Wildwood to Receive New Spanish Dub in Mexico Following Audience Backlash

The Mexican distributor Imagem Films has officially confirmed that the animated feature film Wildwood will receive a new Spanish-language dub following widespread criticism from audiences regarding the initial version. The controversy centered on the use of so-called "star talents"—celebrities and influencers—in key roles, which many viewers felt lacked the professional quality expected for a high-profile production.

The original Spanish dub featured well-known figures including influencer Javier Ibarreche, actress Macarena García, and television personality Natalia Téllez. Following the film's release, viewers expressed strong dissatisfaction, arguing that the performances failed to convey the necessary emotional depth for the characters. The backlash was significant enough to prompt an online petition on Change.org, where fans urged the studio to record a new version featuring professional voice actors.

Javier Ibarreche, who voiced the character Brendan, addressed the controversy by acknowledging that the performance did not meet the public's expectations. In a statement, he clarified that his intention in accepting the role was to develop his skills as a voice actor and to grow professionally, rather than to displace established talent in the industry. He expressed regret that the final result was not well-received by the audience.

In response to the feedback, Imagem Films issued a statement explaining their decision to produce a new version. The company emphasized its commitment to listening to audience opinions, stating, "In Imagem Films Mx, we recognize that listening to and expressing different opinions is an essential part of the conversation." The distributor maintained that the first version was produced according to established professional and creative standards, with the approval of all involved parties in Latin America.

The studio explicitly noted that the creation of a second dub is not intended to invalidate or discredit the artistic contributions of the original cast. "We deeply appreciate the work of each of the people who were part of this process, as well as the value of the artistic decisions that contributed to this production," the company stated. Despite this, the decision to offer a new version highlights the ongoing debate in the film industry regarding the practice of casting popular social media figures over specialized voice actors.

Wildwood, directed by Travis Knight and produced by LAIKA Studios, is a stop-motion animated film based on the novel by Colin Meloy. The story follows a teenager named Prue who enters a mysterious forest to rescue her younger brother. The film is noted for its intricate production, which utilized 233 puppets and 132 sets to bring its fantasy world to life. The new Spanish-language version is scheduled to debut in Mexican theaters on November 12, 2026, alongside the original English version with subtitles.