Laika’s CEO Discusses Why AI Can’t Replace Stop-Motion in ‘Wildwood’
In recent years, the animation industry has increasingly engaged in discussions about artificial intelligence, with various studios exploring AI tools to enhance production efficiency and reduce costs. Amidst this trend, one studio stands out as a steadfast advocate for traditional methods, firmly opposing the industry’s shift towards automation.
That studio is Laika, the Portland-based animation powerhouse known for beloved films like ‘Coraline,’ ‘ParaNorman,’ and ‘Kubo and the Two Strings.’ As Laika gears up for the release of its most ambitious project to date, ‘Wildwood,’ CEO and director Travis Knight has been vocal about the enduring importance of handcrafted, frame-by-frame animation in a rapidly automating industry.
The conversation gained momentum after the teaser trailer for ‘Wildwood’ went viral, amassing over 90 million views on YouTube. Knight expressed surprise at the overwhelming response, noting that even seasoned industry colleagues reached out to him, moved by the emotional impact of the footage. One notable comment captured the sentiment perfectly: “AI is the future. Laika: Hold my meticulously handcrafted stop motion beer.”
Knight has embraced this narrative when discussing Laika’s unique position. He argues that stop-motion animation is inherently different from anything AI can replicate, emphasizing that the labor-intensive, hands-on process is what imbues the medium with emotional depth that resonates with audiences, even if they can’t articulate why.
This philosophy isn’t new for Knight, but it has gained clarity as AI tools have become more widespread in Hollywood. He has previously articulated that the value of stop-motion lies in its inherently human process, stating in an earlier interview that “the act of creating things by hand imbues them with a humanity you can’t get any other way,” a belief that resonates in his discussions about ‘Wildwood.’
As the film’s release approaches, Knight has been careful to avoid framing the discussion as a complete rejection of technology. He acknowledges that while AI can play a role in entertainment, it should not replace the human touch that gives films their spirit and soul. Instead, he advocates for a thoughtful, limited use of technology that complements rather than replaces human artists.
‘Wildwood’ is being touted as Laika’s most technically ambitious film yet, adapting the fantasy novel series by Colin Meloy and Carson Ellis into a 140-minute stop-motion epic featuring a star-studded cast, including Peyton Elizabeth Lee, Jacob Tremblay, Carey Mulligan, and Mahershala Ali. The film combines traditional puppet animation with practical effects, miniatures, and select digital tools, exemplifying Laika’s commitment to integrating technology without compromising its handmade essence.
This balance has been a defining characteristic of Laika since its inception, with Knight describing the studio’s approach as a blend of “art, craft, and technology” rather than viewing them as opposing forces. However, as generative AI tools become more advanced and prevalent in animation and visual effects, Laika’s dedication to keeping human artistry at the forefront increasingly appears as a deliberate statement rather than merely a stylistic choice.
With ‘Wildwood’ set to premiere in U.S. theaters on October 23, following an earlier release in the UK, the film’s box office performance and critical reception may reveal much about audience preferences for handcrafted filmmaking. For a studio that has built its identity around resisting shortcuts, the viral response to the trailer suggests that many viewers are eager for the human touch to prevail.
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