Throughout the city of Portland, stop motion animation studio Laika has installed six foot fiberglass statues of the “Coraline” cat, all painted uniquely by local artists to reflect Portland’s culture and history. For many people, watching the award winning stop motion film is a yearly tradition, “Coraline”’s recent resurgence is far from unexpected.
“I think that the world of “Coraline” is a deep psychological well, and it captures all kinds of audience” said former Laika lighting assistant Dan Ackerman, highlighting how the nostalgic nature of the film, mixed with its creepy and whimsical nature, has captured fans of all ages, easily making it the studio’s most popular film to date. To celebrate 15 years since “Coraline”’s release, Laika remastered “Coraline” in 3D to return to theaters in the late summer of 2024.
But “Coraline” isn’t the only thing Laika has been working on. Since 2011 Laika has had plans for “Wildwood” to become Laika’s sixth major motion picture. “Wildwood” will be an adaptation of the bestselling Portland-Based book, written by Colin Meloy. Production for the film started in September of 2021, and updates have been steady ever since.
The storyline of Wildwood follows Curtis and Prue, set in Portland Oregon it tells of two seventh graders who embark on a journey to save Prue’s little brother Mac. Mac was mysteriously kidnapped by crows while he and Prue were out for a walk. On their journey to rescue Prue’s brother Curtis and Prue come to find that the animals of the Impassable Wilderness (known to us as Portland’s Forest park) can speak. They must then overcome the creatures of the forest in order to return Mac to his sister. The magic and mystery of “Wildwood” will be coming to theaters in 2025.
So whether you’re a new fan, or a returning one of many years, let “Coraline” and Laika’s whimsy steal you away this fall season.