The animated film Wildwood has announced its release date.

Studio Laika has announced the release of a large-scale animated adaptation of Colin Meloy's fantasy novel.

Studio Laika Entertainment has officially announced the premiere date for its new animated feature film Wildwood. The film will be released in theaters in the United States on October 23, 2026, with international distribution handled by FilmNation Entertainment.

Adaptation of Colin Meloy's Fantasy Novel

Wildwood is based on the novel of the same name by musician and author Colin Meloy, frontman of the band The Decemberists. The story gained widespread popularity for its dark fairy-tale tone and meticulously crafted world. The animated adaptation will retain the key themes of the original and expand them into a feature-length film.

The plot follows a young heroine who ventures into a forbidden forest to find her younger brother. This journey transforms into a dangerous and fateful ordeal, during which she must face magical creatures, find unexpected allies, and confront powerful enemies. At stake is not only the fate of her family but also the existence of a world hidden from humanity.

Project Creators

The film is directed by Travis Knight, who previously directed Kubo and the Two Strings for Laika and heads the studio. The screenplay is written by Chris Butler, known for the animated film ParaNorman. The project is set to become one of the most ambitious in the studio's history, which traditionally works with stop-motion animation.

Star-Studded Voice Cast

An impressive ensemble of actors lends their voices to the characters. The cast includes Carey Mulligan, Peyton Elizabeth Lee, Jacob Tremblay, Mahershala Ali, Angela Bassett, Awkwafina, Jake Johnson, Charlie Day, Jemaine Clement, Maya Erskine, Tantoo Cardinal, Tom Waits, and Richard E. Grant.

Director's Comments and Film Philosophy

Travis Knight, commenting on the announcement, emphasized the project's special significance for the studio. According to him, Wildwood is the largest and most personal world Laika has ever created. The director noted that the film is about the pull of the unknown, the courage to step into the unfamiliar, and how this journey transforms a person.

Knight also emphasized the studio's commitment to handmade animation, calling the film "an anthem to artistry in opposition to algorithms." He stated that Wildwood is designed to be watched on the big screen, in a dark theater, where audiences can collectively experience the atmosphere of wonder, silence, and discovery together.

The premiere of Wildwood is scheduled for the fall of 2026 and will be one of the key animated releases from Studio Laika.