Laika’s Wildwood sets record for longest stop-motion film

Laika’s new stop-motion feature, Wildwood, has set a record as the longest stop-motion animated film with a runtime of 132 minutes. Directed by Travis Knight and based on the novel by Colin Meloy, the film follows a young girl named Prue McKeel as she enters a magical forest to rescue her kidnapped brother.

Critics have met the film with overwhelming praise, with some calling it a masterpiece and a crowning achievement for the studio. It holds a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes following its premiere at the London Film Festival. Reviewers have compared its scale and visual artistry to epic fantasy works like 'The Lord of the Rings'.

Despite the critical acclaim, industry analysts express concern regarding its commercial performance. With an estimated budget of $100 million, box office tracking suggests a potentially low opening weekend of approximately $10 million. This follows a pattern for Laika, whose films often achieve cult status over time despite modest initial theatrical runs.