A feature-length animated film adaptation of the young adult novel *Wildwood* is in production at LAIKA Studios, directed by Travis Knight. The story follows a girl named Prue who ventures into a magical forest called the Impassable Wilderness after her baby brother is carried off by crows, accompanied by her classmate Curtis. The film is based on an original story by Colin Meloy, illustrated by Carson Ellis, and features a voice cast including Carey Mulligan, Mahershala Ali, Awkwafina, and Angela Bassett. A behind-the-scenes featurette highlights LAIKA's blend of hand-built puppets, sets, and CGI, with particular attention to animating the bird characters of the Avian Principality. The trailer is released, and the film is scheduled for release on October 23.
This article matters because it showcases LAIKA Studios' continued leadership in stop-motion animation, a craft that bridges traditional artistry and digital innovation. The adaptation of *Wildwood* also highlights the crossover between literary and visual arts, bringing a beloved young adult fantasy to a broader audience through the meticulous work of animators, puppet makers, and designers. For the art world, it underscores the value of handcrafted techniques in an increasingly digital landscape, and the role of illustration (by Carson Ellis) in shaping cinematic storytelling.