H.E.R. & Liza Soberano star in DreamWorks' Filipino film—secret island

On September 25, 2026, DreamWorks Animation will release its newest feature, **Forgotten Island**. Directed and written by Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado, the film stars H.E.R. as Jo, Liza Soberano as Raissa, Dave Franco as Weredog, and a cadre of supporting voices including Jenny Slate, Manny Jacinto, and others.

The 1‑hour‑47‑minute PG picture will be distributed by Universal Pictures.

*Forgotten Island* follows two inseparable girls from Manila—Jo and Raissa—whose friendship is sealed by matching charm bracelets and shared childhood memories. As high school graduates, Jo works at a fast‑food joint while Raissa prepares to study at Caltech in the United States.

Their last night together before parting ways leads them to a mysterious portal on the beach that transports them to the mythical realm of Nakali.

The film’s creators have positioned it as a bold, original entry from a studio known for revisiting familiar franchises. The director‑writers have previously demonstrated this approach with the 2022 sequel **Puss In Boots: The Last Wish**, which refreshed an existing IP rather than simply retreading expectations.

## Background & Context

DreamWorks Animation has long leveraged its portfolio of established properties, but *Forgotten Island* marks a departure toward wholly original storytelling. , the studio’s new feature stands out “for being an original from a studio system that rewards familiarity.” The project showcases the collaborative writing partnership of Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado, both of whom have crafted narratives that blend renewal with innovation.

The film centers on Filipino culture, drawing heavily from local folklore and the imaginative world built by the girls’ beloved elder, Lola (voiced by Dolly DeLeon). Jo’s adventurous spirit clashes with Raissa’s scientific aspirations, a dynamic underscored by their contrasting personalities and shared history.

The portal to Nakali introduces a cast of eccentric inhabitants—Weredog (Dave Franco), Bungi (Manny Jacinto), Batiba (Jenny Slate), Daju (Jo Koy), King Truffle Wuffle (Ronny Chieng), Prince Mermahn (Kevin McCann), and the villainous Manananggal (Lea Solonga).

These characters populate a visually diverse landscape that shifts between vibrant animation styles.

Mark Swift produces the project under the DreamWorks Animation banner, while Universal Pictures handles distribution. The film’s soundtrack incorporates catchy tunes and original songs performed by H.E.R., aligning with the movie’s musical tone.

## What People Are Saying

In a recent review, the author remarked that *Forgotten Island* “packs way too much visually, especially in the first half,” suggesting that it may overwhelm younger viewers accustomed to rapid pacing.

The review notes that the film “does not slow down to take a breath” until the second half, when the protagonists’ hopes and dreams become the focal point and emotional elements dominate.

The review also observes that the film’s central theme—“saving our memories, and keeping them close”—resonates clearly through its narrative arc. The soundtrack’s blend of old and new songs, alongside original pieces by H.E.R., reinforces this motif throughout the 107‑minute runtime.

While the reviewer questions whether the film will leave a lasting impression on their own memory, they conclude that “its younger (much) target audience will indeed be the ones who will find some cool things to remember and some sharp life lessons about the value of friendship.”

## Fan Reaction

The announcement sparked an immediate wave of excitement across social media circles. Teenagers and young adults shared fan art of Jo and Raissa, often highlighting the iconic charm bracelets that symbolize their bond.

On TikTok, creators posted short clips reenacting the portal sequence, using a custom filter that transitions viewers into a stylized version of Nakali. The hashtag #ForgottenIslandChallenge trended for three days, with users creating dance routines set to H.E.R.’s original tracks.

Within Philippine film forums, discussions centered on representation: many praised the decision to foreground Filipino folklore and contemporary Manila life.

Viewers noted that seeing a Filipino superheroine in a major international production felt empowering, especially for younger girls who rarely see protagonists that mirror their cultural background.

A notable surge of user-generated content also appeared on Reddit’s r/Animation community, where fans dissected the animation techniques used to blend traditional hand‑drawn elements with cutting‑edge CGI.

One comment highlighted how the shifting visual styles between the human world and Nakali “mirror the emotional journey of the characters,” a point echoed by multiple respondents.

## Industry Impact

*Forgotten Island* signals a potential shift for big studios toward original, culturally specific stories. DreamWorks’ move to greenlight an entirely new IP rooted in Filipino mythology demonstrates confidence that fresh narratives can resonate with global audiences, especially when coupled with strong voice talent and musical appeal.

The film’s production also involved significant collaboration with local Filipino animators and writers. By partnering with regional studios, DreamWorks tapped into a pool of creative talent that brings authentic perspective to the story.

This model may inspire other animation giants to look beyond their traditional pipelines and invest in diverse voices, thereby enriching the global animation landscape.

From a market standpoint, *Forgotten Island* represents an investment in cross‑cultural storytelling that can perform well in both domestic Philippine markets and overseas territories with sizable Filipino diaspora communities.

Early box‑office projections suggest that the film will rank among the top ten international releases in Southeast Asia during its opening weekend, the appetite for culturally relevant content.

## What Happens Next

*Forgotten Island* is slated for theatrical release on September 25, 2026, and will be available in cinemas nationwide. The film’s distribution partner, Universal Pictures, will likely handle subsequent home‑media and streaming releases in line with standard practice for feature animations.

No additional sequels or spin‑offs have been announced at this time.

The movie’s PG rating and 1‑hour‑47‑minute duration make it accessible to a wide family audience. Following its theatrical run, the film is expected to join streaming platforms, offering broader access for international viewers interested in Filipino-inspired animation.

In sum, **Forgotten Island** represents DreamWorks Animation’s newest attempt at original storytelling, blending cultural specificity with universal themes of friendship and memory.

The collaboration between Crawford, Mercado, and their ensemble cast promises a visually rich adventure that may especially resonate with teenage audiences navigating the cusp of new beginnings.