A New Stop-Motion Adventure Hits Theaters in 2026

Laika, the studio known for its unique stop-motion films, has teamed up with Fathom Entertainment to bring "Wildwood" to U. S. theaters on October 23, 2026. FilmNation Entertainment will handle international sales. This film, directed by Travis Knight, is based on Colin Meloy's "The Decemberists" and tells the story of a girl's brave journey to save her baby brother. She enters a mysterious forest filled with magical creatures, unexpected friends, and dangerous foes. The fate of a hidden world rests on her shoulders. The cast is star-studded, featuring Carey Mulligan, Peyton Elizabeth Lee, Jacob Tremblay, Mahershala Ali, Angela Bassett, and many more. Laika's Chief Marketing and Operations Officer, David Burke, explained that this partnership is a strategic move. It allows Laika to maintain its independence while working with experts to reach a wider audience. Fathom's experience in theatrical releases and FilmNation's global expertise will help "Wildwood" shine on both national and international stages.This isn't Laika's first collaboration with Fathom. They previously worked together on the theatrical re-releases of "Coraline" and "ParaNorman. " Travis Knight, the director of "Wildwood, " sees this film as a celebration of handcrafted artistry. He believes that movies made with care and creativity can still captivate audiences. Knight hopes that "Wildwood" will be a shared cinematic experience, enjoyed by dreamers in theaters. Ray Nutt, CEO of Fathom Entertainment, praised "Wildwood" as a remarkable achievement in stop-motion animation. He is excited to bring this film to U. S. theaters, building on their successful history with Laika. Nutt sees this partnership as a step forward for Fathom, showcasing their growth as a full-service theatrical distributor.