The essential guide
Updated October 8, 2026. Release schedules and availability can change. Verify details with official distributors.
What is Wildwood about?
Wildwood follows Prue McKeel, a young girl whose brother is taken into a mysterious forest near Portland. Determined to bring him home, she enters a world she never knew existed.
Her classmate Curtis accompanies her on a journey involving talking animals, competing factions and unexpected alliances. The story is adapted from Colin Meloy’s fantasy novel, illustrated by Carson Ellis.
Release date and theaters
Wildwood is planned for an October 2026 theatrical release in the United States. Exact dates and participating theaters should be checked with the distributor and local cinemas.
Voice cast
The announced voice cast includes Peyton Elizabeth Lee as Prue, Jacob Tremblay as Curtis, Carey Mulligan, Mahershala Ali, Angela Bassett and Richard E. Grant.
Voice performances help give personality to the elaborate stop-motion characters, but the film’s visual storytelling is equally important.
Who made Wildwood?
The film comes from LAIKA, the stop-motion studio associated with Coraline and Kubo and the Two Strings. Travis Knight directs, with a screenplay by Chris Butler.
Stop-motion animation uses physical puppets and miniature sets photographed frame by frame. This process gives the film a distinctive handcrafted look.
Trailer and streaming
Official trailers can be found through LAIKA and the film’s distributor. Streaming availability has a separate release schedule and should not be assumed before an announcement.
FAQ
Is Wildwood based on a book? Yes, the novel by Colin Meloy.
Is it stop-motion? Yes, it uses LAIKA’s signature technique.
Who is the main character? Prue McKeel leads the rescue mission.
