Oscar nominee Hugh Jackman (Les Misérables), Zoe Saldana (the Guardians of the Galaxy films and the Star Trek franchise), and Zach Galifianakis (the Hangover film franchise) are confirmed for the next animated production from LAIKA. The upcoming fifth film from the award-winning production company is currently referred to as just “Film Five” and will be released by Annapurna Pictures.
LAIKA’s previous releases include Kubo and the Two Strings, The Boxtrolls, ParaNorman, and Coraline. 2009’s Coraline earned a Best Animated Feature Film Oscar nomination as well as Golden Globes, Critics’ Choice Awards, and BAFTA Awards nominations. 2012’s ParaNorman was also nominated for an Oscar and won the Spotlight Award from the National Board of Review. 2014’s The Boxtrolls continued LAIKA’s Oscar nomination streak and was also among the animated feature film nominees at the Golden Globes, BAFTA Awards, and Producers Guild of America Awards.
2016’s Kubo and the Two Strings featured the voices of Charlize Theron and Matthew McConaughey. The fourth film from LAIKA picked up Oscar nominations in the Best Animated Feature Film and Visual Effects Oscar categories.
Chris Butler (ParaNorman) is directing the untitled fifth film which has just begun production. No date has been set yet for the film’s theatrical release.
“Our next film represents an evolutionary shift for LAIKA,” stated LAIKA President and CEO Travis Knight. “It’s an exciting bridge to our future. Director Chris Butler and the wizards at LAIKA have crafted a moving work of art, layered with wit and imagination and soul. Plus it’s really, really funny. It’s a privilege to partner with Megan and her exceptional team at Annapurna to bring this beautiful original story to the world.”
“We’re excited for the opportunity to collaborate with Travis and the amazing team at LAIKA,” stated Megan Ellison, Founder and CEO of Annapurna Pictures. “We appreciate their trust and look forward to having some fun together.”
The studio didn’t issue an official synopsis for the fifth film. However, they did describe it as “bursting with humor, heart, and a profound message of acceptance and finding one’s place, the animation team at LAIKA is thrilled to be bringing this globetrotting comedy adventure to life.”
