Stop-Motion Studio Laika moves towards live-action

Laika Studio, based in Portland, best known for Oscar-nominated films such as Coraline, ParaNorman, The Boxtrolls, Kubo and the Two Strings e Missing link, is expanding into live action. The studio optioned Seventeen, the first forthcoming novel by acclaimed screenwriter John Brownlow (The illuminator, Sylvia). Currently in production on her sixth animated feature, Laika has secured the rights after a bidding war and plans to adapt it as a live-action project.

"For the past 15 years, Laika has been committed to making films that matter," says studio president and CEO Travis Knight. “Across mediums and genres, our studio has fused art, craftsmanship and technology in the service of bold, distinctive and enduring stories. With Seventeen, LAIKA is taking this philosophy in an exciting new direction. "

"Seventeen it's a stiff cocktail of evil wit, hilarious action and pure emotion, "added Knight." John has such a wonderfully unique voice. He has created a brilliant universe with his own powerful identity. Seventeen it's a thriller with a soul, a sinuous, adrenaline-pumping action with a sincere heart beating under his ruffled pectorals. "

Knight, who directed Kubo and the two ropes and has also served as the lead animator on most of Laika's films, venturing into the world of live-action himself with the 2018 blockbuster Paramount Bumblebee. He is also directing the next feature film version of the hit TV series The six million dollar man, with Mark Wahlberg.

Author and screenwriter John Brownlow is well known for his film and television credits. He is the screenwriter of the feature film Sylvia with Gwyneth Paltrow and Daniel Craig and wrote and executive produced the BBC's three-part limited series The illuminator, with Anya Taylor-Joy (The Queen's Gambit). He also wrote the four-episode limited series Fleming, played by Dominic Cooper as James Bond author Ian Fleming.

Laika was founded in 2005 in Oregon by President and CEO Travis Knight. The five films of the studio, Coraline (2009) ParaNorman (2012) The Boxtrolls (2014) Kubo and the two ropes (2016) and Missing connection (2019) were all nominated for the Oscar for Best Animated Film. Laika also received an Oscar for science and technology in 2016 for its innovation in 3D printing.