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Wildwood Stop-Motion Featurette Reveals Laika's World-Building

Ars Technica •
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Laika Studios has released a behind-the-scenes featurette for Travis Knight's upcoming stop-motion fantasy film Wildwood, offering a closer look at how the team crafted its elaborate animated world. The extended teaser released in May has accumulated nearly 90 million views, building anticipation for the full trailer.

The film adapts the 2011 novel by Colin Meloy and Carson Ellis, both Portland residents who drew inspiration from nearby Forest Park. In the story, the forest transforms into a magical realm called The Wood, populated by talking animals and hidden dangers, accessible only to those with a connection to the wilderness.

Twelve-year-old Prue Mc Kee discovers The Wood while searching for her abducted baby brother, Mac, following a confrontation with a murder of crows. She's joined by classmate Curtis Mehlberg, and together they navigate threats including coyotes, bandits, and a mysterious woman searching for her lost son. Their journey reveals dark secrets embedded in this mystical environment.

Wildwood represents Laika Studios' continued mastery of stop-motion animation, building on their acclaimed works like Kubo and the Two Strings. The film's blend of handcrafted artistry and intricate storytelling positions it as a standout entry in the fantasy animation genre, appealing to both children and adults who appreciate tactile filmmaking.