WILDWOOD Is Next Film For Award-Winning Animation Studio LAIKA With TRAVIS KNIGHT Directing

Laika Announces “Wildwood”, based on thee novel by the Decemberists’ Colin Meloy – as the award-winning studio’s next animated film, directed by Travis Knight

Laika first Look Wild WoodLAIKA’s next animated feature film is Wildwood, based on the bestselling novel written by Colin Meloy, lead singer and songwriter for The Decemberists, and illustrated by artist Carson Ellis. The announcement was made today by Travis Knight, President & CEO of the award-winning animation studio, who will direct the film. Wildwood is currently in production at LAIKA’s facility outside Portland, Oregon.

“As a deep-dyed native son of Oregon, I have rainwater, microbrew, and fair-trade coffee coursing through my veins,” said Knight, who won the BAFTA for his directorial debut film Kubo and the Two Strings and also helmed the live-action hit Bumblebee. “With Wildwood, I have the opportunity to tell a madly ambitious story of magic, wonder, and danger set in the place I grew up. My very own Portland will join that pantheon of unforgettable fantasy realms, with a stirring epic that will kindle imaginations, lift spirits, and break hearts.”

“Wildwood” Synopsis:

Beyond Portland’s city limits lies Wildwood. You’re not supposed to go there. You’re not even supposed to know it exists. But Prue McKeel is about to enter this enchanted wonderland. Her baby brother Mac has been taken by a murder of crows into the forest’s depths, and she – along with her hapless classmate Curtis – is going to get him back. Prue might think she’s too old for fairytales, but she’s just found herself at the center of one. One filled with strange talking animals, roguish bandits, and powerful figures with the darkest intentions.

Wildwood is a tale of love, loss, sacrifice and secrets, and of the magic you can find on your doorstep, if you’re willing to look for it.

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Laika’s Coraline Returns To Cinemas Makes Over $410k At The Boxoffice In One Day

coraline laikaA bring-back screening of LAIKA’s groundbreaking stop motion film Coraline, marked a highlight in event cinema on Tuesday, August 24, grossing $410K in a one-day-only presentation from Fathom Events, LAIKA, Shout! Factory, and Park Circus.

The one-day event marked the most successful event for Fathom since COVID-19 ravaged the industry in March 2020 and was the No. 7 film at the domestic box office, with the 2nd highest per-screen average of any film in release, playing on just 675 screens. In addition to the screening of Coraline, celebrating LAIKA’s 15th anniversary, this exclusive cinema event featured two never-before seen featurettes, giving audiences a glimpse into the unique creative process behind LAIKA’s extraordinary films.

Originally released in 2009, Coraline is a wondrous, thrilling, fun and suspenseful adventure from director Henry Selick (The Nightmare Before Christmas, James and the Giant Peach) and based on the novella of the same name by author Neil Gaiman (Sandman).

“Since its release 12 years ago, Coraline has captured the imagination of those both young and old.” said Ray Nutt, CEO of Fathom Events. “Fathom Events is proud to have worked with such great partners to bring this magical film back to theaters, and is elated to see such a great response among consumers.”

“We couldn’t be more pleased that LAIKA fans have thrilled once again to seeing our first film Coraline in theaters,” said LAIKA Chief Marketing Officer Dave Burke. “Coraline was an instant classic when it premiered in 2009 and this warm embrace by filmgoers reaffirms our pride in having created such an enduring film. Working with Fathom was a delight and we look forward to other partnerships in the future.”

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