Laika’s fourth film, Kubo and the Two Strings, gets an all-star voice cast

Last Updated on August 5, 2021

There is nothing out there like Laika Animation. When Pixar first hit it big, every other studio tried to mimic the CGI animation mold, signaling the death of 2D animated films. But, in an age where computer imagery is the norm, Laika has stuck to old school methods of stop-motion animation, generating three phenomenal films in a row. CORALINE and PARANORMAN both garnered Oscar nominations and this year’s THE BOXTROLLS probably will as well.

Now, Laika has announced their fourth feature and first in a new three picture deal with Focus Features. Set for release in 2016, KUBO AND THE TWO STRINGS will be the directorial debut of Laika’s CEO, Travis Knight, and will feature the voices of Matthew McConaughey, Charlize Theron, Rooney Mara, Ralph Fiennes, Brenda Vaccaro, and GAME OF THRONES’ Art Parkinson as Kubo.

In the epic fantasy, scruffy, kindhearted Kubo ekes out a humble living while devotedly caring for his mother in their sleepy shoreside village. It is a quiet existence – until a spirit from the past catches up with him to enforce an age-old vendetta. Suddenly on the run from gods and monsters, Kubo’s chance for survival rests on finding the magical suit of armor once worn by his fallen father, the greatest samurai the world has ever known. Summoning courage, Kubo embarks on a thrilling odyssey as he faces his family’s history, navigates the elements, and bravely fights for the earth and the stars.

Based on Japanese folktales, it does seem a bit odd that there are no Japanese voice actors, but it is still early enough that we could see them added in the coming year. Regardless of what Laika has up their sleeves, KUBO AND THE TWO STRINGS is going to be something special and unique compared to other animated fare. If you haven’t seen any of their movies to date, you are missing out. PARANORMAN is my personal favorite, but each of their films carries a distinct visual style while telling stories as rich as any film out there.

KUBO AND THE TWO STRINGS is set for release on August 19, 2016.