The impassable wilderness beckons. LAIKA Studio, the team behind stop-motion animated hits ParaNorman and Coraline, are back with their sixth stop-motion movie, Wildwood. The studio has released the title reveal for the epic fantasy, and it looks dark.
Wildwood is written by Chris Butler (ParaNorman, Coraline, Missing Link), based on the novel written by Colin Meloy, the lead singer/songwriter for The Decemberists, and illustrated by artist Carson Ellis.
In the film, “Beyond Portland’s city limits lies Wildwood. You’re not supposed to go there. You’re not even supposed to know it exists. But Prue McKeel is about to enter this enchanted wonderland. Her baby brother Mac has been taken by a murder of crows into the forest’s depths, and she – along with her hapless classmate Curtis – is going to get him back. Prue might think she’s too old for fairytales, but she’s just found herself at the center of one. One filled with strange talking animals, roguish bandits, and powerful figures with the darkest intentions.”
The film is described as “a tale of love, loss, sacrifice and secrets, and of the magic you can find on your doorstep, if you’re willing to look for it.”
The epic fantasy is directed by Kubo and the Two Strings and Bumblebee director Travis Knight, President & CEO of the award-winning animation studio.
Knight previously told Variety, “With Wildwood, I have the opportunity to tell a madly ambitious story of magic, wonder, and danger set in the place I grew up. My very own Portland will join that pantheon of unforgettable fantasy realms, with a stirring epic that will kindle imaginations, lift spirits, and break hearts. Colin and Carson’s novel is a lyrical work of art,” Knight continued. “The entire Laika family is fully committed to honoring it with a film of breathtaking spectacle and aching beauty. I can’t wait to share it with the world. Although we’re doing this in stop-motion, so, you know, I’ll have to.”
Naturally, there’s an insane amount of talent behind this animated movie, including the cast. The voice cast includes Peyton Elizabeth Lee, Carey Mulligan, Mahershala Ali, Jacob Tremblay, Awkwafina, Angela Bassett, Jake Johnson, Charlie Day, Amandla Stenberg, Jemaine Clement, Tom Waits, and Richard E. Grant.
Stay tuned for additional details on Wildwood as they arrive.