LAIKA, the acclaimed studio behind “Coraline” and “ParaNorman,” announced Tuesday a new partnership with Fathom Entertainment to bring its upcoming feature, “Wildwood,” to U.S. theaters nationwide on October 23, 2026.
Based on the bestselling novel by Colin Meloy, “Wildwood” is a handcrafted epic fantasy, described as LAIKA’s most ambitious project to date. The story follows a young girl on a desperate quest to save her baby brother, leading her into a dangerously alive forbidden forest filled with enchanted creatures, unlikely allies, and formidable adversaries, where an entire hidden realm hangs in the balance.
“‘Wildwood’ is the biggest world LAIKA has ever built, and the most personal,” said Travis Knight, President and Chief Executive Officer of LAIKA and director of “Wildwood.” “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.” Knight emphasized that the film is a “celebration of artistry over algorithms,” designed specifically for the communal experience of the big screen.
The film features an expansive voice cast that blends Hollywood heavyweights with indie favorites, including 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.
The move to partner with Fathom marks a significant evolution for the distributor. Traditionally known for limited engagements and event screenings, Fathom is handling a full-scale nationwide release for “Wildwood.”
The partnership with Fathom builds on the success of LAIKA’s recent theatrical re-releases, including the 15th anniversary return of “Coraline” and a limited engagement featuring a remastered release of “ParaNorman”. The 15th-anniversary run of “Coraline” stunned the industry, pulling in $56 million worldwide and proving that there is a massive, sustained appetite for handcrafted stop-motion on the big screen.
“‘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,” said Ray Nutt, Chief Executive Officer at Fathom Entertainment.
Tickets for “Wildwood” in the United States will be available later this summer at Fathom Entertainment and participating theatre box offices. Fans can sign up now to be among the first notified when tickets go on sale.
