Acclaimed stop-motion animation studio LAIKA (laika.com) and Rizzoli today announced a five-project collaboration falling under the Rizzoli Universe imprint, celebrating LAIKA’s 20th anniversary.
The multi-title deal will feature original art and photography, never-before-seen archival material and behind-the-scenes secrets across all of LAIKA’s films, including ParaNorman, The Boxtrolls, Kubo and the Two Strings and Missing Link, with dedicated titles for Coraline and upcoming release Wildwood. All five publications will celebrate the remarkable story of the Oregon-based animation studio and its revolutionary contributions to cinematic artistry and technique.
“LAIKA’s films are beloved around the world, not only for their memorable heroes and singular stories, but also for the artistic excellence that goes into crafting each frame of film,” said the studio’s Chief Marketing & Operations Officer, David Burke. “That’s why there’s no better partner for LAIKA than Rizzoli, renowned for books that transcend the ordinary to become timeless objects of art. We’re thrilled to collaborate with such an esteemed publisher on this series of beautiful, collectible publications that showcase the artistry behind our films.”
First up is LAIKA: The Magic Behind a Stop-Motion Dream Factory, set for release March 10, 2026. This expansive and gorgeously designed hardcover illustrates the story behind the studio and the hundreds of artists, craftspeople and technicians who brought its films to life, detailing every aspect of their creative process. Script development, puppet-making, 3D printing technology, storyboards and early sketches — from each of their feature film projects — converge into the definitive monograph on the “LAIKA Dream Factory.”
The Art of Wildwood (fall 2026) will coincide with the highly anticipated release of the studio’s latest film, presenting sketches, concept art, storyboards and photography. The Art of Coraline (date TBC) celebrates the film that has thrilled and inspired audiences around the world for over 16 years, through an exclusive, behind-the-scenes lens. Original art inspired by the iconic film will be transposed into the Coraline Oracle Deck and Guidebook (fall 2026), and LAIKA’s whole canon of characters will be featured in a LAIKA Tarot Deck and Guidebook (fall 2027).
“Rizzoli Universe is excited to celebrate the history of LAIKA and its unique place in the cinema firmament,” Rizzolie New York Publisher Charles Miers enthused. “The studio’s love of craftsmanship and attention to detail will be on full display in these new books and decks, giving fans a chance to interact in a whole new way with the worlds of Coraline, Wildwood, and beyond.”
LAIKA’s sixth theatrical feature film, Wildwood is due for release in 2026.
