Coraline Creators Opt for Alternative Release Approach for Upcoming Film

When traditional release strategies fall flat, it’s time to innovate and find a fresh way to connect with audiences. That’s the approach Laika, the studio behind acclaimed films like Coraline, ParaNorman, Kubo and the Two Strings, The Boxtrolls, and Missing Link, is taking after experiencing a decline in box office performance over the years. Instead of sticking with conventional distributors for their upcoming theatrical release, Wildwood, Laika is teaming up with Fathom Entertainment for domestic distribution and FilmNation Entertainment for international sales.

In a recent announcement, Laika described this collaboration with Fathom and FilmNation as the start of a “new phase” for the studio, especially following the success of recent rereleases from their catalog. For instance, the 15th anniversary rerelease of Coraline added an impressive $56 million to its global total, which now exceeds $185 million.

Since Coraline, each subsequent film has seen a drop in global box office earnings. The most recent release, 2019’s Missing Link, managed only $26 million worldwide against a hefty $100 million budget.

With Wildwood, Laika is banking on this new partnership to revitalize their approach. “For Wildwood, we’re taking a more customized approach to how we bring the film to audiences, matching partners to the specific needs and ambitions of the project,” said Travis Knight, director of Wildwood and Laika’s president and CEO. “Partnering with Fathom’s Denver-based team brings national perspective and operational strength to the U.S. release, while working with FilmNation internationally positions the film with scale, reach, and deep expertise in global markets. It’s a strategy built specifically for Wildwood, preserving Laika’s independence while aligning with world-class collaborators to support the film’s ambition.”

Wildwood is set to hit theaters through Fathom Entertainment on October 23. And if you’re concerned that this shift away from traditional releases might hurt movie theaters, there’s no need to worry. Fathom Entertainment is actually owned by three of the largest theater chains in the U.S.: AMC, Regal, and Cinemark. They’ll be just fine.