Behind Wendell & Wild's Incredible Stop Motion Animation | Netflix

Jordan Peele (Wild), Keegan-Michael Key (Wendell), and Wendell & Wild director/co-writer Henry Selick discuss what went into creating the movie's most challenging scenes, with time-lapse footage of stop motion animation.
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Behind Wendell & Wild's Incredible Stop Motion Animation | Netflix
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Two scheming demons strike a deal with a punk rock-loving teen so they can leave the Underworld and live out their dreams in the Land of the Living.

[@austinmorrison6953]

I think one of the most interesting details about Wendell and Wild themselves is how their faces are flat down in the underworld but 3D after they come up topside.

[@AllegoricSiren]

And the art style of their faces were so good, I loved that section and I almost wish it came up a bit more later in the movie

[@leonardosomma4196]

@@AllegoricSiren I really think their faces should have stayed 2d in the over world, as it would have made them look other-worldly, as their demons

[@austinmorrison6953]

@@leonardosomma4196 same. It’s not that their models for the rest of the movie are bad or anything but the flatter faces really help them stand out. Makes me wonder why it changes.

[@takahashierik]

@@austinmorrison6953 I think the 3D faces are easier to animate and make them more expressive, as well as being able to see them from any angle. And from a narrative standpoint, it makes them fit in with their "human" disguises

[@elenatruj]

I noticed that too, but i was mostly blown away by the design choice for the souls, feeling like paper cutouts as they uselessly whipped through the wind as they were rushed and thrown about the amusement park of hell haha

[@Dr.Aqueous]

In my opinion, stop motion animation is the highest form of art. It takes so much work and skill. It blows me away. I hadn't heard of this project but know I have to see it!

[@jubi7793]

If done well yes. Actually saw the movie and was a bit lost and yea I’d give it a participation ribbon

[@b1njjj95]

Go watch this movie this weekend! It's sooo good! The animation, the lighting, the characters, gahhh! It's just so amazing! I enjoyed every single minute of it!

[@putalover4519]

I’ve seen it. It’s visually amazing and hilarious.

[@alldy7836]

That's debatable, but yeah it's amazing

[@Sakkaz]

Both traditional and stop motion are beautiful! In my opinion 🥺

[@annabunovsky5628]

Given how often celebrities are hired as voice actors just to get butts in seats & it’s so lifeless, I absolutely adore how much Key & Peele appreciate the artistry of animation and how much effort goes into every aspect of it. It’s awesome to hear about the behind the scenes journey of this fantastic movie with such enthusiasm from everyone involved!

[@noobmasterruben5167]

Its why I hate Illumination so much. They just hire Scarlett Johansson, Or other celebs from Marvel and barely focus on making good animation

[@annabunovsky5628]

Agreed. Illumination is definitely a studio that’s prioritized safe marketability with its films. A lot of their movies aren’t even impressively bad, just aggressively mediocre.

[@datruliverking]

have you guys seen the movie? it’s a horrible mess with no clear story and it felt like there was “too many cooks in the kitchen” as far as who wrote the script. I mean it started out awesome (although whoever voiced the parents were absolute trash) the story of the girl and the school was awesome, but there was no making sense of the plot after that. AMAZING WONDERFUL artists put so much time and effort into making this BEAUTIFUL movie, too bad it’s another example of trying to cram a movie full of politics before trying to write a good story….Such a let down 🎉

[@Courier_333]

I love that key and Peele still act together despite one of them becoming a major filmmaker

[@sadesemolu]

These dudes go way back since MAD TV. With similar yet contrasting upbringings as well. Their fated Brothers that can do their own thing, but can always come back together to hang like nothing changed.

[@lamb2004]

henry selick finally getting the respect and recognition that he deserves

[@sphumessanctum7050]

I’m 27 years old and I LOVED this movie as if I were experiencing it as a 10 year old. I cried so much 🥹! The stop motion element made it feel like such a labour of love and it made me wish I had a little princess to experience it with (even though I’m not planning on having one for at least another 5 years). I wish this production continued success ❤❤❤❤!!!

