LAIKA to Premiere Stop-Motion Film Wildwood
The highly anticipated animated feature arrives in theaters on October 24, 2026.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Animation
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LAIKA, the Hillsboro-based studio, will release its latest stop-motion animated film, Wildwood, in theaters on October 24, 2026. The production brings iconic Portland landmarks like Powell's Books to the big screen.
Why it matters
The production highlights the massive scale and labor-intensive nature of stop-motion filmmaking. It showcases the dedication of a crew of 1,000 people who spent years crafting the project.
The production utilized 236 puppets and 132 unique sets over a 231-week schedule. Animators typically produced roughly three seconds of final film per week.
The players
LAIKA
An animation studio based in Hillsboro, Oregon, known for its focus on the meticulous craft of stop-motion filmmaking.
The details
The project began preproduction in March 2020, with artists creating storyboards and physical models from their homes to build the film's world. The final result features detailed recreations of local favorites, including Voodoo Doughnut.
Timeline
March 2020: LAIKA began preproduction for the film.
October 24, 2026: Wildwood arrives in theaters.
Industry Dynamics
This project maintains the technical legacy of stop-motion animation in an era increasingly dominated by digital CGI production. It positions LAIKA as a specialized leader by emphasizing physical craftsmanship over automated visual effects.
Viewers can experience the film in theaters starting October 24, 2026. Local fans in the area may recognize real-world Portland landmarks recreated specifically for the movie.
The takeaway
The production demonstrates that large-scale storytelling remains possible through patience and physical artistry. Aspiring animators can look to the use of home-based modeling during preproduction as an example of adaptable creative workflows.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in the field of Animation.
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Would you be more likely to see a film that features recognizable landmarks from your area?
