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Bringing Philippine mythology to moviegoers ahead of its Sept. 25, 2026 theatrical release, the film features a cast of Filipino and Filipino American performers.
MANILA — DreamWorks Animation has released an initial preview of its upcoming feature Forgotten Island, an original animated project that places Philippine mythology at the center of a major studio production. The film is scheduled to open in theaters on September 25, 2026, according to studio materials.
The project is directed by Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado, who also serve as co-writers. Mercado makes his feature directorial debut on the film, developed in collaboration with producer Mark Swift. The film reunites key creatives associated with Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, an Academy Award-nominated release.
Filipino-led cast anchors global ensemble
The voice cast features a mix of Filipino and Filipino American talent alongside established Hollywood performers.
Singer-songwriter H.E.R. and actress Liza Soberano lead the film as Jo and Raissa, portrayed as lifelong friends whose story unfolds at a transitional moment before they are drawn into a mythological setting identified in studio materials as the island of Nakali.
Lea Salonga voices The Dreaded Manananggal, described in official materials as one of the island’s most feared creatures. The supporting cast includes Manny Jacinto, Dolly de Leon, Jo Koy, Ronny Chieng, Jenny Slate, and Amielynn Abellera. Dave Franco voices Raww, a supernatural companion who guides the protagonists through the island.
Stakes tied to friendship and what is left behind
According to studio materials, the story turns on what the two friends may have to give up to find their way home. After arriving on the island of Nakali, Jo and Raissa are confronted with a condition that places their shared past at risk.
The film draws from Philippine mythology, with creatures such as the Tikbalang and Bakunawa appearing in the narrative. It is set in the 1990s, a period the filmmakers have pointed to as a way of grounding the story in a time before digital communication, when friendships were shaped more by direct, day-to-day interaction.
Strategic shift toward original storytelling
Distributed by Universal Pictures, the film arrives as part of DreamWorks Animation’s broader slate that includes both franchise titles and original works.
The studio has historically been associated with established properties such as Shrek and Kung Fu Panda. Recent releases reflect continued investment in original narratives alongside established franchises.
