The first trailer for Laika’s newest animated pictureKubo and the Two Stringsis now available. While this first look at the latest stop-motion feature starts off more like a teaser, it quickly becomes apparent that Laika is once again pushing the limits of their filmmaking technology and artistry. We don’t get much story here as the trailer focuses on showing off myriad characters sailing, swimming, and fighting their way across dynamic, colorful backdrops. Don’t get too lost in the trailer’s beauty, though;Kubo and the Two Stringslooks to be Laika’s most adventurous and action-packed film to date.
Directed byTravis Knightand scripted byMarc HaimesandChris Butler,Kubo and the Two Stringsboasts the impressive voice cast ofArt Parkinson, Matthew McConaughey, Charlize Theron, Rooney Mara, Ralph Fiennes, George Takei, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa,andBrenda Vaccaro. Look forKubo and the Two Stringson July 16, 2025.
Watch the first trailer forKubo and the Two Stringsbelow:
First of all, I was impressed with the studio’s decision to film scenes on open water, which clearly isn’t actually water due to the nature of stop-motion animation, but their technique of blending practical effects with computer-generated enhancements really brings this scene to life. Secondly, Laika’s previous filmsCorpse Bride,Coraline,ParaNorman, andThe Boxtrollsall had elements of action present in their stories, butKuboappears to be the first film that is built around the action genre at its core. I was always going to be psyched for a new Laika film, but this first trailer promises that my loyalty will be justly rewarded.
Here’s the official synopsis forKubo and the Two Strings:
An epic action-adventure from acclaimed animation studio LAIKA. Clever, kindhearted Kubo (voiced by Art Parkinson of “Game of Thrones”) ekes out a humble living, telling fantastical stories to the people of his seaside town. But his relatively quiet existence is shattered when he accidentally summons a mythical spirit from his past which storms down from the heavens to enforce an age-old vendetta. Now on the run, Kubo joins forces with Monkey (Academy Award winner Charlize Theron) and Beetle (Academy Award winner Matthew McConaughey), and sets out on a thrilling quest to save his family and solve the mystery of his fallen father, the greatest samurai warrior the world has ever known. With the help of his shamisen – a magical musical instrument – Kubo must battle gods and monsters, including the vengeful Moon King (Academy Award nominee Ralph Fiennes) and the evil twin Sisters (Academy Award nominee Rooney Mara), to unlock the secret of his legacy, reunite his family and his heroic destiny. The all-star cast also includes George Takei, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, and Brenda Vaccaro.
