Everything Viewers Should Know Before the Credits Roll on ‘Wildwood’
Moviegoers heading into Laika’s latest feature are already asking about the ‘Wildwood’ post-credits scene. The film is set for release in cinemas on October 23, and it follows teenager Prue McKeel as she launches a rescue mission into an enchanted forest hidden beyond Portland, Oregon, after a murder of crows abducts her baby brother.
The answer from early coverage is more modest than fans of franchise filmmaking might expect, yet it is not empty. None of the reviews Comic Basics found mention a story-driven mid-credits or post-credits scene, although they do point to a closing detail that gives the ‘Wildwood’ post-credits scene question a different kind of answer.
What Plays During the ‘Wildwood’ End Credits
A review from Deep Focus notes that Laika’s end credits sequence shows a glimpse of the stop-motion animators at work. The critic found it impressive, particularly given the sheer scale of the production.
Other coverage points to a final message on screen reading “This film was handmade in Oregon.” That line appears near the end of the credits, and it works as a quiet sign-off rather than a teaser. AP’s review calls it one of the best lines in the film.
Audiences should also plan for a long sit. The theatrical runtime of 131 minutes makes it the longest stop-motion animated film by run-time, so the credits arrive after a substantial journey.
Is There a Mid-Credits Scene in ‘Wildwood’
Based on what critics have reported so far, a mid-credits scene that advances the plot does not appear to exist. Comic Basics, which published its findings this week, found no review describing one.
There is some uncertainty around what the credits do contain. One review noted that most Laika films close with a behind-the-scenes look at how the character models and sets were made, and it was not clear whether ‘Wildwood’ follows that pattern. Deep Focus, however, describes animators at work during the credits, which suggests the film keeps to the studio’s craft-focused tradition.
Because the film is only now reaching audiences, coverage is still developing. Viewers who care about the artistry may want to stay seated through the full run of names.
Why a Sequel Tease Seems Unlikely
No one is reporting a sequel tease or a setup scene of the kind common in franchise movies, and the film appears to treat its story as complete. That fits a project built on a single book rather than a planned series of films.
The film is based on the illustrated novel by Colin Meloy and Carson Ellis, with Travis Knight directing. Chris Butler wrote the screenplay, and Peyton Elizabeth Lee and Jacob Tremblay voice Prue and her classmate Curtis, alongside Carey Mulligan and Mahershala Ali.
Critical reaction has been strong though not unanimous, with some calling the film Laika’s masterpiece while AP argues the story cannot quite match the world built around it. Boxoffice Pro projects an opening of $10 million to $15 million, so word of mouth may matter more than any hidden scene.
The Handmade in Oregon Message and Laika’s Craft
The closing message carries more weight once the scale of the production is clear. In an exclusive report, Variety described the film as the Oregon studio’s most ambitious to date, featuring 231 puppets, 54 hero characters and 136 locations.
The same report says the Murder of the Crows sequence took five years to complete, with the first plates arriving in May 2021. The crows were digitally designed, while Prue and her brother Mac were practical handmade puppets.
Deep Focus puts the film’s reported price tag at $100 million. Against that backdrop, ending on a simple statement about where the film was made feels consistent with a story that begins in Portland and the studio that calls Oregon home.
If you have seen ‘Wildwood’, tell us in the comments whether that handmade sign-off felt like the right last word for Prue and Mac, or whether you were hoping for one more glimpse of the Impassable Wilderness.
