Laika Studios Releases Gorgeous Wildwood Animated Film Trailer

Laika Studios released the full trailer for its upcoming stop-motion animated fantasy film, Wildwood, on June 12, 2024. This extended teaser follows a previously released teaser in May, which garnered over 90 million views across platforms. The film's trailer is set to a haunting cover of Avicii's song "Wake Me Up." Wildwood is an adaptation of the 2011 novel of the same name, written by Colin Meloy, the frontman of the indie folk-rock band The Decemberists, and illustrated by his wife, Carson Ellis. Meloy and Ellis reside in Portland, Oregon, and frequently hike in Forest Park, a local landmark that inspired the film's magical hidden world. This fantastical setting is populated by talking animals and lurking threats, and is accessible only to inhabitants of "The Wood" and certain "half-breed" outsiders. The narrative centers on twelve-year-old Prue McKee, who discovers the hidden forest while searching for her baby brother, Mac, after he is carried away by a murder of crows. Her schoolmate, Curtis Mehlberg, follows Prue into this magical realm, initiating a series of fantastical adventures. Within the enchanted forest, Prue and Curtis encounter a mysterious woman named Alexandra, who is searching for her lost son. Their journey also involves encounters with coyotes, bandits, and the uncovering of significant secrets. The film is directed by Travis Knight, known for his work on "Kubo and the Two Strings" and "Bumblebee." Laika Studios, the animation company behind "Coraline" and "ParaNorman," is renowned for its intricate stop-motion animation techniques. The original novel's setting in Portland's Forest Park provides a grounded, yet magical, backdrop for the story, blending elements of childhood wonder with darker, more perilous themes. The film's visual style, as showcased in the trailer, emphasizes detailed craftsmanship and atmospheric storytelling, characteristic of Laika's previous productions. The adaptation aims to translate the novel's unique blend of fantasy and coming-of-age elements to the screen, promising a visually rich and emotionally engaging experience for audiences. The release date for Wildwood has not yet been announced, but the trailer's unveiling signals its progression towards a theatrical debut.