LAIKA Studios has done it again. With Wildwood debuting to a perfect 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, the studio behind Coraline, ParaNorman, and Kubo and the Two Strings is being hailed for crafting one of the most ambitious fantasy epics ever put to film. But what truly sets Wildwood apart isn't just its story—it's the painstaking, decade-spanning craft that brought it to life.
Director Travis Knight recently revealed that Wildwood took a staggering 16 years to make, making it the longest stop-motion film in history. The movie also features one of the most elaborate action sequences ever attempted in the medium. It's no wonder audiences are left wondering, "How did they pull that off?"
An Exclusive Look Behind the Scenes
Thanks to a special Collider Access set visit, we're getting an unprecedented peek into the magic. In a featurette debuting exclusively on our Behind the Scenes channel, LAIKA's Head of Animation Brad Schiff and other key artisans walk us through some of the most advanced stop-motion puppets ever created. From the colossal model used for The General (voiced by Angela Bassett) to the intricate details of Septima (Awkwafina), one of the film's tiniest characters, this is a must-watch for any animation enthusiast.
The featurette is just the beginning. Keep an eye out for another deep dive into Wildwood's production, arriving after the film's wide release on October 23.
What Is 'Wildwood' About?
Based on the beloved fantasy novel, Wildwood follows Prue (Peyton Elizabeth Lee), a young woman living in Portland with her parents and baby brother Mac (Arthur Knight). When Mac is snatched by a murder of crows, Prue and her reluctant friend Curtis (Jacob Tremblay) plunge into a hidden magical kingdom teeming with coyote soldiers, noble bandits, and other wonders. Their journey soon collides with a grieving queen (Carey Mulligan) who will stop at nothing to change her tragic fate.
With its blend of breathtaking visuals and a story that resonates with both kids and adults, Wildwood is already being compared to the greatest epic fantasy films of all time. And for those who love a good fantasy adventure, this is one you won't want to miss.
LAIKA's commitment to pushing the boundaries of stop-motion is on full display here. The studio's previous works, like Kubo and the Two Strings, set a high bar, but Wildwood raises it even higher. The attention to detail in every frame is a testament to the 16 years of dedication poured into this project.
As the film prepares to soar into theaters on October 23, 2026, fans of animation and fantasy alike have plenty to be excited about. And with the exclusive behind-the-scenes look dropping tomorrow, we're getting a rare glimpse into the artistry that makes LAIKA a true pioneer in the medium.
For more on the film's critical reception, check out our Wildwood Rotten Tomatoes score analysis. And if you're hungry for more fantasy recommendations, dive into our list of high fantasy TV shows that never missed.
