Directed by Travis Knight and written by Chris Butler, Wildwood adapts Colin Meloy’s 2011 fantasy novel, illustrated by Carson Ellis. Its setting in the Pacific Northwest, near LAIKA’s home city of Portland, connects a magical landscape to a recognizable real region. The published materials describe the film as an adventure shaped by love, sacrifice and discovery. Rather than relying on a live-action world with animated additions, the production uses stop-motion animation: physical puppets and sets are adjusted and photographed frame by frame. Associated Press reporting describes 136 sets and 231 practical puppets, evidence of the extensive hands-on work behind the film. The announced runtime is 132 minutes, giving the story room to move between Prue’s personal mission and the larger fate of the forest.

The voice cast includes Peyton Elizabeth Lee and Jacob Tremblay, with Carey Mulligan, Mahershala Ali, Angela Bassett, Awkwafina, Jake Johnson, Charlie Day, Amandla Stenberg, Jemaine Clement, Maya Erskine, Tantoo Cardinal, Tom Waits and Richard E. Grant. The ensemble suggests a populated fantasy world, though individual roles and their importance are best assessed from the finished film. At the time of writing, the U.S. theatrical opening is scheduled for October 23, 2026. Since the wide release has not yet taken place, this is a preview based on published production and story information, not a post-viewing review. Its eventual impact will depend on how the animation, character development, pacing and emotional resolution come together on screen.