{
  "id": 1977830,
  "title": "A fantastical journey unfolds in gorgeous Wildwood trailer",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/19/a-fantastical-journey-unfolds-in-gorgeous-wildwood-trailer",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-19T17:06:06.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Ars Technica",
    "slug": "ars-technica",
    "url": "https://arstechnica.com/culture/2026/08/a-fantastical-journey-unfolds-in-gorgeous-wildwood-trailer/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In June, a behind-the-scenes featurette showcased the creation of Wildwood, an upcoming stop-motion animated epic directed by Travis Knight. Laika Studios unveiled an extended teaser in May, which garnered over 90 million views. Now, the full trailer has arrived, set to a haunting rendition of Avicii's \"Wake Me Up.\" This enchanting film is based on Colin Meloy's 2011 novel, along with his wife, illustrator Carson Ellis.\n\nMeloy and Ellis, who reside in Portland, Oregon near Forest Park, drew inspiration from their local surroundings. The Wilderness in the film is a magical realm reminiscent of their favorite hiking trails. In Wildwood, the duo adapted this woodland into a mysterious, captivating place inhabited by talking creatures and perils, only reachable to residents of The Wood and certain Outsiders known as \"half-breeds.\"\n\nThe story follows twelve-year-old Prue McKee, who stumbles upon the forest while walking with her infant brother, Mac. A flock of crows swoops down, snatching Mac away, and Prue embarks on a quest to find him in the Wilderness. Her friend, Curtis Mehlberg, joins her search, and together they gain access to the magical world. As they venture deeper, they face a series of fantastical challenges involving a mysterious woman, Alexandra, who has lost her son, coyotes, bandits, and numerous secrets concealed within the enchanted forest.",
  "summary": "\"I will tear apart this forest and bring back what it took from me.\"",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Mashable",
        "title": "LAIKAs Wildwood trailer is the most stunning thing youll see today",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/19/laikas-wildwood-trailer-is-the-most-stunning-thing-youll-see-today",
        "published": "2026-08-19T12:30:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}