Key Takeaways:
- LAIKA has partnered with Fathom Entertainment for US theatrical distribution and FilmNation Entertainment for international sales of its upcoming stop-motion feature film "Wildwood".
- The film will be released in theaters nationwide on October 23, 2026.
- The partnership marks a new phase for LAIKA, as the studio expands its global distribution approach through a combination of independent strategy and best-in-class partners.
- "Wildwood" is a handcrafted epic fantasy that combines human-crafted artistry with large-scale cinematic storytelling, featuring an all-star voice cast including Carey Mulligan, Mahershala Ali, and Awkwafina.
Introduction to LAIKA’s Latest Film
LAIKA, the studio behind critically acclaimed films such as "Coraline" and "ParaNorman", has announced that it has partnered with Fathom Entertainment for US theatrical distribution and FilmNation Entertainment for international sales of its upcoming stop-motion feature film "Wildwood". The film, which is set to be released in theaters nationwide on October 23, 2026, is a handcrafted epic fantasy that transports audiences into a secret, dangerously alive world. With a star-studded voice cast, including Carey Mulligan, Peyton Elizabeth Lee, and Mahershala Ali, "Wildwood" promises to be a cinematic event that will captivate audiences of all ages.
Partnership with Fathom Entertainment
The partnership with Fathom Entertainment marks a new phase for LAIKA, as the studio expands its global distribution approach through a combination of independent strategy and best-in-class partners. Fathom Entertainment, based in Denver, Colorado, will handle a full theatrical release across the United States, with tickets available later this summer. The company has a proven track record of success in distributing content to movie theaters, having pioneered theatrical distribution of events and special engagements across various genres and formats. According to Ray Nutt, Chief Executive Officer at Fathom Entertainment, "Wildwood is a magnificently ambitious stop motion film and a landmark achievement in handcrafted cinematic artistry — a project that means so much to both LAIKA and Fathom Entertainment."
International Sales with FilmNation Entertainment
In addition to its partnership with Fathom Entertainment, LAIKA has also partnered with FilmNation Entertainment for international sales of "Wildwood". FilmNation Entertainment, a leading independent entertainment company, will introduce the film to buyers across international territories at the European Film Market in Berlin. The company has a strong track record of producing, financing, and distributing films and series with global appeal, including award-winning box office hits such as "Promising Young Woman" and "Arrival". According to Glen Basner, FilmNation CEO & Founder, "LAIKA is synonymous with originality and imagination and Wildwood is the studio’s most extraordinary film to date."
About LAIKA and its Previous Work
LAIKA, founded in 2005, has produced five films to date, all of which have been nominated for the Academy Award for Outstanding Animated Feature. The studio’s previous films, including "Coraline", "ParaNorman", and "Kubo and the Two Strings", have been critically acclaimed for their unique blend of stop-motion animation and storytelling. LAIKA’s live-action subsidiary has a range of projects in development, including a feature film based on the action thriller novel "Seventeen" and an original project from Oscar-nominated screenwriter Jon Spaihts.
Conclusion and Future Plans
With the release of "Wildwood" on the horizon, LAIKA is poised to continue its tradition of creating innovative and imaginative films that captivate audiences around the world. The studio’s partnership with Fathom Entertainment and FilmNation Entertainment marks a new phase in its global distribution approach, and fans of LAIKA’s previous work are eagerly anticipating the release of "Wildwood". As Travis Knight, President and Chief Executive Officer of LAIKA, notes, "Wildwood is the biggest world LAIKA has ever built, and the most personal… We designed Wildwood to be seen the way movies first captured our imaginations: discovered in the dark, on a big screen, with a room full of fellow dreamers experiencing joy, silence, and wonder together." With its unique blend of stop-motion animation and storytelling, "Wildwood" is sure to be a cinematic event that will leave audiences in awe.
