Laika has partnered with Fathom Entertainment for the domestic distribution of its latest stop-motion animated feature, “Wildwood.” Filmnation Entertainment will handle international sales.
In addition, Oct. 23 has been announced as the film’s U.S. release date.
“Wildwood” is based on Colin Meloy’s novels and directed by Travis Knight from a script by Chris Butler. It follows a girl’s desperate quest to save her baby brother, which becomes a high-stakes journey into a forbidden forest filled with enchanted creatures, unlikely allies and formidable adversaries, where an entire hidden realm hangs in the balance.
The voice cast features Carey Mulligan, Peyton Elizabeth Lee, Jacob Tremblay, Mahershala Ali, Angela Bassett, Awkwafina, Jake Johnson, Charlie Day, Amandla Stenberg, Jemaine Clement, Maya Erskine, Tantoo Cardinal, Tom Waits and Richard E. Grant.
David Burke, the Laika’s Chief Marketing and Operations Officer, said, “’Wildwood’ is a testament to Laika walking its own path.” He added, “For ‘Wildwood,’ we’re taking a more customized approach to how we bring the film to audiences, matching partners to the specific needs and ambitions of the project. Partnering with Fathom’s Denver-based team brings national perspective and operational strength to the U.S. release, while working with FilmNation internationally positions the film with scale, reach, and deep expertise in global markets. It’s a strategy built specifically for ‘Wildwood,’ preserving Laika’s independence while aligning with world-class collaborators to support the film’s ambition.”
The partnership with Fathom comes after recent theatrical re-releases of Laika’s films, including “Coraline” and a remastered version of “ParaNorman.”
“’Wildwood’ is the biggest world Laika has ever built, and the most personal,” said Travis Knight, President and Chief Executive Officer of Laika. “It’s a story about the pull of the unknown, the courage it takes to step into it, and who you become along the way. Our movie is a celebration of artistry over algorithms, and of the belief that films made by hand, with enormous care, can still feel bold, surprising, dangerous, and alive. We designed ‘Wildwood’ to be seen the way movies first captured our imaginations: discovered in the dark, on a big screen, with a room full of fellow dreamers experiencing joy, silence, and wonder together. Partnering with Fathom and FilmNation means ‘Wildwood’ will arrive with intention – as a true cinematic event meant to be shared.”
Ray Nutt, Chief Executive Officer at Fathom Entertainment, added, “‘Wildwood’ is a magnificently ambitious stop motion film and a landmark achievement in handcrafted cinematic artistry — a project that means so much to both Laika and Fathom Entertainment. It’s a breathtaking, creative feat that will captivate audiences when it arrives on the big screen this October 23rd.”
He added, “Fathom is elated to build on our past theatrical re-release successes with Laika, including ‘Coraline’ and ‘ParaNorman’, and to be selected and entrusted as the distributor for a full, nationwide U.S. theatrical release of ‘Wildwood’ consistent with that of the legacy Hollywood studios, complemented by the innovation Fathom brings to all its theatrical engagements. Distributing ‘Wildwood’ to U.S. theatres further exemplifies Fathom Entertainment’s growth and evolution into a full-service specialty theatrical distributor.”
Speaking with Variety last year, the film’s producer, Sam Wilson, said, “Travis has himself described the film as a love letter to Portland.”
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