[@ndjjiekkskkejjr]

Being able to see myself in a protagonist in such a beautifully designed movie is so amazing!! Such a cool looking character and even better movie

[@b1njjj95]

Agreed! We are long overdue for a positive black protagonist that isn't part of some harmful troupe. To finally see a black alt girl as the protagonist in a stop motion movie is really exciting!

[@Devontae7894]

I don’t think a chapters skin color should matter. Character isn’t defined by skin color but instead by personality and choices. Peter Parker is a white kid but his problems and life are a reflection of my own as a black kid. I agree more representation in media is good but let’s not act like it’s groundbreaking because their is a black lead. I want more black people behind the scenes as well

[@youdidwhat7530]

@@b1njjj95 too bad her only personality trait is “black alt girl protagonist”

[@user-wq3uw5zc7n]

@@Devontae7894 true. we’re just happy there are some people out there who aren’t afraid to branch out to new personalities with black characters.

[@Jormyyy]

@@youdidwhat7530 the same way hundreds of other characters are just "generic white guy/ kid protagonist", right?

[@DanteYewToob]

I love how in the videos about this movie I see tons of people and especially younger black girls who feel seen, especially the alt and goth crowd who have had basically zero representation. My niece was bullied a lot for being a black goth girl and I’m glad this movie exists because the character reminds me a lot of her. She even had half green poof tails at one point, so this is pretty close to home for me. It hurt seeing someone I care about feel like she couldn’t be herself or feel like she belonged. So seeing that her and so many others finally feel that way makes me really happy! She’s 19 now and doing great but she’s still the same little Jamaican Goth girl who used to have two person mosh pits with me in the garage years ago. I need to visit her and bring some ADTR and jam for old times! I know she’s already watched the movie but maybe I’ll see if she wants to watch it again! :)

[@b1njjj95]

And this is exactly why representation is so important. Young black girls deserve to have characters that look like them. They deserve to feel seen and have their stories told. We really need more movies and shows that explore different types of black folks, instead of the typical urban inspired troupe. There are black goths, black punks, black nerds, black neat freaks and so on. We are way beyond the harmful stereotypes that the mainstream media often portrays us as and it's about time the black alt scene got more attention.

[@allwalledup]

I really hope this does create more black goths / headbangers / punks. I’m a huge heavy metal fan and I know skin colour doesn’t matter but I would just love to see some more people that aren’t white involved with the scene.

[@jacquestube]

Sounds to me like you're too obsessed with race. What's so great about being black or being jamaican? I'm not saying there's anything great about being white, but nobody walks around saying I'm so proud to be a white goff. Who gives a fuck and Gotham made fun of no matter what their race are. Because gothism is fucking cringe

[@goatpepperherbaltea7895]

Gayyyy

[@chloebotts]

Netflix promote this movie more !!

[@b1njjj95]

Right???

[@skewerzz]

They won't, it has a poc lead and queer characters lol

[@masterhaterbater5927]

@@skewerzz the story was awful, it was actually hard to finish. Had some good moments though

[@linusperssonsgamingchannel7354]

The movie sucked

[@skewerzz]

@@masterhaterbater5927 I have to agree with you there. Gorgeous visuals, some good character arcs but most were left in the trash. The Pacing was also off. I could see myself watching it w a friend who hasn't seen it yet or maybe next Halloween tho

[@onepresence9460]

I love Stop Motion Animation. Their dedication, patience, hard work are really impressive. This movie was awesome. Can’t wait for Guillermo Del Toro’s Pinocchio.

[@bebesomething]

I loved it. I appreciate all the hard work these animators put into films.

[@gabrielajohnson8027]

As a brown punk who's loved stop motion since I was a kid, this topped every one I've seen and catapolted to my favorite. I was blown away

[@christiaanbothma]

We need a sequel or an animated series, because I need to know more about this universe.

