Laika Debuts Teaser Trailer for Travis Knight’s Handcrafted Fantasy ‘Wildwood’

Laika has unveiled the teaser trailer for “Wildwood,” its upcoming stop-motion feature film directed by Travis Knight with a script written by Chris Butler.

The film is set to open nationwide in theaters on Oct. 23, and marks the studio’s first film since 2019’s “Missing Link.”

“Wildwood” is based on the book written by Colin Meloy and illustrated by Carson Ellis. Knight is producing alongside Sam Wilson. Fathom Entertainment, based in Denver, Colorado, will handle a wide theatrical release across the United States. FilmNation Entertainment will represent “Wildwood” across international territories.

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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, where an entire hidden realm hangs in the balance.

The voice cast includes Carey Mulligan, Peyton Elizabeth Lee, Jacob Tremblay, Richard E. Grant, Awkwafina, Amandla Stenberg, Tom Waits, Charlie Day, Blythe Danner, Arthur Knight, Angela Bassett and Mahershala Ali.

David Burke, the Laika’s Chief Marketing and Operations Officer, said, “’Wildwood’ is a testament to Laika walking its own path.” He added, “For ‘Wildwood,’ we’re taking a more customized approach to how we bring the film to audiences, matching partners to the specific needs and ambitions of the project. Partnering with Fathom’s Denver-based team brings national perspective and operational strength to the U.S. release, while working with FilmNation internationally positions the film with scale, reach, and deep expertise in global markets. It’s a strategy built specifically for ‘Wildwood,’ preserving Laika’s independence while aligning with world-class collaborators to support the film’s ambition.”

Speaking with Variety last year, the film’s producer, Sam Wilson, said, “Travis has himself described the film as a love letter to Portland.”

“’Wildwood’ is the biggest world Laika has ever built, and the most personal,” said Knight, President and Chief Executive Officer of Laika. “It’s a story about the pull of the unknown, the courage it takes to step into it, and who you become along the way. 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. We designed ‘Wildwood’ to be seen the way movies first captured our imaginations: discovered in the dark, on a big screen, with a room full of fellow dreamers experiencing joy, silence, and wonder together. “