I’ve said it numerous times before. Laika is the most exciting animation studio working today. Their work is always bold, beautiful, daring, and original. And at a time when Pixar is starting to be hit and miss, to the point where the prospect of a future projects tends to raise eyebrows more than excitement levels, the announcement of a new Laika project continues to thrill!
Today via social media, the indie animation studio proudly announced its next project — Wildwood!
Adapted from a novel by The Decemberists’ lead singer Colin Meloy, the project will be directed by Travis Knight (Kubo and the Two Strings, Bumblebee), and written by Chris Butler (Missing Link, Paranorman).
Here is the synopsis of the novel:
Beyond Portland’s city limits lies Wildwood. You’re not supposed to go there. You’re not even supposed to know it exists. But Prue McKeel is about to enter this enchanted wonderland. Her baby brother Mac has been taken by a murder of crows into the forest’s depths, and she – along with her hapless classmate Curtis – is going to get him back. Prue might think she’s too old for fairytales, but she’s just found herself at the center of one. One filled with strange talking animals, roguish bandits, and powerful figures with the darkest intentions.
No word yet on when the film will be released, but as a massive fan of the company, I’m dying to see it already!
Wildwood is now in production! Look out for more news on its development in the future right here on The Nerds of Color!
