The animated film Wildwood has announced its release date.

Studio Laika has revealed plans for a major animated adaptation of Colin Meloy's acclaimed fantasy novel. The studio officially announced that the new animated film, **Wildwood**, is set to premiere in U.S. theaters on **October 23, 2026**. International distribution will be managed by **FilmNation Entertainment**. ### Based on a Beloved Fantasy Novel by Colin Meloy **Wildwood** is adapted from the novel of the same name by Colin Meloy, the frontman of The Decemberists. The story is celebrated for its dark fairy-tale atmosphere and richly developed universe. The animated version aims to preserve the core themes of Meloy’s original work while expanding the narrative into a full-length feature. The storyline centers around a courageous young girl who enters a forbidden forest to rescue her younger brother. Her journey soon turns perilous as she encounters magical beings, forges unexpected alliances, and faces formidable foes. The stakes are incredibly high, involving not only her family’s safety but also the preservation of a mystical world hidden from the human eye. ### Behind the Project Directed by **Travis Knight**, renowned for his work on *Kubo and the Two Strings* and as the head of Laika, the studio behind the film, this project is set to be one of Laika’s most ambitious endeavors. The screenplay is penned by **Chris Butler**, known for the animated hit *ParaNorman*. Traditionally specializing in stop-motion animation, Laika is venturing into new territory with this large-scale project. ### An All-Star Voice Cast The film boasts a stellar lineup of voice actors, including **Carey Mulligan**, **Peyton Elizabeth Lee**, **Jacob Tremblay**, **Mahershala Ali**, **Angela Bassett**, **Awkwafina**, **Jake Johnson**, **Charlie Day**, **Jemaine Clement**, **Maya Erskine**, **Tantoo Cardinal**, **Tom Waits**, and **Richard E. Grant**. ### Director’s Vision and Artistic Philosophy Travis Knight emphasizes the significance of **Wildwood** for Laika, describing it as the studio’s most personal and expansive world to date. He highlights the film’s themes of curiosity, bravery, and transformation—exploring the allure of the unknown and the courage required to embrace it. Knight also underscores Laika’s dedication to handcrafted animation, describing the film as “an anthem to artistry in opposition to algorithms.” He envisions **Wildwood** as an immersive cinematic experience best enjoyed on the big screen in a dark theater, where audiences can collectively soak in its atmosphere of wonder, silence, and discovery. The highly anticipated premiere of **Wildwood** is scheduled for fall 2026, promising to be one of Laika’s flagship animated releases. --- *Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting project, which is poised to become a landmark in modern animated filmmaking.*