[@austinmorrison6953]

Bearzebub and Hell maidens are such an interesting idea

[@christiaanbothma]

@@austinmorrison6953 Maybe even seeing a young Sister Helley learning how to use her powers.

[@The1Dragonprincess]

@@christiaanbothma This!

[@montajedelespectador]

Jojo's bizzare adventure stone ocean is a bit similar

[@b1njjj95]

Yesss!

[@PhallicPhantom]

Stop motion is so hard to do but it's so rewarding when it's done because it looks so beautiful. I remember the days of old watching Prometheus and Bob on Nickelodeon's ALL THAT and Tim Burton's and nightmare before Christmas and it just looks so phenomenal and spectacular and it felt handmade! Can't wait to watch this.

[@Powered1Buttercup]

I did stopmotion in college and even tho I have problems with my timing and my doll was a mess, we had to make our own dolls, but I still love to see the final product 🥺

[@danieltull9350]

Their characters are honestly adorable for chaotic con artist demons. Also the choice of design style is really cool for these characters is cool cuz it reminds me of the PJs!

[@lydia1285]

The amount of effort and talent that went into this is insane I can’t wait to see it

[@c0wgirlmy4]

its been out

[@Graciousweasel]

NOW i gotta watch this knowing Key and Peele is in this

[@artofara]

This movie was entertaining and gorgeous to say the least. Much appreciation to all the fabricators and animators that made this film happen!

[@mantismuzic]

I don’t understand why this movie isn’t getting the recognition it deserves. It’s a fantastic story with beautiful design and execution. I really hope it blows up soon 🔥🔥🔥

[@b1njjj95]

We already know why it's not getting the hype it deserves. Just take a look at most of the recent comments on the trailer and promo videos uploaded by Netflix. Too many people are quick to write this movie off as "woke garbage" and most of them are probably disliking any video discussing it, which is most likely bumping it down. This movie is a cinematic masterpiece and it deserves more attention!

[@SplittTwig]

@@b1njjj95 so frustrating man, im tired of people thinking original stories are attacking their ideology cus its not from a perspective they can relate with. “Woke” isnt a real thing.

[@KingRidley]

@@SplittTwig it could be this, but it could be other things too. It takes time for a lot of creative projects to gain traction in the public eye. Especially animation or anything being perceived as being for kids. KZbin comments represent a disproportionately vocal subsect of society. They often don't represent public opinion. Don't let them drag you into accepting their world view if you can help it.

[@agma_si1879]

I didn’t like it because it felt way to much like a crappy Key and Peele comedy, I think Jordan makes great movies~ Key on the other hand, anything he touches I hate. It always makes a movie reek of him, love Henry’s animation like always. The plot just seemed basic “gotta revive this person because its my fault” and the ending seemed thrown together half assed. It feels like there is a climax for about 30 seconds, and then it’s killed because “let’s make him feel emotions and feel bad for being mean” which again just feels basic and half assed. I was SUPER EXCITED for this, stayed up at midnight to watch it with my partner~ and we were both extremely disappointed, and looked at each other when it ended with a shocked look. The one thing we instantly said is that we hate Key, and he needs to stay away from directing/writing things that aren’t their hard to chew comedy

[@AllieBee00]

So I watched the movie and loved everything about it except the pacing and it could be that, it felt extremely jarring and wonky but boy did I love almost every character!

[@baz7487]

So insanely cool- got to see Selick the legend himself at a special screening and the amount of love and care and TIME that went into this film is incredible, so awesome to see behind the scenes looks like these and hear stories like this told ❤️

[@yeetoz8763]

Man it really does feel good to see a type of animation that hasn’t been used awhile in a media and just this movie I enjoyed great job guys

[@ULTIMATEINUYASHAFAN]

Oh look it's 3 of MY FAVORITE PEOPLE, TOGETHER!!! Seriously I love Henry Selick's craft in Stopmotion Animation, and Key & Peele are just amazing hilarious buddies I remember first seeing on MadTV this is SUCH A DREAM COME TRUE! Watching the movie tonight. I know it's gonna be a really special thing. ♡

[@burgundywinebottle]

i could rewatch this masterpiece forever and never get bored of it. In my opinion this movie really carried netflix since it came out.

