Laika’s ‘Wildwood’ to open 40th annual AFI Fest

The American Film Institute has selected Laika’s new stop-motion animated feature, ‘Wildwood,’ to serve as the opening-night film for the 40th annual AFI Fest. The screening, scheduled for October 21, will mark the film’s United States premiere.

Directed by Travis Knight and written by Chris Butler, ‘Wildwood’ is based on the novel by Colin Meloy. The story follows a teenager named Prue McKeel who ventures into an enchanted forest known as the Impassable Wilderness to rescue her brother after he is abducted by crows. The production reportedly took 16 years to complete.

The film features a voice cast including Peyton Elizabeth Lee, Jacob Tremblay, Carey Mulligan, Mahershala Ali, Angela Bassett, and Awkwafina. This marks the first feature film from the Portland-based Laika since 2019’s ‘Missing Link.’ Following its festival debut, the film is expected to open in theaters on October 23 via Fathom Entertainment.