Director Travis Knight was honored by stop-motion studio Laika to bring one fantasy novel series to the big screen, and that book was Wildwood. Knight and his production team dedicated over 15 years to replicating author Colin Meloy’s narrative while combining techniques that fit best with Carson Ellis’s fairy-tale illustrations.
Those who followed the film’s development finally got their first look at its finalized cut on May 13. And the verdict is in. For the first Laika 2020s animated movie, Wildwood has the passion and drive to be one of the best features of the decade.
Wildwood’s Presentation is Stunning
Laika presented the 2026 trailer during the 2026 Cannes International Film Festival. Attendees had the opportunity to watch it at the Martinez Hotel. After going live on YouTube, Wildwood immediately generated over 3,600,000 views for very good reasons.
The visuals are the best I have ever seen in a Laika movie. Ellis’s depiction of the novel’s world is very cohesive with Knight’s art team. Since 2021, principal character designer Thibault Leclerq has presented promotional artwork of Wildwood’s protagonist, Prue McKeel. He’s also responsible for bringing fictional jock Mitch Downe’s boyfriend, Luca, to life during Paranorman’s 13th anniversary.
In charge of scenic art is Katy Hughes, who’s known for Laika’s sculpted environments, with Kubo and the Two Strings being her most memorable. While Leclerq handled Meloy’s characters, she was tasked with designing Portland, Oregon, and the magical world of Wildwood. In an interview from June 11, 2025, Hughes can be seen painting the Pittock Mansion and experimenting with textures during production.
Together, Leclerq and Hughes created a very immersive world that has viewers wanting to jump into. Portland’s cityscape and suburbs feel bright while somewhat dystopic. The mythical forest also shines through its anthropomorphic animals and human population. You can immediately feel the tone shifts through Wildwood’s lighting, changing from warm colors to blue hues.
The Animation Portrays A Message for Filmmakers
Unlike trailers I’ve seen in the past couple of years, Wildwood did not rely on words alone. Instead, the 2026 trailer spoke to viewers through its animation alone rather than relying on the film’s dialogue to tell its story. We see Prue McKneel disobey her parents’ words: do not go outside with her baby brother, Mac. He’s carried off by a murder of crows to the fantasy realm.
With her classmate, Curtis Mehhlberg, they wander across the estranged lands to rescue him. These 6th graders will come across strange creatures beyond their imagination: animal soldiers, giant birds, and an empress who seeks control. Viewers immediately were transcended by M83’s whimsical single, “My Tears are Becoming a Sea.”
People who experienced the trailer have given acclaimed commentary for Knight and Laika’s production paying off. Hollywood has shown utter disrespect towards creatives, including artists striving for quality and nuance over rushed slop. Even during the scene montage, Laika displayed the words, “From the hands that created Coraline.”
YouTube user @wolfmoon256 exclaimed, “Saying [those words] is somehow WAY more appealing than just saying ‘By the makers of’. It somehow makes it feel so much more real, like art that’s solid, and you can touch. This looks amazing, and I’m sure it will be. Laika never misses.“
Another user, @sebastianlevenson9364, responded, “In the growing age of AI, we need studios like Laika more than ever. EVERYONE needs to see this in theaters because money talks.”
The comment that perfectly describes my reaction to the trailer is by @merlumli. They said aloud, “I’m seated. The theater employees are scared and asking me to leave because it’s not released yet, but I’m simply too seated.”
Wildwood Will Launch for the 2026 Autumn Season
An early sneak peek of Wildwood was announced back on Apr, 22, 2026, on Animation Magazine. The Annecy International Animation Film Festival has selected Knight’s animated adaptation for this year. It will be viewed alongside Science SARU’s The Ghost in the Shell in the week of Jun. 21-27.
As for the film’s official release, the long-awaited Laika animated feature will be in theaters this fall on Oct. 23. To follow more updates on Wildwood, visit the official movie page here.
