Laika Studios is once again pushing the boundaries of stop motion by integrating real-time rendering tools into its next project.
According to insiders, the studio has begun experimenting with Unreal Engine 5 to previsualize lighting and camera moves before sets are even built. This new hybrid process allows animators to blend physical craftsmanship with digital flexibility.
The yet-untitled feature is rumored to include sequences where miniature sets are extended digitally, offering a seamless blend of tactile and virtual worlds.
“It’s not about replacing stop motion,” said one Laika animator. “It’s about giving the puppets a stage that can grow infinitely.”