[@michawee]

I loved this movie a lot

[@bronchh]

It's a very sweet movie, and I recommend it to anyone who hasn't given it a chance yet! Even if you don't initially like the style, it's surprisingly easy to get over and just dive into the story that it's trying to tell.

[@austinmorrison6953]

Wait the model for Belzer was THAT big?!

[@FrenchFryCheese04]

Hell yeah!

[@Jormyyy]

You'd be surpiaed how big some stop motion movie puppets get. You should see the giant skeleton from Kubo!

[@austinmorrison6953]

@@Jormyyy Holy smokes that thing was massive

[@Jormyyy]

@@austinmorrison6953 right!!

[@symphicatjackson1166]

This movie was absolutely awesome. I watched it on holloween day an fell in love with all of the characters. Key and Peele did an amazing job as Wendell and Wild .

[@cxrrine]

The soundtrack to this movie is A1!!! so much great black rock and punk, new and old 🤘🏾⚡

[@merrimonster2842]

Phenomenal movie. Been watching and waiting for this movie since it was first announced years ago and it absolutely delivered. Would love to see a making of documentary for this movie because its clear a lot of love went into this. Oh, can we also get a DVD, and some t-shirts, and some other merch. I need to throw money at this.

[@pineapplecreations362]

This movie was spectacular! Also the commentary on the school to prison pipeline /prison industrial complex was so well done! Such an amazing story.

[@MAC_HAMMER]

Jordan Peele only speaking in his impression of Selick is priceless

[@RainbowsChan]

Thank-you for saying this, I thought I was going crazy listening to him speak like that and no one else in the comments pointing it out

[@Duragster]

So THAT's what's going on.

[@atotallyrandomchickonthein5460]

i was so confused as to why he’s talking like that 💀

[@venadacent7696]

Watched this yesterday....so good!

[@crazylife5794]

I LOVED THIS MOVIE AND ANIMATION!!! Thank you to the team of Wendell & Wild's I hope I get to see more stop Motion Animated stories.

[@mintiestfreshness]

ngl, I had my doubts when I started this movie at first (Netflix can be hit or miss). But then the movie slowly grew on me as I watched more of it. Beautiful animations and designs and backgrounds, music comp fits well, great voice acting, quirky characters. Now I put it as one of my top favorite movies of 2022.

[@hampter1444]

I just watched this recently, and I was blown away by some of the animation. I had to come searching for a behind the scenes, and I was not dissapointed!

[@SoftDistorsions]

Huge thumbs up to every single person who worked on this. This was delightful, and I'll definitely be giving it more than one listen. I personally didn't feel lost during the movie, but it is true that there is a lot going on... which is exactly why you can't just watch it once. haha

[@electrojones]

I love stop motion. The designs of the kids here kind of leave me cold, but you can't have everything. The movie looks terrific.

[@LilLadyAy]

All the kids look funky but half way through I barely notice anymore.

[@Mediados]

I am glad they spoke about the voice coming out of you after seeing the art and character design. It can make acting so much easier when you see the person you are talking for, instead if just using your imagination.

[@vorhese]

Love love love seeing Key & Peele continue their success! And working with Selick... man what a dream.

[@garrettcarter5622]

The thing that I am most impressed with, by far, is the giant hand. That's awesome.

[@jenniferazure1421]

I will always believe that stop motion animators hate themselves. And also that their work is entirely unmatched. It is beautiful.

[@10191927]

Hadn’t heard of this film, but it looks absolutely stunning visually on every level, I’d love to see more of this. Even from Key and Peele(I’m not big fans of their material), but I have to say this got my attention and my hat is off to them for this one.

[@davidsobel3303]

Henry Selick is truly the successor of Ray Harryhausen, who was the grandmaster of stop motion animation.

