US-based stop-motion company Laika is expanding its horizons by diving into live-action filmmaking. The studio, renowned for its animated masterpieces like “Kubo and the Two Strings,” “Coraline,” and “The Boxtrolls,” is now collaborating with acclaimed filmmakers Phil Lord and Chris Miller, known for their work on “The LEGO Movie” and “Spider-Verse,” on a new project titled “Crumble.”
“Crumble” is penned and will be directed by Brian Duffield. The story revolves around a married couple who embark on a globe-trotting adventure in search of a cure for an ancient curse. Duffield, who directed the 2023 sci-fi thriller “No One Will Save You” starring Kaitlyn Dever for Hulu, and the 2020 coming-of-age horror comedy “Spontaneous” on Paramount+, brings his unique storytelling flair to this new venture.
Phil Lord and Chris Miller are set to produce “Crumble” alongside Aditya Sood through their production company, Lord Miller. Lucy Kitada and Nikki Baida of Lord Miller will serve as executive producers, ensuring that the project benefits from their extensive experience and creative vision.
Laika’s president of live-action film & series, Matt Levin, made the announcement on Tuesday, expressing his enthusiasm for the collaboration. He praised Duffield’s “singular voice” and highlighted the exceptional creative team behind the project. “Lord Miller is in a class of its own, and we could not ask for a better creative team to bring this story to life,” Levin stated.
Lord and Miller also shared their excitement about the collaboration. “We’re so excited to keep collaborating with our friend Brian Duffield, who has written a script that is endlessly imaginative, funny, and romantic. We have long been fans of Laika and Travis Knight’s groundbreaking work in animation and could not be more excited to join forces with them in live action,” they said.
Laika’s foray into live-action filmmaking is not limited to “Crumble.” The studio’s live-action subsidiary has a range of projects in development, including a feature based on the action thriller novel “Seventeen” by screenwriter John Brownlow. This expansion into live-action demonstrates Laika’s commitment to diversifying its storytelling mediums while maintaining the high-quality craftsmanship that has become its hallmark.
The collaboration between Laika and Lord Miller is a significant milestone for both parties. Laika, known for its meticulous stop-motion animation, is venturing into new territory with the support of Lord and Miller, who have a proven track record of creating successful and innovative films. This partnership promises to bring a fresh and exciting perspective to the live-action genre.
Brian Duffield’s involvement in “Crumble” adds another layer of intrigue to the project. His previous works, “No One Will Save You” and “Spontaneous,” have showcased his ability to blend genres and create compelling narratives. With “Crumble,” Duffield is set to deliver a story that combines adventure, romance, and humor, making it a highly anticipated film.
Phil Lord and Chris Miller’s influence on the project cannot be overstated. Their work on “The LEGO Movie” and “Spider-Verse” has earned them critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base. Their ability to infuse creativity and heart into their projects aligns perfectly with Laika’s storytelling ethos. The combination of Laika’s animation expertise and Lord Miller’s innovative approach to filmmaking is expected to result in a unique and captivating film.
Laika’s decision to expand into live-action filmmaking is a strategic move that reflects the studio’s ambition and versatility. By collaborating with industry heavyweights like Lord and Miller, Laika is positioning itself to make a significant impact in the live-action arena. This partnership is a testament to the studio’s commitment to pushing boundaries and exploring new creative avenues.
As Laika continues to develop its live-action pipeline, audiences can look forward to a diverse range of projects that showcase the studio’s signature blend of artistry and storytelling. “Crumble” is just the beginning of what promises to be an exciting new chapter for Laika. With the combined talents of Brian Duffield, Phil Lord, Chris Miller, and the entire creative team, “Crumble” is poised to be a standout film that captivates audiences and sets a new standard for live-action storytelling.
Source: Collider, The Hollywood Reporter
