Wildwood’s director claims AI contradicts the studio’s core values.

Wildwood marks Laika’s most ambitious project to date, building on the studio’s reputation for unique stop-motion films like Coraline and ParaNorman. This expansive fantasy adventure took five years to create, involving over 230 puppets—36 of which are dedicated to the main character, Prue—animated by a team of 49 skilled animators. In total, more than 1,000 artists contributed to the film, showcasing a meticulous process that stands in stark contrast to the rapid advancements offered by generative AI tools.

In a recent discussion, Wildwood director and Laika CEO Travis Knight expressed his concerns about the rise of AI in filmmaking. When I had the opportunity to chat with him before the film’s premiere on October 23rd, I asked how it feels to release a project in an era dominated by AI technology.

“Generative AI is fundamentally opposed to what we stand for at this studio,” Knight stated. “We embrace technology, but we also recognize its limitations. We’re not solely relying on outdated tools; a pencil, a paintbrush, a 3D printer, and a computer workstation are all forms of technology. However, they gain significance and value when wielded by an artist.”

Wildwood showcases several technical innovations for Laika, many of which build on the studio’s previous achievements. For example, many puppets now feature diaphragms that allow animators to simulate breathing, along with enhanced musculature in their limbs and more durable, flexible materials for clothing, hair, and fur. These advancements contribute to a film that feels more lifelike than its predecessors. Knight emphasizes that while these tools are vital to the filmmaking process, generative AI represents a different challenge altogether.

“When technology takes over the artist’s role, that’s a different issue,” he explains. “I firmly oppose that because it lacks humanity. When you take an artist’s work and reprocess it, what emerges is devoid of soul and spirit. That’s theft. Human stories about loss and grief must come from real experiences. A computer has never loved, lost, or made a heartbreaking choice. Only a person can convey those feelings.”

Despite the shortcomings of AI-generated films, the technology is making its way into Hollywood through digital replicas of stars, studios training AI models on their content, and major industry players investing heavily in AI. This makes Laika’s commitment to handcrafted filmmaking even more distinctive. Knight acknowledges that while he isn’t entirely against AI in non-artistic fields, he is cautious about its current and future applications.

“I find AI to be an incredible technology,” he says. “Its advancements are impressive, and it will undoubtedly disrupt our society. There are significant benefits to be gained in areas like medicine and science. However, there’s also potential for devastation. I worry about the latter and hope for the former, but it requires responsible stewardship of this technology. Historically, humanity hasn’t excelled in that regard. Still, I remain optimistic that we can recognize the value of AI and use it wisely while also being aware of its dangers and pushing back against them.”