LAIKA Shares Stunning First Look at Wildwood at SCAD AnimationFest

At SCAD AnimationFest 2026, fans were treated to an exclusive look at the upcoming LAIKA film, Wildwood. Based on the novel by Colin Meloy and illustrated by Carson Ellis, the story follows two seventh graders who discover a magical forest while on a mission to rescue a kidnapped baby. Attendees got a sneak peek at three scenes, including a vibrant sequence featuring the protagonist, Prue McKeel, cycling through the streets of Portland.

LAIKA head of animation Brad Schiff and animator Tilly Fidler provided insights into the production of this ambitious project. Wildwood has officially earned the title of the longest stop motion film ever created, with a runtime of two hours and twenty minutes. The production process spanned roughly fifteen years, highlighting the dedication required to bring this fantasy tale to life.

Technical details shared during the panel offered a glimpse into the complexity of stop motion artistry, particularly regarding Prue’s character design. Animators explained how they used wired wigs and intricate ball and socket joints to simulate movement in her hair, often treating the hair as a separate character to maintain visual quality during action scenes. The team even utilized different wigs for specific sequences, like riding a bike, to manage the extreme workload.

This film serves as a heartfelt tribute to Portland, Oregon, captured through the studio's signature stop motion style. As the project nears completion, the team continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in the medium, ensuring every frame feels alive. Fans can look forward to more updates as the film moves toward its final release.