LAIKA, the animation studio behind  films like Paranorman, Boxtrolls, and Coraline, is bringing out another sure-to-be classic this year with Kubo and the Two Strings. Directed by Travis Knight and written by Marc Haimes and Chris Butler, the new movie is described as “an epic action-adventure set in a fantastical Japan.”

The film centers around clever, kindhearted Kubo (voiced by Art Parkinson of Game of Thrones) who ekes out a humble living, telling stories to the people of his seaside town including Hosato, voiced by George Takei as well as Akihiro (Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa), and Kameyo (Brenda Vaccaro).

Kubo’s normal and boring life is totally thrown for a loop, however, when one day he accidentally summons a spirit from his past that descends from the sky to enforce an ancient vendetta. Now on the run, Kubo joins forces with Monkey (Charlize Theron) and Beetle (Matthew McConaughey), and sets out on adventure to save his family and solve the mystery of his fallen father, the greatest samurai warrior the world has ever known.

With the help of his shamisen – a magical musical instrument – Kubo must battle both gods and monsters alike, including the vengeful Moon King (Ralph Fiennes) and the evil twin Sisters (Rooney Mara), to unlock the secret of his legacy, reunite his family, and fulfill his heroic destiny.

Now LAIKA has released the first full length trailer for the film (above) as well as three character posters for the characters of Kubo, Monkey and Beetle, which you can view in our gallery below. Kubo and the Two Strings is due to hit theaters on August 19th, 2016.

Are you excited about the latest movie to come from the folks at LAIKA? Let us know in the comments.

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IMAGES: LAIKA Studios