Week 10 CNA
Laika’s “Wildwood” exceeds expectations on its first box office weekend
Portland Business Journal
Monday, Oct. 26
Who: Laika Studios, Wildwood and movie audiences
What: Wildwood exceeded its opening weekend box office expectations, earning about $11.6 million domestically
When: Oct. 23–25, 2026
Where: Theaters across North America
This is news because Wildwood performed better than expected during its opening weekend and could show that audiences are interested in original stop-motion animated films.
The Portland Business Journal is credible because it is an established business news organization, and the story was written by managing editor Andy Giegerich using measurable box office results.
Wildwood the newest stop motion film by Laika Studios, exceeded their expectations during their opening weekend with about $11.6 million at the domestic box office. The film had previously been projected to earn about $6 million and $8 million during its debut but attracted more people than expected. The stronger opening gives Laika a promising start as the studio releases its first new feature film since 2019.
How internet culture and franchise twists defined this year’s horror movies
NPR/WUNC
Tuesday, October. 27
Who: Horror filmmakers, audience and horror critic Rebekah McKendry
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What: Internet culture and new takes on established franchises are influencing the horror movies released in 2026.
When: Oct. 27, 2026
Where: The U.S. film and entertainment industry
This is news because horror movies are becoming increasingly influenced by Internet culture and changing audience interests, showing how online trends are shaping modern entertainment.
NPR is credible because it is an established national news organization that follows professional journalism standards, and this story includes an interview with a horror film expert.
Horror movies have had a strong year in 2026, with internet-born ideas, frachise reinventions and dark comedy helping shape some of the genre’s biggest releases. Films like Backrooms and Iron Lung show how online culture and creators can influence what becomes successful in theaters, while long-running franchises are experimenting with new directions. Horror critic and director Rebekah McKendry said that the genre continues to perform well because audiences enjoy experiencing scary movies together in theaters.
‘The Birds’ Reboot: Sarah Snook to Lead HBO Limited Series Take on Hitchcock Classic
Variety
Wednesday, October. 28
Who: Sarah Snook, HBO and writer Tom Spezialy
What: HBO is developing a new limited-series adaptation of The Birds starring Sarah Snook.
When: Oct. 28, 2026
Where: HBO, Alaska
This is news because HBO is bringing back a classic horror story for a modern audience with an award-winning actress and new storyline
Variety is credible because it is an established entertainment industry news organization, and the article confirms the project through industry sources and provides details about the production team.
HBO is developing a limited series reboot of Alfred Hitchcock’s classic horror film The Birds, with Sarah Snook set to star. The new version will move the story to Alaska and add a murder mystery element while keeping the threat of violent bird attacks. The project gives a well known horror story a modern television adaptation just as interest in horror entertainment remains strong.