[@b1njjj95]

The animation for this movie is so well done! You can tell that they worked really hard on it. The summoning scene is definitely my favourite because it really sets the mood for the movie and it's just so creepy. The child's sinister laughter and the camera spinning is just so good! I also really appreciate that Kat is a black alt girl. I would have loved to see a character like her when I was growing up. It's nice that this movie steps outside of the familiar and harmful tropes that are associated with most black characters in animation and I like that there is a wide variety of characters from different ethnic backgrounds. We really need more movies like this!

[@RhiannonSmudge]

The stylization was absolutely top notch and the story has it's heartfelt moments I also loved the characters, Raúl and his story was especially interesting with how his backstory was subtly hinted at throughout the film

[@b1njjj95]

Agreed! I also really like how they handled Raúl's story and actually had him misgendered at one point. It really shows you the struggle that trans people face in real life with their identity. I also like that even a character that you would not expect to respect pronouns was able to correct themselves when they made a mistake. Just the little things really matter, and it's nice that this movie included a trans character.

[@Guts_Brando]

When i saw the trailer i thouggt it looked interesting, when i watched the movie, i was constantly mindblown by how incredible it was. Hope they make more

[@angelaplays]

Stop motion is amazing. Literally my favorite form of animation

[@tomsadventurezgaming1012]

This movie WAS good!

[@LoveSusanneNicole]

Wow. Tbh we really need *at least* a 45 min doc about this film. There's so much to cover and explore with stop-motion and Selick and this collaboration esp. as this was his first film since 2009 (AND he reached out to them?? so cool). There's so much to be told!

[@FinixFunny]

Nice, but if Netflix wants my money, it better start releasing DVDs!

[@jordoncharlery3343]

Stop motion animation is on a whole other level by itself the amount of work that goes into it is crazy

[@phoenixwing-lawrence4097]

I didn't realize it was stop motion at first - the animation was so smooth! You can feel the love the creators put into both the story and stop-motion as you watch. I loved the inclusion of Raul's character as he moves from timidity to taking action for his friend (and there's no forced romance plotline!). Ugh. So well done.

[@ShitpostingJoJo]

I love the fact that the three of them are fans of eachother, and that they hold so much respect for eachother's work 😎👌I can tell this is gonna be good when I watch it

[@goddess_of.harmony]

The part where Wendell and Wild have that trip from the hair cream totally reminds me of a Key and Peele skit 😁

[@Lumibear.]

Duly noted and ear marked for later viewing when my friends arrive, cheers guys.

[@karlmark9967]

Stop Motion plus Henry Selick plus Key and Peele plus Jordan Peele's style of writing = Masterpiece, definitely a must watch

[@kayleebatchelor6857]

Thank you guys so much for making this film

[@ChkyMky16]

I’ve seen the amount of work put into Coraline and now watching this movie was just another fantastic work. We enjoyed the movie and the storyline. I love how Key and Peele themselves love and appreciate the art of stop motion animation.

[@Ombie_Art]

OMG im SOOO happy to see this video, when i watched the movies, i immediatly wanted to have more insight about the making of it, im watching all of Laika's videos about their process because stop motion animation is truly amazing and i lovee so much understanding all the stuff that had to be made for the movie to exist

[@jnwilson618]

I loved this movie, loved the character design so intriguing. Henry Selick the stop animation king with talented people like Key and Peele. Def hope a 2 comes out

[@TroyMichael86]

THIS LOOKS INCREDIBLE!

[@coastaf]

OmgooOd I love all these guys just loving each other. Can’t wait to see

[@NiamhSinclair]

Kat is honestly one of the coolest and best designed characters i've ever seen

[@RandomKnowledgeCuriosMind]

Wow sooo much work went into this

[@artdog0100]

Wow. Hand-made stop motion in the 2020's? Beautiful. Got a new movie to love again.

[@yingcartoonist]

This movie is best everything in Stop Motion animation are greatest seeing the artist making a reality this real stuff in movie so good.

