Laika’s ‘Wildwood’ Trailer Unleashes a Whirlwind of Stop‑Motion Adventure

There’s something oddly nostalgic about watching a stop‑motion film trailer in 2026—like a secret handshake for anyone who still believes in the tactile charm of clay and wire. Laika’s new picture, Wildwood, feels exactly that, and the freshly released final trailer proves the studio hasn’t lost its knack for turning painstaking craftsmanship into pure cinematic wonder.

The clip opens with a sweeping view of an enchanted forest that feels both ancient and oddly familiar, tucked just beyond Portland, Oregon. A murder of crows swoops down, snatching a baby brother, and we’re thrust straight into the frantic heart of the story: teenage Prue McKeel, voiced by Peyton Elizabeth Lee, launches a daring rescue mission into the “Impassable Wilderness.”

She isn’t alone, though. Jacob Tremblay lends his voice to the earnest classmate Curtis Mehlberg, and together they tumble through a world populated by loquacious animals, ragtag bandits and larger‑than‑life figures driven by grief, ambition, and a dash of old‑world magic. The trailer hints at a conflict that could tip the balance of the forest itself, suggesting that Prue’s personal quest will ripple far beyond a simple sibling rescue.

What really amplifies the excitement is the roster of voices attached to the project. You’ll hear the likes of Carey Mulligan, Angela Bassett, Mahershala Ali, Richard E. Grant, Awkwafina, Amandla Stenberg, Tom Waits, Charlie Day, Blythe Danner, Maya Erskine, Jake Johnson, Rob Delaney, Jemaine Clement, Ólafur Darri Ólafsson, and many others. It’s practically an all‑star gathering, and each name adds a layer of gravitas to a story that already feels larger‑than‑life.

Director Travis Knight—who gave us the emotional depth of Kubo and the Two Strings and the muscular fun of Masters of the Universe—once again demonstrates his knack for blending visual splendor with heart. The trailer’s quick cuts and lingering frames suggest that the final film will be a feast for the eyes, but also a narrative that pulls you in emotionally.

And for those who’ve been waiting to actually see it on the big screen, the good news: tickets go on sale right now, with a wide theatrical release slated for October 23. Want more details? Swing by wildwoodmovie.com. Plus, io9 promises an exclusive first look at some of the upcoming collectibles later today—so keep an eye out if you’re a fan of tangible memorabilia.

All in all, the final trailer feels like a promise kept: an adventure that’s as much about the wonder of the unknown as it is about the love between siblings. If the rest of the film lives up to this glimpse, we’re in for a genuinely magical ride.