Laika’s Wildwood opened in US cinemas on October 23, bringing the Oregon studio’s sixth stop-motion feature to audiences through Fathom Entertainment. Opening-day coverage from Axios confirmed the release, while the distributor identifies Travis Knight as director and producer and Chris Butler as screenwriter.
Adapted from the novel by Colin Meloy, illustrated by Carson Ellis, the film follows teenager Prue McKeel after crows abduct her baby brother. Fathom’s synopsis describes a rescue mission into an enchanted forest outside Portland, where she and classmate Curtis encounter talking animals and a conflict threatening the woodland’s future.
The production gives physical craftsmanship a large canvas. Associated Press reports that the filmmakers used 230 puppets and 132 sets, filming their movements frame by frame. The approach builds on the studio’s established animation work; its earlier films include Coraline and Kubo and the Two Strings.
Peyton Elizabeth Lee voices Prue and Jacob Tremblay plays Curtis, according to the distributor. Carey Mulligan, Mahershala Ali and Angela Bassett also feature in the voice cast. The story places the young rescuers among figures driven by grief and ambition, extending the adventure beyond the search for the missing child.
Early reviews show agreement on the visual achievement but differing assessments of the story. AP critic Mark Kennedy praised the craftsmanship while finding the narrative less convincing. Time Out’s Phil de Semlyen gave the film five stars. AP lists a 132-minute runtime and a US PG-13 rating, including for strong fantasy violence and bloody images.
Fathom says select screenings offer 4DX, DBOX and Dolby Cinema, depending on availability, while FilmNation handles international sales. The nationwide US opening now brings the film to paying audiences beyond its festival presentations. Its commercial reception remains to emerge as the first weekend unfolds.
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