Key Takeaways
- Laika’s new stop-motion film "Wildwood" will be released in theaters on October 23, 2026, in partnership with Fathom Entertainment.
- The film will be distributed internationally by FilmNation Entertainment, which has a reputation for producing, financing, and distributing films with global reach.
- "Wildwood" is described as a "handcrafted epic fantasy" that transports audiences into a secret, alive world, and features a star-studded cast, including Carey Mulligan, Mahershala Ali, and Awkwafina.
- The film’s director, Travis Knight, emphasizes the importance of experiencing the movie on the big screen, where it can be shared with a room full of fellow dreamers.
- Tickets for the film will be available later this summer, and fans can sign up to be notified when they go on sale.
Introduction to Laika’s New Film
Laika, the renowned stop-motion animation studio, has announced a distribution partner and release date for its latest film, "Wildwood". The film, directed by Travis Knight and based on the novel by Colin Meloy and Carson Ellis, will arrive in theaters on October 23, 2026, in partnership with Fathom Entertainment. This partnership marks a new phase for Laika, as the studio expands its global distribution approach for "Wildwood" through a combination of independent strategy and best-in-class partners.
Laika’s Distribution Strategy
Laika has previously teamed with Focus Features to release its first four films, and in 2019, "Missing Link" was released by Annapurna Pictures and United Artists Releasing. However, for "Wildwood", the studio has chosen to partner with Fathom Entertainment, which has a reputation for handling successful re-releases of Laika’s films, including "Coraline" and "ParaNorman". Fathom Entertainment will handle a full theatrical release across the United States, while FilmNation Entertainment will handle international sales.
The Film’s Plot and Cast
"Wildwood" is described as a "handcrafted epic fantasy" that transports audiences into a secret, alive world. The film follows a girl’s desperate quest to save her baby brother, which becomes a high-stakes journey into a forbidden forest filled with enchanted creatures, unlikely allies, and formidable adversaries. The film features a star-studded cast, including Carey Mulligan, Peyton Elizabeth Lee, Jacob Tremblay, Mahershala Ali, Angela Bassett, Awkwafina, Jake Johnson, Charlie Day, Amandla Stenberg, Jemaine Clement, Maya Erskine, Tantoo Cardinal, Tom Waits, and Richard E. Grant.
Laika’s Vision for the Film
According to Travis Knight, President and Chief Executive Officer of Laika, "Wildwood" is the biggest world the studio has ever built, and the most personal. The film is a celebration of artistry over algorithms, and of the belief that films made by hand, with enormous care, can still feel bold, surprising, dangerous, and alive. Knight emphasizes the importance of experiencing the movie on the big screen, where it can be shared with a room full of fellow dreamers. The film’s cinematographer, Caleb Deschanel, and composer, Dario Marianelli, have also brought their expertise to the project, ensuring a visually stunning and emotionally resonant experience.
Fathom Entertainment’s Involvement
Fathom Entertainment, based in Denver, Colorado, is elated to be partnering with Laika to distribute "Wildwood" in the United States. The company’s Chief Executive Officer, Ray Nutt, describes the film as a "magnificently ambitious stop motion film and a landmark achievement in handcrafted cinematic artistry". Fathom Entertainment has a history of successful theatrical re-releases, including Laika’s "Coraline" and "ParaNorman", and is well-equipped to handle the nationwide release of "Wildwood".
International Rollout
For the movie’s international rollout, Laika has partnered with FilmNation Entertainment, a leading independent entertainment company that produces, finances, and distributes films and series with global reach. FilmNation will represent "Wildwood" across international territories, beginning with the European Film Market in Berlin. The company’s CEO & Founder, Glen Basner, describes Laika as "synonymous with originality and imagination", and "Wildwood" as the studio’s "most extraordinary film to date". Basner is thrilled to introduce the film to international distributors who are ready to join the spectacular world of Laika.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Laika’s new film "Wildwood" is a highly anticipated stop-motion epic that promises to transport audiences into a secret, alive world. With a star-studded cast, stunning visuals, and a unique distribution strategy, the film is set to captivate audiences around the world. With Fathom Entertainment handling the US release and FilmNation Entertainment handling international sales, "Wildwood" is sure to be a cinematic event not to be missed. Fans can sign up to be notified when tickets go on sale later this summer, and can look forward to experiencing the film on the big screen on October 23, 2026.
