Laika Partners With Filmnation Entertainment for International Sales; ‘Wildwood’ Sets October Release Date

Laika has set a domestic distribution partnership with Fathom Entertainment for its newest stop-motion animated feature, Wildwood, while FilmNation Entertainment will oversee international sales. The studio also confirmed that the film will debut theatrically in the U.S. on Oct. 23.

Directed by Travis Knight and written by Chris Butler, Wildwood is adapted from the novels by Colin Meloy. The story centers on a young girl who embarks on a perilous mission to rescue her baby brother, leading her into a forbidden forest populated by enchanted creatures, unexpected allies and dangerous foes, where the fate of an unseen world is at stake.

The voice cast includes Carey Mulligan, Peyton Elizabeth Lee, Jacob Tremblay, Mahershala Ali, Angela Bassett, Awkwafina, Jake Johnson, Charlie Day, Amandla Stenberg, Jemaine Clement, Maya Erskine, Tantoo Cardinal, Tom Waits and Richard E. Grant.

David Burke, the Laika’s Chief Marketing and Operations Officer, emphasized the studio’s tailored approach to releasing the film, saying, “’Wildwood’ is a testament to Laika walking its own path.” He continued, “For ‘Wildwood,’ we’re taking a more customized approach to how we bring the film to audiences, matching partners to the specific needs and ambitions of the project. Partnering with Fathom’s Denver-based team brings national perspective and operational strength to the U.S. release, while working with FilmNation internationally positions the film with scale, reach, and deep expertise in global markets. It’s a strategy built specifically for ‘Wildwood,’ preserving Laika’s independence while aligning with world-class collaborators to support the film’s ambition.”

The deal with Fathom follows the successful theatrical re-releases of several Laika titles, including Coraline and a remastered edition of ParaNorman.

Travis Knight, President and Chief Executive Officer of Laika, described the project as a deeply personal milestone for the studio. “’Wildwood’ is the biggest world Laika has ever built, and the most personal,” he said. “It’s a story about the pull of the unknown, the courage it takes to step into it, and who you become along the way. Our movie is a celebration of artistry over algorithms, and of the belief that films made by hand, with enormous care, can still feel bold, surprising, dangerous, and alive. We designed ‘Wildwood’ to be seen the way movies first captured our imaginations: discovered in the dark, on a big screen, with a room full of fellow dreamers experiencing joy, silence, and wonder together. Partnering with Fathom and FilmNation means ‘Wildwood’ will arrive with intention – as a true cinematic event meant to be shared.”

Ray Nutt, Chief Executive Officer at Fathom Entertainment, echoed that sentiment, stating, “‘Wildwood’ is a magnificently ambitious stop motion film and a landmark achievement in handcrafted cinematic artistry — a project that means so much to both Laika and Fathom Entertainment. It’s a breathtaking, creative feat that will captivate audiences when it arrives on the big screen this October 23rd.”

He added, “Fathom is elated to build on our past theatrical re-release successes with Laika, including ‘Coraline’ and ‘ParaNorman’, and to be selected and entrusted as the distributor for a full, nationwide U.S. theatrical release of ‘Wildwood’ consistent with that of the legacy Hollywood studios, complemented by the innovation Fathom brings to all its theatrical engagements. Distributing ‘Wildwood’ to U.S. theatres further exemplifies Fathom Entertainment’s growth and evolution into a full-service specialty theatrical distributor.”

Previously, producer Sam Wilson highlighted the film’s emotional roots, telling Variety last year, “Travis has himself described the film as a love letter to Portland.”

Read the whole article on Variety.