Tickets are officially on sale for LAIKA’s theatrical re-release of ParaNorman, the acclaimed stop-motion animated feature that first debuted in 2012. The remastered edition will screen in both 2D and 3D formats this October as part of the Oregon-based studio’s 20th anniversary celebrations. The release brings Norman and his quirky group of ghostly companions back to cinemas worldwide, reminding audiences of the film’s unique blend of heart, horror, and humor.
The stop-motion adventure earned wide critical acclaim on its original release and collected an impressive run of accolades, including Academy Award, BAFTA, and Golden Globe nominations, as well as multiple Annie Awards. Written by Chris Butler and co-directed by Butler and Sam Fell, the film cemented LAIKA’s reputation as one of the leading forces in modern animation.
How is the ParaNorman re-release structured across global markets?
The new theatrical run of ParaNorman will roll out internationally through Trafalgar Releasing beginning on October 23, 2025, followed by a U.S. release on October 25 via Fathom Entertainment. Both partners have deep experience with event cinema, bringing global reach to LAIKA’s latest anniversary initiative.
The re-release strategy follows the playbook LAIKA deployed in 2024 with the 15th anniversary screening of Coraline. That event exceeded expectations at the box office, generating USD 56 million worldwide and becoming the highest-grossing stop-motion re-release in U.S. history. By replicating that model with ParaNorman, LAIKA and its partners are banking on the growing appeal of repertory cinema, particularly for films that resonate across both family and cult-fan demographics.
What makes the new short film ParaNorman: The Thrifting a highlight of this re-release?
A major draw of this re-release is the premiere of a brand-new short film, ParaNorman: The Thrifting. Directed by LAIKA’s lead character designer Thibault LeClercq and written by Chris Butler, the short revisits the beloved characters in an all-new storyline.
Adding to the excitement, Finn Wolfhard, known globally for Stranger Things, lends his voice to the project, while Anna Kendrick reprises her role as Courtney Babcock, Norman’s older sister. The addition of this new short ensures that even fans who saw the original film in theaters will have something new to experience, making it a must-see event rather than a simple nostalgia trip.
Why are LAIKA’s remasters resonating with audiences today?
The success of Coraline’s re-release last year proved that audiences have a strong appetite for high-quality, imaginative animated features that balance dark themes with universal appeal. Analysts note that families are increasingly drawn to repertory cinema events that combine nostalgia for parents with discovery for younger viewers.
For LAIKA, these remasters serve not only as revenue opportunities but also as brand-building exercises, ensuring that each of its films finds renewed relevance in a streaming-dominated era. By adding exclusive content like The Thrifting, the studio has found a way to convert older titles into event-style experiences that justify a theatrical outing.
How does ParaNorman fit within LAIKA’s wider legacy and upcoming projects?
Founded in 2005 by Travis Knight, LAIKA has built a catalog of distinctive animated films including Coraline, The Boxtrolls, Kubo and the Two Strings, and Missing Link. Each has earned Academy Award nominations, with Kubo and the Two Strings winning a BAFTA Award and Missing Link securing a Golden Globe Award. The studio has also been recognized with a Scientific and Technology Oscar for its innovations in 3D printing technology for animation.
Currently, LAIKA is in production on Wildwood, its next animated feature. The studio is also developing adaptations of The Night Gardener by Bill Dubuque and Piranesi by Susanna Clarke, alongside live-action projects that include Seventeen by John Brownlow and Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid.
This pipeline underscores LAIKA’s ambitions to remain at the forefront of both animation and live-action storytelling, even as it celebrates two decades of shaping the stop-motion genre.
What role do Trafalgar Releasing and Fathom Entertainment play in ParaNorman’s global reach?
Trafalgar Releasing and Fathom Entertainment are both seasoned players in event cinema distribution. Trafalgar Releasing, a subsidiary of Trafalgar Entertainment, has built a global footprint by distributing concert films, operas, and theater events across 132 countries. Its catalog has included projects featuring Taylor Swift, BTS, Beyoncé, and Coldplay, highlighting its ability to connect fans with cultural moments in cinemas.
Fathom Entertainment, meanwhile, specializes in special engagements and event-style programming in the United States. With ownership ties to AMC Entertainment, Cinemark Holdings, and Regal Cineworld Group, it provides LAIKA access to a vast network of screens and promotional muscle within the U.S. market. Together, these partners are positioned to maximize ParaNorman’s re-release potential in a crowded entertainment landscape.
Will ParaNorman’s re-release replicate Coraline’s box office success?
While it is too early to forecast final numbers, industry observers suggest that the combination of a remastered 3D edition, a new short film, and global distribution through trusted partners could give ParaNorman strong momentum. The film has the added benefit of being family-friendly while still appealing to horror fans, widening its demographic reach.
Analysts also point to the fact that Coraline’s $56 million global haul came during a period when audiences were just beginning to return to theaters for repertory content. With event cinema now a proven model, the expectation is that ParaNorman could deliver meaningful box office returns while boosting LAIKA’s broader anniversary celebrations.
Final take on ParaNorman’s theatrical return in October
As LAIKA celebrates its 20th anniversary, the re-release of ParaNorman is both a nod to the studio’s legacy and a signal of its future ambitions. By pairing a remastered edition with the fresh short film The Thrifting, the studio is giving fans a reason to return to theaters while reintroducing its world of handcrafted animation to new generations.
Much like Coraline did in 2024, ParaNorman may prove that stop-motion features can command attention at the box office long after their initial runs. Whether viewed as a celebration of craft, a family outing, or an introduction to LAIKA’s imaginative storytelling, the October screenings highlight the staying power of a film that continues to resonate more than a decade after its debut.
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