Film lovers seem to be overwhelmed with choices as the holiday approaches. Despite this, we often return to the classics or continue to scroll through the endless stream of live-action films on our many subscription platforms. Well, no longer scroll, because this Halloween, there is a must-see breath of fresh air on Netflix.
Wendell and Wild was born out of Henry Selick and Clay McLeod Chapman, and was later adapted into a screenplay by Selick and modern horror maestro Jordan Peele. Peele has a long history with horror, dating back to his directorial debut Get Out, which is well-known in recent history. Selick's most recent, although 13 years ago, directorial appearance is Coraline, a popular stop-motion horror film.
Fans of Selick have had to wait a long time for him to return to direct, although he did have a sequel to Coraline in production that was canceled back in 2012, blending wonderfully with Peele's background in both horror and comedy. So, with the anticipation surrounding this film in mind, it makes perfect sense to present a comprehensive round-up of everything we know so far about Wendell and Wild.
What Is Wendell and Wild About?
Wendell and Wild is categorized as a stop-motion fantasy horror comedy. On the one hand, it puts a lot of weight on its shoulders to carry the torch for such a unique cross-genre of filmmaking. However, a compelling narrative is crucial to Wendell and Wild's success.
Wendell (Keegan-Michael Key) and Wild (Jordan Peele) are demon brothers intent on escaping the "land of the dead," a funny twist on the 'land of the dead' trope. Along the way, they recruit 13-year-old Kat Elliot (Lyric Ross) into their adventure.
Is There a Trailer For Wendell and Wild?
We now have an inkling of how the film might be constructed, including shades of Coraline, Henry Selick's last film, and the animation highlighting the sort of high-quality horror we have grown to associate with the genre's relationship with animation. The 13-year-old Kat Elliot mentioned previously in a clip opening a drawer and discovering an evil teddy bear is undoubtedly palpable.
Who's In the Wendell and Wild Cast?
Jordan Peele (Get Out) reprises his role as Wild, while Keegan-Michael Key (Black Panther) reprises his role as Wendell, bolstered by many great names, including James Hong (Kung Fu Panda) and Tamara Smart (A Babysitter's Guide to Monster Hunting).
When Is Wendell and Wild Coming Out?
Wendell and Wild will premiere at the 47th Toronto International Film Festival on September 11, 2022, which will likely provide further information and reactions following the event. Following this, fans will only have to wait for a month to get the film, with a select theater release on October 21, 2022, followed by a full Netflix release seven days later.
While you wait for Wendell and Wild, here are some more things to keep an eye on.
It is relatively easy to find great new releases to the horror genre when Wendell and Wild is so seasonally appropriate. However, this film is unlikely to stand out in the animation genre.
Coraline is the obvious first film from Henry Selick to take in the upcoming Wendell and Wild film. Released back in 2009, Coraline follows the titular 11-year-old girl played by Dakota Fanning as she discovers another world similar to her own, only this one has a dark and dangerous twist to it. The film has been praised both by fans and critics alike and uses the same stop-motion style animation that promises to be a smash hit in Wendell and Wild.
Jordan Peele's directorial debut is a more mature film, but Get Out remains one of modern horror's greatest achievements. The film follows Chris Washington (Daniel Kaluuya) as he finally travels out into the country to meet his new girlfriend (Allison Williams). However, the family isn't all they seem, and the film contains a "typical Jordan Peele" sprinkling of comedy that fans of Wendell and Wild are sure to be interested in.