Okay, it’s been a pretty crazy news cycle recently. The monarchy has shifted, the Emmys happened, and we’ve been hooked on the behind-the-scenes drama surrounding Don’t Worry, Darling more than the movie itself. So it’s understandable that a few newsworthy moments have kind of slipped beneath the radar amidst the chaos. But… nah, I’m sorry guys, it’s absolutely ridiculous how much we aren’t discussing Wendell & Wild right now.
Wendell & Wild is an upcoming Netflix original movie written and produced by Jordan Peele alongside Henry Selick. You all know Peele — his recent film, Nope, has been the topic of many video essays, think pieces, and film conspiracies due to the director’s natural gift of interweaving mystery, suspense and deeper thematic elements in his films. But Selick’s name should ring a bell as well, since while Disney was busy bringing magic to our childhoods, he was more concerned with bringing us the scares.
And I do mean scares, like the spookiest kind. Selick’s previous films, like The Nightmare Before Christmas and Coraline, may not give the average adult viewer goosebumps, but you’d be lying through button eyes and sewed up teeth if you said “Other Mother” didn’t freak you out as an impressionable youth. As a matter of fact, some of Selick’s works are enough to give me the chills even today.
Which is why, again, I am so surprised that after a week online, the trailer hasn’t been making the rounds as much as it should be. Well, not entirely surprised — the primarily Black cast and its inception as an animated film may hold some clues — but that’s a subject for another time.
The point is, you have to see this trailer. Wendell & Wild used a beautiful blend of stop-motion and shadow animation, both of which are in full display the moment “From visionary filmmaker Henry Selick” pops up in the trailer. And visionary, he is. Selick directs a tale crafted by himself and Peele which looks to bring out the best of both filmmakers particular styles. Visually it looks stunning, but with Peele even close to the pen, it’s more than likely that the story will be just as visionary. From the trailer alone, it’s clear the film will be required rewatching material.
In the meantime, you can watch the trailer again and again below. Wendell & Wild stars Lyric Ross as Kat Elliot, your average elementary student who encounters the two titular demons, portrayed by Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele. This marks the duo’s first time working together post-Key & Peele since their 2016 film, Keanu. The film also stars Angela Basset, James Hong, Ving Rhames, and Tamara Smart.
Nuns get possessed, ghost n’ ghouls run amok, and I’m sure at least one person is gonna break out into song when Wendell & Wild hits select theaters October 21, and Netflix on October 28.
Make sure to keep an eye on The Nerds of Color to stay up to date with more about Wendell & Wild!
