Wildwood is a 2026 stop-motion fantasy adventure from LAIKA. Directed by Travis Knight, the animated film follows a teenager who enters a hidden forest to rescue her baby brother. The story blends family, danger, friendship, and magic in a handcrafted world inspired by Colin Meloy’s novel.
What Is Wildwood?
Wildwood is a feature-length animated film produced by LAIKA, the studio behind Coraline and Kubo and the Two Strings. Meanwhile, Travis Knight directs the movie, while Chris Butler wrote the screenplay. The story is based on Colin Meloy’s book, which features illustrations by Carson Ellis. In addition, the film uses stop-motion animation to bring its characters and forest setting to life. As a result, it presents the story through LAIKA’s distinctive animation style.
Wildwood Movie Story
The story follows Prue McKeel, a determined teenager living near Portland, Oregon. Her life changes when a flock of crows abducts her baby brother. Prue sets out to find him in the Impassable Wilderness, an enchanted forest hidden beyond the city.
Her classmate Curtis Mehlberg joins the rescue mission. Together, they enter a strange world filled with talking animals, bandits, and powerful figures. As they travel deeper into the forest, they uncover a growing conflict that threatens its fragile balance. Meanwhile, each discovery reveals new dangers and challenges their understanding of this mysterious world. Meanwhile, Prue must face dangerous challenges, trust her own strength, and decide how much she is willing to risk to bring her brother home.
Wildwood Cast and Characters
Peyton Elizabeth Lee voices Prue McKeel, while Jacob Tremblay voices Curtis Mehlberg. Carey Mulligan, Mahershala Ali, and Angela Bassett also lead the voice cast. The supporting voice cast also features Awkwafina, Jake Johnson, Charlie Day, and Amandla Stenberg. Additionally, Jemaine Clement, Maya Erskine, Tantoo Cardinal, Tom Waits, and Richard E. Grant join the ensemble. Together, these performers bring the film’s supporting characters to life and add depth to its animated world.
The voice cast brings a wide range of characters to the forest world. However, the story remains centered on Prue and Curtis as they face the dangers of their rescue journey.
Wildwood Release Date and Movie Details
Wildwood Movie opened in US theaters on October 23, 2026. The film runs for 132 minutes and is in English. Its main genres are animation, fantasy, and adventure. Fathom Entertainment handles its US theatrical distribution, while FilmNation Entertainment handles international sales.
What Makes Wildwood Interesting?
Wildwood uses stop-motion animation, a technique that brings physical puppets and sets to the screen frame by frame. Through this approach, LAIKA creates a detailed fantasy world with unique character designs and handmade environments. In addition, careful movement and frame-by-frame animation give each character a sense of life. As a result, the film combines practical artistry with imaginative storytelling. The enchanted forest also gives the film room to explore courage, family bonds, sacrifice, and the unknown, with striking handcrafted visual details.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Wildwood about?
It follows Prue as she enters an enchanted forest to rescue her kidnapped baby brother.
Who directed Wildwood?
Travis Knight directed the film, and Chris Butler wrote the screenplay.
Who voices Prue and Curtis?
Peyton Elizabeth Lee voices Prue, and Jacob Tremblay voices Curtis.
When did Wildwood release?
The US theatrical release date was October 23, 2026.
Is Wildwood animated?
Yes. It is a stop-motion animated fantasy adventure.
Final Thoughts
Wildwood combines a family rescue story with a mysterious fantasy setting. Its stop-motion style, voice cast, and enchanted forest make it a distinct 2026 animated adventure.