LAIKA Sets Release Date for Upcoming Film 'Wildwood'

Hillsboro-based animation studio announces October 23 premiere for its sixth feature film.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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LAIKA Studios, the award-winning animation company based in Hillsboro, Oregon, has announced that its upcoming stop-motion fantasy film 'Wildwood' will open nationwide on October 23. Directed by LAIKA President and CEO Travis Knight, the epic story follows a young girl's quest to rescue her baby brother.

Why it matters

LAIKA is known for its innovative stop-motion animation techniques and critically acclaimed films like 'Coraline,' 'ParaNorman,' and 'Kubo and the Two Strings.' The release of 'Wildwood' marks the studio's sixth feature film and continues its tradition of bringing unique, imaginative stories to the big screen.

The details

Wildwood' is based on the bestselling fantasy novel of the same name by Colin Meloy, lead singer of the indie folk rock band The Decemberists. The film will use LAIKA's signature stop-motion animation style to bring the fantastical world of the story to life.

  • LAIKA announced the October 23 release date for 'Wildwood' on February 15, 2026.
  • The film will open nationwide in theaters on October 23, 2026.

The players

LAIKA Studios

An award-winning animation studio based in Hillsboro, Oregon, known for its innovative stop-motion films.

Travis Knight

The President and CEO of LAIKA Studios, who is directing the upcoming film 'Wildwood'.

Colin Meloy

The lead singer of the indie folk rock band The Decemberists, who wrote the bestselling fantasy novel 'Wildwood' that the new LAIKA film is based on.

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What they’re saying

“We're thrilled to bring the world of 'Wildwood' to life on the big screen. This epic fantasy adventure is a perfect fit for LAIKA's unique brand of cinematic storytelling.”

— Travis Knight, President and CEO, LAIKA Studios (koin.com)

What’s next

LAIKA is expected to release more details about the voice cast and plot of 'Wildwood' in the coming months as the October 23 premiere date approaches.

The takeaway

LAIKA's upcoming film 'Wildwood' continues the studio's tradition of adapting beloved literary works into visually stunning stop-motion features, solidifying its reputation as a leader in innovative and imaginative animated storytelling.