Key Takeaways:
- Laika, the studio behind beloved stop-motion features like "Coraline" and "ParaNorman," has partnered with Fathom Entertainment for the U.S. theatrical release of its latest film, "Wildwood."
- Fathom Entertainment will handle the U.S. distribution of "Wildwood," while FilmNation Entertainment will handle international sales.
- "Wildwood" is set to be released in theaters nationwide on October 23, 2026, and features a voice cast including Carey Mulligan, Peyton Elizabeth Lee, and Mahershala Ali.
- Laika’s Live Action subsidiary has a range of projects in development, including feature films based on the novels "Seventeen" and "Atmosphere," and an original project from Oscar-nominated screenwriter Jon Spaihts.
Introduction to Laika’s Revival
Laika, the renowned studio behind stop-motion masterpieces such as "Coraline" and "ParaNorman," has been in the process of re-establishing itself in the film industry. After the disappointing release of "Missing Link," the studio has been working to regain its momentum. A significant question had been looming over the studio: who would be responsible for distributing their upcoming films? The answer has finally arrived, with Fathom Entertainment set to serve as the U.S. theatrical distributor for Laika’s latest stop-motion effort, "Wildwood." FilmNation Entertainment will handle international sales, marking a new chapter in Laika’s journey.
Fathom Entertainment’s Involvement
Fathom Entertainment has been expanding its reach beyond its traditional niche of one-off event screenings, which have included opera and sports events. This is not the first time Laika has collaborated with Fathom, as the company has previously been involved in the theatrical re-releases of "Coraline" and "ParaNorman." The success of these re-releases, with "Coraline" grossing $56 million worldwide, demonstrates the potential for Fathom to effectively distribute Laika’s films. With Fathom on board, Laika is poised to bring "Wildwood" to theaters nationwide on October 23, 2026.
The Film "Wildwood"
"Wildwood" is billed as a "handcrafted epic fantasy" that transports audiences to a secret, living world. The film follows a young girl’s perilous journey to save her baby brother, which becomes a high-stakes adventure into a forbidden forest filled with enchanted creatures, unexpected allies, and formidable foes. The voice cast includes a talented ensemble of actors, such as Carey Mulligan, Peyton Elizabeth Lee, Jacob Tremblay, and Mahershala Ali. According to David Burke, Laika’s chief marketing and operations officer, "Wildwood" is a testament to the studio’s commitment to walking its own path and taking a customized approach to bringing the film to audiences.
Laika’s Strategy and Ambition
Laika’s partnership with Fathom and FilmNation is a deliberate strategy to preserve the studio’s independence while aligning with world-class collaborators to support the film’s ambition. As Travis Knight, president and CEO of Laika and director of "Wildwood," stated, "Our movie 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." Laika’s goal is to bring "Wildwood" to audiences in a way that honors the traditional cinematic experience, with the film being discovered in the dark, on a big screen, with a room full of fellow dreamers experiencing joy, silence, and wonder together.
Laika’s Live Action Subsidiary and Future Projects
In addition to "Wildwood," Laika’s Live Action subsidiary has a range of exciting projects in development. These include a feature film based on the action thriller novel "Seventeen" by screenwriter John Brownlow, as well as an original script titled "Crumble," written and directed by Brian Duffield with Phil Lord and Chris Miller producing. Laika is also working on a live-action adaptation of Taylor Jenkins Reid’s bestselling novel "Atmosphere," with Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck set to write and direct. Furthermore, Lucy Liu and Charles Melton will star in Lulu Wang’s film version of Katie Kitamura’s bestselling novel "Audition," which Laika is producing alongside Higher Ground Productions. These projects demonstrate Laika’s commitment to diversifying its output and exploring new creative avenues.
Conclusion and Future Outlook
Laika’s partnership with Fathom Entertainment and FilmNation Entertainment marks an important step in the studio’s revival. With "Wildwood" set to be released in 2026, Laika is poised to once again captivate audiences with its unique brand of stop-motion magic. The studio’s Live Action subsidiary is also making significant strides, with a range of exciting projects in development. As Laika continues to push the boundaries of animation and storytelling, it will be exciting to see what the future holds for this beloved studio. With its commitment to artistry, independence, and creative risk-taking, Laika is sure to remain a major player in the world of animation and filmmaking for years to come.
