Laika has kept the details of its upcoming film Wildwood closely guarded since its announcement. However, with ParaNorman making a brief return to theaters this weekend, the studio released new footage, hinting that Wildwood will be their most ambitious film to date.
This video showcases stunning concept art featuring sweeping aerial views of Portland, alongside design elements for the movie’s key character—the General, an eagle known for her “unshakeable grace” and voiced by the talented Angela Bassett. The rigorous craftsmanship required to bring the General to life is noteworthy; the creation process included building models inspired by nature and meticulously applying 9,000 handmade feathers onto specially designed puppets—one for flight scenes and another for intricate performances.
Directed by Travis Knight, known for his work on Bumblebee, and adapted from Colin Meloy’s 2011 fantasy novel, Wildwood follows the adventure of Prue McKeel, a young girl from Portland, as she and her friend Curtis venture into a magical forest to find her missing baby brother, Mac. The voice cast is a lineup of remarkable talent, featuring Peyton Elizabeth Lee, Jacob Tremblay, and Amandla Stenberg.
Laika is synonymous with exceptional animation, and Wildwood appears to uphold this legacy. Watching the animators and artists breathe life into the General with intricate movements is mesmerizing. You truly feel the dedication reflected in the narration when it speaks of “pouring creativity into every joint, feather, and frame.” Laika’s pride in their craftsmanship, particularly with the General soaring through the skies, radiates through the footage, emphasizing the “artistry, innovation, and heart” embedded in the production. The film is set to be released in 2026, and fans are eagerly anticipating its debut.
What is the release date for Wildwood? The film is scheduled to hit theaters in 2026, promising an enchanting journey for audiences of all ages.
How did Laika create the General’s character? To animate the General, Laika developed models based on real-life inspirations, layering thousands of feathers onto puppets designed for different scenes.
Who are the voice actors in Wildwood? The voice cast includes notable actors such as Angela Bassett, Peyton Elizabeth Lee, Jacob Tremblay, and Amandla Stenberg.
What makes Wildwood different from previous Laika films? Wildwood is touted to be Laika’s most ambitious film yet, showcasing advanced animation techniques and a compelling narrative based on Colin Meloy’s beloved novel.
Curious for more updates? Keep an eye on the latest in film, including breakthroughs in animation and upcoming releases like Wildwood. For additional insights, don’t forget to check out Moyens I/O.