser for 'Wildwood,' the studio’s sixth stop-motion animated feature and its first film since 2019’s 'Missing Link.' The footage provides audiences their first glimpse into the enchanted forest hidden within Portland, Oregon, re-imagined through Laika's distinctive handcrafted lens. The teaser establishes a tone of dark fantasy and adventure, focusing on a young girl, Prue McKeel, who ventures into a forbidden wood to rescue her baby brother from a flock of crows. The studio confirmed a theatrical release for 2025, though a specific date has not been set.

The trailer introduces Prue, voiced by Peyton Elizabeth Lee, and her classmate Curtis, voiced by Jacob Tremblay, as they are drawn into the Impassable Wilderness. This secret world is populated by talking animals, warring factions of magical creatures, and an unsettling darkness. The visuals showcase the meticulous detail for which the Oregon-based studio is known, from the lush, moss-covered environments to the intricate character puppets. The teaser leans heavily on atmosphere and world-building, setting up the central conflict without revealing major plot points.

A Project Over a Decade in the Making

'Wildwood' represents a significant project for Laika, one that has been in various stages of development for more than a decade. The studio, located in Hillsboro, just outside Portland, acquired the rights to the book series in 2011. The source material is the 'Wildwood Chronicles,' a fantasy series written by Colin Meloy, lead singer and songwriter for the Portland-based band The Decemberists, and illustrated by his wife, artist Carson Ellis. The film's deep local roots make it a uniquely personal project for the studio.

The film adaptation is directed by Travis Knight, who serves as the President and CEO of Laika. This marks Knight's second feature directing credit for the studio, following his acclaimed 2016 film 'Kubo and the Two Strings,' which earned two Oscar nominations. Knight’s return to the director’s chair signals the project's importance within the company. Chris Butler, who directed Laika’s 'ParaNorman' and 'Missing Link,' is credited with the screenplay, adapting a story that is deeply embedded in the geography and folklore of the Pacific Northwest.

An Expansive Voice Cast Assembles

Alongside Peyton Elizabeth Lee as Prue and Jacob Tremblay as Curtis, 'Wildwood' features a large and prestigious ensemble of voice actors. The cast list includes two-time Academy Award winner Mahershala Ali as the stoic coyote soldier Brendan, Angela Bassett as the formidable eagle Iphigenia, and Tom Waits as a character named Sterling. This collection of acclaimed talent underscores the prestige nature of the project for Laika.

The supporting cast further demonstrates the studio’s ability to attract top-tier performers. Carey Mulligan, Richard E. Grant, Awkwafina, Jake Johnson, and Charlie Day are all confirmed to have roles in the film. While the teaser only hints at the scope of the character roster, the depth of the announced cast suggests a large world with numerous factions and key figures, consistent with the sprawling narrative of Meloy's novels. The specific roles for many of these actors have not yet been made public.

Laika's Place in a Changing Animation Landscape

'Wildwood' arrives at a pivotal moment for both Laika and the medium of stop-motion animation. Laika has consistently produced critically lauded films, with all five of its previous features receiving Academy Award nominations for Best Animated Feature. However, their box office returns have been modest compared to their CGI counterparts. 'Kubo and the Two Strings' grossed $77.5 million worldwide on a $60 million budget, while 'Missing Link,' despite winning the Golden Globe for Best Animated Feature, earned just $26.5 million globally.

The film also marks a strategic shift in Laika’s business model. After years of distribution partnerships with Focus Features and Annapurna Pictures, 'Wildwood' will see the studio take on domestic distribution for the first time. The company will handle the U.S. theatrical release itself while continuing to partner with other companies for international markets. This move represents a significant step toward greater independence, giving Laika more control over the marketing and release strategy for its films in a crowded theatrical market. The success or failure of 'Wildwood' could be a major test for this new operational strategy and for the commercial viability of high-budget stop-motion features in the modern era.