[@-adolfo-]

When I first watched this movie I found it funny how the demons looks oddly like Key & Peele and seeing this BTS made me so shock seeing that it IS them 👏

[@tabianamoto]

This film is outstanding and the storytelling surpasses every expectation! Simply brilliant and will be our Halloween mainstay!💯💯💯💯

[@MegaAppl3]

I loved it ! Amazing work

[@Trysaratop]

Honestly me and my partner saw this on Netflix and it has been one of the best movies we have seen in a long time.

[@brodymorales3520]

Never even heard of this till now. Wow looks so cool

[@akayla2398]

This movie was one of the best I’ve seen in a long time, so in love !

[@darkdemonqueen]

The movie is great! I just know it’s going to be watched over and over again!

[@bluishblow]

every detail is amazing 💕💕💕💕

[@qway9086]

I loved this movie and the animation design🔥❤️❤️❤️ Key & Peele is my childhood too so I had to watch it!❤️😭💯

[@willd.4808]

This looks incredible & I can't wait!!!!!

[@mountainofsound]

I feel a resurgence of Stop Motion and I’m very happy about it

[@seanmitchy1256]

So many Netflix things dropped I want to watch . Just enjoying Enola Holmes 2 ( more than the first ) .. Loved School of good and Evil . Now will add this one .

[@TeriyuckiStar]

Absolutely stunning!!!

[@EgSchmotz]

Wow, what a great video. I really loved the movie as well, stop motion is so cool to watch.

[@joefelice5062]

Loved every second of this film.

[@MadeByMeny]

Honestly one of the best movies this year!

[@RavenKnyxcreations34]

This was a really good movie that I could relate to. That everyone has demons but it's ok not to face them alone. And the animation and how well this movie was made tells you how far stop motion has come.

[@OrAngeAnArchy]

The Fact they included the music and even a mini record of the Proto-Punk band DEATH is an AWESOME easter egg. I hope it inspires many new punk kids to listen to a band that could have been so much more.

[@andrewdaviscartoons]

I saw that and thought "Wait, wasn't Death a death metal band?" Then I found out it was a different Death.

[@supaherby420]

Kudos to the Cast & Crew that brought this amazing film!!!!! I feel it's more for kids over 7 y/o but really fun overall.

[@gigihernandez4822]

Wendell and Wild is an amazing movie!!

[@lupusnoctis8656]

I’ve been waiting for this movie for years

[@teedee6126]

this movie was incredible and i really hope it gets the attention it deserves!!

[@lorenzocabrere]

I can’t wait to see this I’m so impressed

[@Ryan.Lohman]

This film was fantastic and I feel it still needs more publicity. I was laughing so hard I almost choked on something.

[@The.Lilomay]

That looks amazing

[@Freckles101598]

So excited for this I could cry! I can’t wait for my kids to watch this!

[@TheGiggleMasterP]

This was such a great film to watch with my kids.

[@IANOYTYK]

This movie is incredible. It's so good in every aspect.

[@RealVoiceofvindication]

love yall two guys!!!

[@Smv09]

This movie is going to make every lil alt POC/BIPOC kid feel so seen 🥹✨😭 and I LOVE IT!!!

[@Raddiebaddie]

This movie was so good! Perfect for spooky season

[@christyshultz6443]

So few realize what it takes to do something like sto0 motion films they don't realize the time it takes when he says it took forever I feel him. Because I've seen them made before I can't even imagine I know that many of those dolls have different links of arms and some of them have to have different eyes or Mouse put on them some of them have to move to certain way and they have to stop and then they film and they stop. Coraline they did the entire film without even recording it it was all one big dress rehearsal and then they did it and I'm all like dude that is so much work to go through just for one film I can't even imagine how much of a perfectionist you have to be to do all that. So much dedication.

[@FallingStary]

Every scene these guys were in was a joy

[@ELmeinz]

These guys are really in it for the art and we are all benefiting from it