Laika has entered into a strategic partnership with Fathom Entertainment to bring its next stop-motion feature, Wildwood, to U.S. theaters. The film is scheduled to open nationwide on October 23, 2026, while FilmNation Entertainment will oversee international sales and global distribution.
About Wildwood: Story, Direction, and Creative Roots
Wildwood is a stop-motion animated feature directed by Travis Knight, with a screenplay by Chris Butler. The story is adapted from a novel by Colin Meloy, best known as the lead singer and songwriter of The Decemberists.
At its core, the film centers on a young girl who embarks on a desperate mission to rescue her baby brother. Her search pulls her into a forbidden forest where magical beings, unexpected allies, and powerful enemies exist. As the journey unfolds, the fate of an unseen and mysterious world rests on her courage and choices.
Star-Studded Voice Cast
The film features an extensive ensemble 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
- Richard E. Grant
This diverse lineup brings depth and personality to the many characters inhabiting Wildwood’s expansive fantasy world.
Laika’s Tailored Distribution Strategy
According to David Burke, Laika’s Chief Marketing and Operations Officer, Wildwood reflects the studio’s commitment to forging its own path. Rather than following a standard release model, Laika developed a customized distribution strategy specifically suited to this film’s scope and ambition.
Fathom’s Denver-based team provides nationwide operational strength for the U.S. rollout, while FilmNation’s global expertise ensures the film reaches international audiences with scale and precision. Together, these partnerships allow Laika to remain independent while collaborating with experienced, world-class distributors.
Building on Past Theatrical Success
The collaboration between Laika and Fathom builds on recent successes, including the theatrical re-release of Coraline for its 15th anniversary and a remastered edition of ParaNorman. These events demonstrated strong audience demand for Laika’s handcrafted animation on the big screen.
Travis Knight on the Vision Behind Wildwood
Travis Knight, who also serves as Laika’s President and CEO, described Wildwood as the studio’s largest and most personal project to date. He emphasized that the film explores curiosity, bravery, and transformation, celebrating artistry created by hand rather than driven by algorithms.
Knight noted that Wildwood was designed to be experienced communally—inside dark theaters, on large screens, alongside fellow moviegoers. Partnering with Fathom and FilmNation ensures the film arrives as a carefully planned cinematic event meant to be shared and remembered.
Fathom Entertainment’s Perspective
Ray Nutt, CEO of Fathom Entertainment, praised Wildwood as a landmark achievement in stop-motion filmmaking. He described the project as both creatively ambitious and emotionally significant for both companies.
Nutt also highlighted Fathom’s evolution into a full-service specialty theatrical distributor. Handling a nationwide release of Wildwood, comparable to traditional Hollywood studio launches, reflects the company’s continued growth and commitment to premium theatrical experiences.
Wildwood represents a major milestone for Laika, blending handcrafted animation, emotional storytelling, and an expansive fantasy world. With Fathom Entertainment managing the U.S. theatrical release and FilmNation Entertainment handling international distribution, the film is positioned to reach audiences worldwide while preserving Laika’s independent spirit. Set for release on October 23, 2026, Wildwood is being shaped not just as a movie, but as a shared cinematic experience designed for the big screen.
Originally posted 2026-02-04 03:38:18.