Forgotten Island (2026)

Forgotten Island is a 2026 American animated fantasy adventure comedy film written and directed by Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado. Produced by DreamWorks Animation, the film features the voices of H.E.R., Liza Soberano, Dave Franco, Jenny Slate, Manny Jacinto, Dolly de Leon, Jo Koy, Ronny Chieng, and Lea Salonga. Set during the 1990s in the Philippines, the story follows two childhood friends, Raissa and Jo, who become trapped in the mystical world of Nakali—which gradually feeds on the memories of those within—where they must escape before they forget about each other.

DreamWorks Animation officially announced the film in April 2025, with Crawford and Mercado attached to write and direct. They drew inspirations on their friendship and Philippine mythology. Initial members of the cast were announced in October 2025, with further casting later confirmed in the following March.

Early "work-in-progress" screenings were held at the 2026 CinemaCon and at the 2026 Annecy International Animation Film Festival. Forgotten Island is scheduled to be released by Universal Pictures on September 25, 2026.

Premise

In the Philippines during the 1990s, two childhood friends, Jo and Raissa, promise to remain close forever. After graduating high school, Raissa prepares to move to the United States for college at the urging of her parents. Fearing the loss of their bond, Jo tries to persuade her to stay. However, the two are suddenly transported through a portal to the fantastical world of the forgotten island of Nakali, where memories gradually fade the longer one remains.

Voice cast

H.E.R. as Jo

Liza Soberano as Raissa

Dave Franco as Raww, a well-meaning but hapless were-aspin

Manny Jacinto as Bungi, a Tiyanak

Jenny Slate as Batiba, a Batibat

Lea Salonga as The Dreaded Manananggal, the most feared creature on the island

Dolly de Leon as Lola Fatima, Jo's grandmother

Jo Koy as Datu

Ronny Chieng as King Truffle Wuffle

Kevin McCann as Mermahn, Prince of Kataw people

Additionally, Amielynn Abellera and Sophia Laforteza have been cast in undisclosed roles.

Production

Development

In April 2025, DreamWorks Animation announced that an original animated adventure comedy film written and directed by Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado about Philippine mythology titled Forgotten Island was in development. Crawford and Mercado, who had worked together at the studio since Kung Fu Panda 2 (2011), drew inspiration from their friendship.

Casting

In October 2025, H.E.R., Liza Soberano, Dave Franco, Manny Jacinto, Jenny Slate, and Lea Salonga were announced as part of the cast. In March 2026, Jo Koy, Dolly de Leon, Ronny Chieng, and Amielynn Abellera joined the cast.

Animation and design

The animation style is similar to that of DreamWorks' previous film Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (2022), also directed by Crawford. Mercado and Crawford stated that the film's visual style was inspired by Filipino art and 1990s graphic design. The animation style varies throughout the film, periodically shifting from its primary contemporary computer-generated animation to anime-influenced 2D animation. These stylized 2D sequences are used during flashbacks, referencing the style of anime series such as Dragon Ball Z, Street Fighter, and Sailor Moon, depending on which character recalls a memory. These sequences were animated by Manila-based studio Snipple Animation, reflecting the history of Philippine studios working on outsourced anime series. At the film's Annecy presentation, the filmmakers highlighted the contributions of these Filipino animators, noting that the local culture served as the project's foundation rather than a mere influence.

Music

In October 2025, it was announced that Nathan Matthew David would compose the score for the film. The film's soundtrack will feature performances by local Filipino acts Bini, Lea Salonga, SB19, Francis Magalona, Sophia Laforteza, Ruby Ibarra and Carl Angelo, in addition to leads H.E.R. and Liza Soberano.

Marketing

The first trailer was released on March 25, 2026. On July 24, members of the cast took part in the 2026 San Diego Comic-Con to promote the film. They were joined by Bini, who performed one of the film's songs, titled "A Parallel World".

Release

Forgotten Island is scheduled to be released in the Philippines on September 23, 2026 and in the United States on September 25, 2026. A work-in-progress cut was screened at CinemaCon in Las Vegas on April 15, 2026, and at the 2026 Annecy International Animation Film Festival in France on June 24, to both a five-minute-long rapturous level of applause and a standing ovation at the latter festival.

References

External links

Official website

Forgotten Island at IMDb