Every new film from Laika is something to be cherished – each one a stop-motion animated marvel boasting breathtaking levels of craft, deeply affecting narratives, and a real sense of cinematic magic. And so, in the wake of Coraline, ParaNorman, The Boxtrolls, Kubo And The Two Strings, and Missing Link, the impending arrival of the animation house’s sixth feature is one to eagerly anticipate. Get ready to venture into Wildwood, a lush and imaginative new fantasy epic that’s set for release next year. And to introduce the film, Empire has something very special indeed – a completely original, stop-motion animated digital cover created exclusively for us by Laika, with none other than the iconic Coraline unveiling the new film’s protagonist, Prue McKeel. Watch it here:
This stop-motion digital cover is the first of its kind, incorporating a newly restored Coraline puppet and featuring brand-new sets and costuming created specifically for the production. The video takes us through Coraline’s doorway, into the magical tunnel that ordinarily leads to the Other World, and out into Wildwood’s Impassable Wilderness, where Prue is waiting. It was created over the course of four months by 160 members of Laika staff, working across 15 different departments.
Wildwood – based on Colin Meloy’s novels, and directed by Travis Knight from a script by Chris Butler – will see Prue leave behind her home of Portland, Oregon, venturing into Wildwood on a dark quest to save her baby brother, who’s been pilfered by a murder of crows. The impressive voice cast includes the likes of Peyton Elizabeth Lee, Carey Mulligan, Mahershala Ali, Jacob Tremblay, Awkwafina, Angela Bassett, Jake Johnson, Charlie Day, Amandla Stenberg, Jemaine Clement, Tom Waits, and Richard E. Grant. Inside this month’s issue of Empire, on sale Thursday 1 August, you’ll find a world-exclusive first look at Wildwood and interview with director Travis Knight – as well as a major new 15th anniversary feature on Coraline, speaking to the classic film’s creators and voice stars.
Stay tuned for more from Wildwood, coming soon to empireonline.com – and visit Laika and Empire’s social channels on Monday 29 July to find a ‘making of’ video revealing the creation of this very special stop-motion animation digital cover. Pre-order a copy of the new issue of Empire here. Wildwood is set for release in 2025.