The latest stop-motion feature from Laika Studios, Wildwood, has debuted to universal critical acclaim, securing a perfect 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes following its world premiere at the BFI London Film Festival on October 11, 2026. The film, which is the studio’s first production in nearly a decade, arrives as a record-breaking entry for the Oregon-based animation house.
Initial reviews from approximately 16 critics have praised the adaptation of Colin Meloy’s fantasy novel, positioning it as a significant awards season contender. This critical reception comes as the film establishes several technical and creative milestones for Laika. With a runtime estimated between 131 and 139 minutes, Wildwood is the longest stop-motion feature film ever produced. It also marks the studio’s first foray into more mature storytelling, having earned a PG-13 rating from the MPAA.
The production scale of the film is similarly unprecedented for the medium. Laika utilized 231 hand-crafted puppets and 136 individual sets to bring the production to life. Directed by Travis Knight, the film features a star-studded voice cast led by Peyton Elizabeth Lee and Jacob Tremblay, alongside Carey Mulligan, Mahershala Ali, Angela Bassett, and Awkwafina.
Despite the overwhelming critical success, the film faces a challenging commercial landscape. Wildwood is scheduled for wide theatrical release in the United States on October 23, 2026. Early box office tracking currently suggests a modest opening weekend ceiling of approximately $10 million.
The theatrical rollout also represents a strategic shift for the studio. For its domestic release, Laika has partnered with Fathom Entertainment rather than its traditional distribution partner, Focus Features. This move highlights a new approach to reaching audiences as the studio attempts to translate its “masterpiece” critical status into long-term theatrical legs during the late October window.
Critics at the BFI premiere highlighted the film’s visual density and its willingness to embrace darker themes, a departure from the studio’s previous family-centric hits like Coraline and ParaNorman.
