# LAIKA Wildwood film release

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/laika-wildwood-film-release
> Updated: 2026-10-13T20:44:08.000Z. Sources: 18. Developments: 3.

LAIKA’s stop-motion fantasy film, Wildwood, directed by Travis Knight, has officially set the record for the longest stop-motion animated feature with a runtime of 132 minutes. Based on the novel by Colin Meloy and illustrated by Carson Ellis, the production involved 16 years of work and 2,800 shots.

Following its premiere at the BFI London Film Festival, the film has received overwhelming critical praise, maintaining a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Some reviewers have described the film as a ‘masterpiece’ and a ‘crowning achievement’ for the studio, drawing comparisons to ‘The Lord of the Rings’ regarding its scale and visual artistry. Some critics have further identified the film as a ‘potential Oscar contender for 2027.’

The film follows Prue McKeel as she enters a magical forest near Portland, Oregon, to rescue her kidnapped brother. The voice cast includes Keir Maligan, Mahershala Ali, Angela Bassett, Awkwafina, Jacob Tremblay, Charlie Day, Richard E. Grant, and Jemaine Clement.

Despite this acclaim, industry analysts remain concerned about the film’s commercial viability. Given the estimated $100 million budget, box office tracking suggests a potentially low opening weekend of approximately $10 million. This follows a historical pattern for LAIKA, where films often achieve cult status over time despite modest initial theatrical runs.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-13: LAIKA Studios' Wildwood receives perfect critical reviews

LAIKA Studios' Wildwood, a stop-motion film 16 years in the making, debuted to 100% critical acclaim at the BFI London Film Festival.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/laika-studios-wildwood-receives-perfect-critical-reviews

### 2026-10-11: Laika’s Wildwood sets record for longest stop-motion film

Laika’s Wildwood sets a record as the longest stop-motion film. While critics hail it as a masterpiece, analysts predict a challenging box office performance for the $100 million production.

11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/laika-releases-wildwood-stop-motion-fantasy-film

### 2026-10-05: LAIKA announces Wildwood, a major stop-motion fantasy film

LAIKA is releasing Wildwood, a major stop-motion fantasy film directed by Travis Knight. Based on Colin Meloy’s novel, the ambitious project features a PG-13 rating and an extensive voice cast.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/laika-announces-wildwood-a-major-stop-motion-fantasy-film

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Cite as: LAIKA Wildwood film release. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/laika-wildwood-film-release