LAIKA releases Wildwood, its most ambitious stop-motion film

LAIKA Studios has released Wildwood, a stop-motion fantasy epic directed by Travis Knight. Based on the novel by Colin Meloy, the film follows 13-year-old Prue McKeel as she enters a magical forest to rescue her infant brother from a murder of crows.

The production is noted for its immense scale, being the longest stop-motion feature ever produced at 132 minutes. The technical achievement involved creating 132 physical sets, 223 puppets, and over 142,000 interchangeable facial pieces to facilitate nuanced expressions. The film carries a PG-13 rating due to themes of violence and tragedy.

Financially, the film faces a challenging path to profitability. With a production budget estimated at approximately $100 million, its North American opening of roughly $11.8 million has raised questions regarding its ability to break even. However, early reception has been strong, earning an A CinemaScore and receiving significant critical praise for its handcrafted artistry in an era of digital animation.