Laika Will Release Wildwood Film on October 23
The Portland-based studio will premiere its latest stop-motion feature in theaters this October.
Updated on Oct. 11, 2026 in Animation
Live Poll
Would you choose to see a stop-motion animated film in theaters instead of streaming one?
Animation studio LAIKA will release its upcoming film, Wildwood, in the United States and the United Kingdom on October 23, 2026. The stop-motion feature captures the magic and action of a story set within Portland and Forest Park.
Why it matters
The release of the highly anticipated project from the Portland-based studio is expected to make the film a significant contender in the 2026 awards season. It brings a local landscape to global audiences through the studio's signature stop-motion techniques.
The film features a 130-minute runtime and carries a PG-13 rating in the United States. It showcases a 12-year-old protagonist named Prue as the central character.
The players
LAIKA
An animation studio based in Portland that specializes in stop-motion feature films.
Travis Knight
The filmmaker who serves as the director for the production of Wildwood.
Colin Meloy
The author who wrote the original novel upon which the animated film is based.
Jacob Tremblay
An actor who contributes his voice to the film's cast.
Carey Mulligan
An actress who serves as one of the lead voice performers in the project.
The details
Directed by Travis Knight, the film utilizes detailed model making to recreate local landmarks and brings the magical narrative of Colin Meloy's novel to life. Voice talent for the project includes Jacob Tremblay, Carey Mulligan, and Peyton Elizabeth Lee.
Timeline
The production of the film Wildwood was completed in 2026.
The film is scheduled for release in the US and UK on October 23, 2026.
Industry Dynamics
Wildwood follows the established tradition of the LAIKA stop-motion animation pipeline in an era dominated by CGI. This focus on physical craftsmanship positions the studio as a unique entity against larger competitors that primarily prioritize digital production.
Audiences can experience the film in theaters starting October 23, 2026. The PG-13 rating suggests the content is targeted toward older children, teenagers, and adult fans of the genre.
The takeaway
The film showcases the ongoing dedication of a local studio to the art of stop-motion production. Viewers interested in the craft can watch for the detailed recreation of landmarks like Forest Park when the movie debuts.
What happens next
The film Wildwood is scheduled to premiere in theaters in the United States and the United Kingdom on October 23, 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in the field of Animation.
Live Poll
Would you choose to see a stop-motion animated film in theaters instead of streaming one?
