HILLSBORO, OR, and SANTA MONICA, CA – LAIKA and Focus Features, the two companies behind the hit animated feature
The Boxtrolls
, will continue their partnership on LAIKA’s next three projects.
As with the three movies that the companies have partnered on previously, Focus will distribute the next three movies domestically, and Universal Pictures International will release them overseas.
Focus opened The Boxtrolls nationwide last weekend to a $17.3 million gross, marking the biggest debut yet for a LAIKA movie.
The Boxtrolls follows the successful and acclaimed Focus and LAIKA animated films
Coraline (2009) and
ParaNorman (2012), each of which grossed over $100 million worldwide.
Focus CEO Peter Schlessel and LAIKA President and CEO Travis Knight made the announcement today.Mr. Schlessel commented, “I am very pleased to continue our relationship with our friends at LAIKA. Travis and his company have elevated the art of animated films and we are proud to be part of their success.”
“Focus and LAIKA are kindred spirits,” said Travis Knight, LAIKA CEO and President. “Over eight years and three films we’ve forged an incredible bond over a shared love for, and commitment to, bold, distinctive, and enduring stories. Peter [Schlessel, Focus CEO] and his superlative team have created a welcoming home for original voices and enriching, challenging filmmaking. We look forward to many ongoing cinematic adventures with our Focus/Universal family. The best is yet to come.”