Laika's animated feature 'Wildwood' has been selected as the opening film for AFI Fest 2026, marking its U.S. premiere on October 21.
Laika's highly anticipated stop-motion animated feature, Wildwood, has been chosen as the opening film of the 40th edition of AFI Fest on October 21, 2026. This premiere will also mark the film's U.S. debut, following its world premiere at the London Film Festival on October 11. Following its festival screening, Wildwood will be released in theaters on October 23 through Fathom Entertainment.
Directed by Travis Knight and adapted from Colin Meloy's novel, Wildwood revolves around the determined teenager Prue McKeel, voiced by Peyton Elizabeth Lee. When her baby brother is kidnapped by crows, Prue, alongside her loyal classmate Curtis Mehlberg, voiced by Jacob Tremblay, embarks on a perilous mission to rescue him in the mystical Impassable Wilderness—a forest shrouded in mystery just outside Portland, Oregon. The film features a stellar voice cast that includes Mahershala Ali, Angela Bassett, Awkwafina, and Tom Waits.
This project has been a significant endeavor for Knight, taking 16 years to complete. Wildwood is Laika's sixth feature-length film, adding to the accolades of the studio's previous works like Coraline and Kubo and the Two Strings, both of which received multiple Academy Award nominations for Animated Feature.
AFI Fest is recognized for showcasing films that are expected to make waves during the awards season. Bob Gazzale, President & CEO of AFI, remarked, "AFI is honored to celebrate Wildwood as the Opening Night Film of the 40th annual AFI Fest. At a time when the world needs artistic inspiration more than ever, Wildwood comes to the rescue by inviting audiences to a hand-crafted, endlessly imaginative world that both dazzles and delights." The complete film lineup for this year's festival will be revealed on September 29, and screenings will occur from October 21-25 at the TCL Chinese Theatres in Hollywood.
Laika has built its reputation on both critical acclaim and box office success. Each of the studio’s last five films has garnered nominations for the Animated Feature Oscar, leading to heightened expectations for Wildwood. The excitement surrounding its U.S. premiere at AFI Fest is palpable, as audiences look forward to experiencing the unique combination of handcrafted animation and engaging storytelling that Laika is known for.
The selection of Wildwood as the opening film for AFI Fest 2026 solidifies its position as a key participant in upcoming award discussions. Given Laika's distinguished legacy and the film's compelling narrative, the premiere is expected to generate significant attention, further enhancing Laika's reputation in the animation landscape. For updates on the festival and full lineup details, stay tuned for announcements from the American Film Institute. Fans are eager to see how this latest creation enriches the studio's remarkable portfolio.
For additional information on upcoming films, check out these articles: ‘Primetime,’ ‘Victorian Psycho’ and ‘Wicker’ Join Beyond Fest 2026 Lineup and Apple Unveils iPhone Duo, Its First Foldable Smartphone.
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