The Wildwood movie is Laika's biggest stop-motion adventure yet: a teenage girl chases a flock of crows into a hidden enchanted forest to rescue her baby brother. It opens in U.S. theaters on October 23, 2026. Below you'll find the release date, voice cast, rating, plot, how it compares to the book, and what to watch next.
The short answer: Wildwood is reported to be PG-13 and leans darker than most family animation. It's likely a good fit for older kids, teens and adults, but a poor fit for very young or easily frightened children.
Opens: October 23, 2026 in U.S. theaters | Studio: Laika | Director: Travis Knight
A few more basics: the film was written by Chris Butler, it's based on the 2011 novel by Colin Meloy (illustrated by Carson Ellis), and it premieres at the BFI London Film Festival on October 11, 2026, ahead of its U.S. release through Fathom Entertainment.
Wildwood Movie Release Date: When Does It Come Out?
Wildwood opens nationwide in U.S. theaters on October 23, 2026. Before that, it has its festival premiere at the BFI London Film Festival on October 11. The film was first expected in fall 2025, but production delays pushed it back a year. The late-October slot lets it ride Halloween-season moviegoing while staying fresh for awards season.
Is Wildwood Streaming Yet?
No. Wildwood is a theater-only release for now, and no streaming date or platform has been announced. Check back after its theatrical run for updates.
Wildwood Movie Plot: What Is It About?
After a murder of crows snatches her baby brother, headstrong teenager Prue McKeel launches a desperate rescue mission into the Impassable Wilderness, an enchanted forest hidden just beyond Portland, Oregon. She is joined by her hapless but loyal classmate Curtis Mehlberg. Together they navigate a world of talking animals, bandits and powerful figures driven by grief and ambition. As a conflict threatens the balance of the forest itself, Prue must find strength she never knew she had, and risk everything to save her brother and protect Wildwood's future.
Wildwood Voice Cast
Peyton Elizabeth Lee (Doogie Kameāloha, M.D.) and Jacob Tremblay (Room) lead the voice cast. They're joined by Oscar nominees Carey Mulligan and Richard E. Grant, Oscar winner Mahershala Ali as Brendan, the Bandit King, and Angela Bassett.
The ensemble keeps going: Awkwafina, Jake Johnson, Charlie Day, Amandla Stenberg, Jemaine Clement, Tom Waits, Maya Erskine and Tantoo Cardinal are also in the cast. Studios haven't published a full character list in the sources we checked, so we've only matched actors to roles where it's confirmed.
Is Wildwood PG-13? Is It Too Dark for Kids? (Parents Guide)
Wildwood is reported to carry a PG-13 rating, which is unusual for a Laika family fantasy and signals a darker tone. I couldn't confirm the official MPA rating descriptors, so check them before you go. Here is what we can say from the premise and trailers:
- Dark themes: a baby is abducted by crows, and the story deals with grief, sacrifice and powerful factions fighting over a forest.
- Peril and action: the film includes large battle and flying sequences with lifelike birds.
- Studio track record: Laika's earlier films like Coraline and Kubo and the Two Strings also mixed wonder with real scares.
- Best age range: likely older kids, teens and adults. For younger or sensitive children, watch the trailer together first.
We'll update this section with the official rating reasons and a scare-level breakdown after the film opens.
Is Wildwood Based on a Book?
Yes. It's based on the 2011 children's novel Wildwood by Colin Meloy, the frontman of the band The Decemberists, with illustrations by Carson Ellis. Laika optioned the book in September 2011, just weeks after it was published, so the film has been in development for well over a decade.
Wildwood Book Series Order
- Wildwood (2011)
- Under Wildwood (2012)
- Wildwood Imperium (2014)
The movie adapts the first book, so you can read it before the film without spoiling the sequels.
Wildwood Movie vs Book: What Changes?
Screenwriter Chris Butler (ParaNorman, Kubo and the Two Strings) had a large cast of characters and plot threads to condense into a single film. Until the movie is out, we can't say exactly what was trimmed or changed. We'll update this section after release with a full comparison. If you want to read first, the original novel is a good place to start.
Where Is Wildwood Set? (Portland, Oregon)
Both the book and film are set in Portland, Oregon, with the Impassable Wilderness hiding just beyond the city. Laika is based in nearby Hillsboro, and the teaser shows recognizable Portland locations, so the film doubles as a local love letter.
Why Wildwood Is Laika's Most Ambitious Film Yet
Reports describe a major scale-up for the studio, including 136 sets and 231 practical puppets. The film also includes big battle and flying sequences with lifelike birds, all done in handcrafted stop-motion. It's Laika's sixth feature and Travis Knight's second as a Laika director, after Kubo and the Two Strings.
Laika Movies in Order
- Coraline (2009)
- ParaNorman (2012)
- The Boxtrolls (2014)
- Kubo and the Two Strings (2016)
- Missing Link (2019)
- Wildwood (2026)
Each of the studio's previous five films earned an Oscar nomination for Best Animated Feature, and Kubo also received a Visual Effects nomination.
Movies Like Wildwood
- Coraline: the closest match for dark, handcrafted fantasy.
- Kubo and the Two Strings: an emotional quest with the same director.
- ParaNorman: spooky and heartfelt, with the same screenwriter.
- The Boxtrolls: a quirkier, funnier take on a hidden-world adventure.
Wildwood Movie FAQ
When does the Wildwood movie come out?
October 23, 2026 in U.S. theaters, after a festival premiere at the BFI London Film Festival on October 11.
Who is in the Wildwood voice cast?
Peyton Elizabeth Lee and Jacob Tremblay lead, with Carey Mulligan, Mahershala Ali, Richard E. Grant, Angela Bassett, Awkwafina, Jake Johnson, Charlie Day and more.
Is Wildwood too dark for kids?
It is reported to be PG-13 and leans darker than most family animation, with an abducted baby, peril and intense battles. Older kids and teens are the likely sweet spot. Check the official rating description before taking young children.
Is Wildwood based on a book?
Yes, the 2011 novel by Colin Meloy, illustrated by Carson Ellis.
Who directed Wildwood?
Travis Knight, the head of Laika, who also directed Kubo and the Two Strings.
Is Wildwood a Laika movie?
Yes. It's Laika's sixth animated feature.
Is Wildwood streaming?
Not yet. It's a theatrical release first, with no streaming date announced.
Where is Wildwood set?
Portland, Oregon, with the enchanted Impassable Wilderness hidden just beyond the city.
Are you planning to see Wildwood in theaters? Tell us in the comments, and follow CineDecode for our review and ending breakdown after release.
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