Laika’s highly anticipated animated film Wildwood has officially locked in an October 23, 2026, release date. The studio has also announced new distribution partnerships, with Fathom handling domestic releases and FilmNation Entertainment managing international sales. The move marks an exciting new chapter for Laika, known for visually stunning stop-motion films like Coraline, ParaNorman, and Kubo and the Two Strings.
Directed by Travis Knight, Kubo and the Two Strings received strong box office support and was nominated for two Academy Awards, including Best Animated Feature and Best Visual Effects.
The story follows Kubo, a young boy who lives in a quiet village with his ill mother. He earns a living by telling stories using magical origami that come to life through the music of his shamisen. But Kubo’s peaceful life changes when he accidentally summons spirits from his past. He is forced to go on a dangerous journey to uncover the truth about his family and his own destiny.
Wildwood Script by Chris Butler is based on the popular fantasy novel by Colin Meloy. The story follows a young girl who enters a mysterious forest to rescue her baby brother. Along the way, she discovers a hidden world filled with magic, danger, and unexpected allies. The book has a strong fan base, making the film one of the most anticipated animated releases of the year.
“An impressive lineup of voice actors brings the film to life, including Peyton Elizabeth Lee, Carey Mulligan, Jacob Tremblay, Mahershala Ali, Awkwafina, Angela Bassett, Jake Johnson, Charlie Day, Amandla Stenberg, Jemaine Clement, Maya Erskine, Tantoo Cardinal, Tom Waits, and Richard E. Grant.
Fathom will oversee domestic distribution in the United States. The company is known for delivering special theatrical events, including anime films, concert screenings, and family-friendly content. This partnership suggests that Wildwood may receive a wide and event-style theatrical rollout, reaching audiences across the country in both major and smaller markets. For international sales, FilmNation Entertainment has come on board. FilmNation is a major player in global film distribution, with experience selling high-profile titles to markets worldwide.
Travis Knight, President and Chief Executive Officer of Laika and the film’s director, said.
“Wildwood is the biggest world Laika has ever built, and the most personal.” He continued, “It’s a story about the pull of the unknown, the courage it takes to step into it, and who you become along the way. Our movie is a celebration of artistry over algorithms, and of the belief that films made by hand, with enormous care, can still feel bold, surprising, dangerous, and alive. We designed Wildwood to be seen the way movies first captured our imaginations: discovered in the dark, on a big screen, with a room full of fellow dreamers experiencing joy, silence, and wonder together. Partnering with Fathom and FilmNation means Wildwood will arrive with intention—as a true cinematic event meant to be shared.”
Chief Executive Officer at Fathom Entertainment Ray Nutt noted, “Wildwood is a magnificently ambitious stop motion film and a landmark achievement in handcrafted cinematic artistry—a project that means so much to both Laika and Fathom Entertainment. It’s a breathtaking, creative feat that will captivate audiences when it arrives on the big screen this October 23rd.”