The teaser trailer for Wildwood doesn’t reveal much in terms of narrative but delivers an atmospheric tease into the latest, extravagant world created by stop-motion studio LAIKA. LAIKA has made a name for itself by crafting timeless tales with its visionary, expressive animation style. Films such as Coraline, ParaNorman, and Kubo and the Two Strings demonstrate a fearless desire to spotlight the tireless craft and artistry that go into stop-motion. And, with Wildwood, it looks as if they’re pushing the boundaries of the medium even further.
Directed by Travis Knight (Masters of the Universe) and written by Chris Butler, the trailer is haunting and quietly explosive, watching as a world unravels from day-to-day normality to an unexpected whirlwind fairytale. With notes recalling everything from the 1986 Labyrinth (the stolen baby brother) to 2021’s The Green Knight with its mystical blend of surrealism, the teaser promises, at the very least, a gorgeous film to look at.
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Based on the book written by Colin Meloy (millennial alt-rock/folk fans might know him as the frontman of the band the Decemberists) and illustrated by Carson Ellis, the film is a melding of Portland, Oregon, talents. It’s both where the book, studio, and writer are based. LAIKA has also lined up a stellar voice cast to help flesh out the world. However, more than anything, it’s just nice to celebrate an art form that, if not so much forgotten, is present in mainstream media.
What is Wildwood about?
After her baby brother is abducted by a murder of crows, headstrong teenager Prue McKeel launches a desperate rescue mission into the Impassable Wilderness—an enchanted forest hidden just beyond Portland, Oregon.
Joined by her hapless but loyal classmate Curtis Mehlberg, 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 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.
Watch the trailer:
The Wildwood Cast
- Carey Mulligan (Beef)
- Peyton Elizabeth Lee (Pizza Movie)
- Jacob Tremblay (The Life of Chuck)
- Richard E. Grant (The Other Bennet Sister, Saltburn)
- Awkwafina (The Bad Guys 2)
- Amandla Stenberg (The Acolyte)
- Tom Waits (Licorice Pizza, The Dead Don’t Die)
- Charlie Day (Honey Don’t, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie)
- Blythe Danner
- Arthur Knight
- Maya Erskine (Mr. & Mrs. Smith)
- Jake Johnson (Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse)
- Tantoo Cardinal (Killers of the Flower Moon)
- Rob Delaney (Deadpool & Wolverine)
- Jemaine Clement (Moana 2)
- Marc Evan Jackson
- Len Cariou
- Ólafur Darri Ólafsson
- Angela Bassett (9-1-1, Mission Impossible – The Final Reckoning)
- Mahershala Ali (Jurassic World Rebirth)
What is the release date?
Wildwood arrives in theaters October 23, 2026.
