Mahershala Ali has joined a magical adventure in a new stop-motion fantasy. The film takes viewers into a mysterious forest. The story combines supernatural elements, dangerous creatures, and an escalating conflict that threatens an entire hidden world.
Wildwood opened in theaters today. Directed by Travis Knight and produced by Laika, it adapts Colin Meloy’s 2011 novel, illustrated by Carson Ellis. Ali has joined a voice cast featuring Peyton Elizabeth Lee, Jacob Tremblay, Carey Mulligan, and Angela Bassett.
Wildwood follows two young friends into an enchanted forest where a mysterious war is beginning to unfold
The story follows Prue McKeel (Peyton Elizabeth Lee), whose baby brother Mac goes missing after a murder of crows abducts him. Determined to rescue him, she enters the Impassable Wilderness, an enchanted forest just beyond Portland, Oregon. Her classmate Curtis Mehlberg (Jacob Tremblay) joins her on the journey.
As they explore the forest, Prue and Curtis encounter talking animals, bandits, and powerful figures with conflicting ambitions. Their search for Mac soon draws them into a larger struggle that threatens the woodland realm. Prue must overcome unfamiliar dangers and discover her own strength to save her brother and protect the forest.
Ali voices Brendan, while Mulligan plays Alexandra, one of the antagonists. Bassett voices the General. The ensemble also includes Awkwafina, Jake Johnson, Charlie Day, Amandla Stenberg, Jemaine Clement, Maya Erskine, Tom Waits, Tantoo Cardinal, and Richard E. Grant.
Chris Butler wrote the screenplay, while Knight directs and produces alongside Sam Wilson. Knight previously helmed Kubo and the Two Strings, another Laika stop-motion feature. The studio has also produced Coraline and ParaNorman, both known for their distinctive animation.
The film has also received strong reviews ahead of its release. Wildwood currently holds a 100% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 87 reviews, reflecting a positive early response to its animation and visual ambition. The score may change as more reviews come in.
Wildwood arrived in theaters on October 23, 2026.
Originally reported on ComingSoon.
