Laika's stop-motion animated film 'Wildwood' will debut with early fan screenings on October 19, ahead of its nationwide release on October 23. The film, featuring 231 puppets and 136 locations, follows a girl's quest to rescue her brother from crows in an enchanted forest. Box office projections suggest a challenging opening weekend.
The film's production involved innovative techniques, including 3D-printed facial animations and performance rigging that allowed for microscopic movements. Director Travis Knight described the movie as a 'love letter to Portland,' with its story set in an enchanted forest near the city. Early screenings received positive reviews, with one critic calling it 'one of the most astonishing animated movies ever made.'
Despite critical acclaim, 'Wildwood' faces box office challenges. With a reported $100 million budget, the film is projected to open between $5 million and $10 million, far below its production costs. It opens against DC Studios' 'Clayface,' which is expected to outperform it. Fathom Entertainment, handling distribution, previously helped revive Laika's 'Coraline' with a re-release that grossed over $52 million worldwide, but 'Wildwood's' success remains uncertain.