Forgotten Island
2026 DreamWorks Animation film
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Forgotten Island is a 2026 American animated 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 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.
- Joel Crawford
- Januel Mercado
- Joel Crawford
- Januel Mercado
| Forgotten Island | |
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Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by |
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| Written by |
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| Produced by | Mark Swift |
| Starring | |
| Music by | Nathan Matthew David |
Production company | |
| Distributed by | Universal Pictures |
Release dates |
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Running time | 99 minutes[1] |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
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,[2] 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.[3]
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
- Kevin McCann as Mermahn, Prince of Kataw people
Additionally, Jo Koy, Ronny Chieng, 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.[4][5] Crawford and Mercado, who had worked together at the studio since Kung Fu Panda 2 (2011), drew inspiration from their friendship.[6]
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.[7] In March 2026, Jo Koy, Dolly de Leon, Ronny Chieng, and Amielynn Abellera joined the cast.[8]
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.[2] 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.[9][10]
Music
In October 2025, it was announced that Nathan Matthew David would compose the score for the film.[11] 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.[12][13]
Marketing
The film's trailer was first released on March 25, 2026.[14] On July 24, 2026 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 films song titled, "A Parallel World".[15]
