Fresh off the success of this year’s endearing stop-motion animated film ParaNorman, Laika Studios has set a September 26th, 2014 release date for their next feature.  The title of the project hasn’t yet been revealed, but it’s likely one of two films the studio recently put into production: Goblins or Wildwood.  Goblins is an adaptation of the book by Philip Reeve which centers on a clever young goblin who lives among his slightly less-mannered brethren.  An ancient evil that only he understands is rising and threatens to bring all monsters and mythical creatures into “an epic magical conflict.”  Fantastic Mr. Fox’s Mark Gustafson is directing.

The other possibility is an adaptation of the adult fantasy novel Wildwood, by The Decemberists lead singer Colin Meloy.  Hit the jump for more.

Laika Studios, the stop-motion animation company behind the charming Coraline and this year’s promising ParaNorman, have decided on their next project.  Per Variety, the studio will next adapt Philip Reeve’s book Goblins, with Mark Gustafson onboard to direct.  Gustafson previously served as animation director on Fantastic Mr. Fox and was recently hired to direct Guillermo del Toro’s stop-motion take on Pinocchio.  The story of Goblins centers on a clever young goblin who lives among his slightly less-mannered bretheren.  “Only he understands that an ancient evil is rising that will bring all manner of monsters and mythical creatures into an epic magical conflict.”

I really enjoyed Coraline and ParaNorman is one of my most anticipated releases of the year, so the fantastical world of Goblins sounds like a perfect fit for Laika.  The studio’s CEO Travis Knight noted that the material will make “a strange, stirring, and altogether beautiful film.”  Count me in.  Hit the jump to read a synopsis of the book.