Forgotten Island

Forgotten Island
Theatrical release poster
Directed by
Written by
  • Joel Crawford
  • Januel Mercado
Produced byMark Swift
Starring
Music byNathan Matthew David
Production
company
Distributed byUniversal Pictures
Release dates
  • April 15, 2026 (2026-04-15) (CinemaCon)
  • September 25, 2026 (2026-09-25) (United States)
Running time
99 minutes[1]
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish

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.

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

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

H.E.R. and Liza Soberano voice the respective lead characters, Jo and Raissa.

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 first trailer was 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]

Release

Forgotten Island is scheduled to be released in the United States on September 25, 2026.[16] 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 rapturous applause.[17][18]

References

  1. ^ "Forgotten Island". Annecy Festival. Retrieved July 3, 2026.
  2. ^ a b Tangcay, Jazz (March 25, 2026). "'Forgotten Island' Trailer: H.E.R. and Liza Soberano Star in DreamWorks' Filipino Folklore-Inspired Animated Movie". Variety. Retrieved March 26, 2026.
  3. ^ Purnell, Kristofer (March 26, 2026). "Liza Soberano, H.E.R. try to keep their memories in 'Forgotten Island' trailer". The Philippine Star. Retrieved March 26, 2026.
  4. ^ McClintock, Pamela (April 15, 2025). "DreamWorks Animation Reveals New Film 'Forgotten Island', Sets Fall 2026 Release". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on April 15, 2025. Retrieved April 15, 2025.
  5. ^ Manalo, Mike (April 17, 2025). "Dreamworks Unveils Filipino Animated Film 'Forgotten Island' for September 2026". The Nerds of Color. Retrieved October 30, 2025.
  6. ^ Gajewski, Ryan (March 26, 2026). "H.E.R., Liza Soberano Get Emotional as Trailer for Animated 'Forgotten Island' Celebrates Filipino Culture". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved March 26, 2026.
  7. ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (October 29, 2025). "Six Heading To DreamWorks Animation's 'Forgotten Island'". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved October 29, 2025.
  8. ^ Tangcay, Jazz (March 20, 2026). "Dreamworks Animation's 'Forgotten Island' Adds Jo Koy, Dolly de Leon, Ronny Chieng and Amielynn Abellera (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved March 20, 2026.
  9. ^ Lang, Jamie (June 23, 2026). "DreamWorks Takes Us To 'Forgotten Island' In Annecy Preview". Cartoon Brew. Retrieved June 27, 2026.
  10. ^ Goldbart, Max (June 23, 2026). "'Forgotten Island' Team Talk Filipino Culture & Casting Lea Salonga". Deadline. Retrieved June 27, 2026.
  11. ^ "Nathan Matthew David to Score DreamWorks Animation's 'Forgotten Island'". Film Music Reporter. October 29, 2025. Retrieved December 30, 2025.
  12. ^ Tangcay, Jazz (June 19, 2026). "H.E.R., Bini, Lea Salonga, Katseye's Sophia Laforteza Lead Dreamworks Animation's Forgotten Island Soundtrack (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved June 19, 2026.
  13. ^ De Guzman, Alyana (June 20, 2026). "BINI, Lea Salonga, Sophia Laforteza, H.E.R. lead soundtrack for DreamWorks Animation's 'Forgotten Island". Retrieved June 20, 2026.
  14. ^ Tangcay, Jazz (March 25, 2026). "'Forgotten Island' Trailer: H.E.R. and Liza Soberano Star in DreamWorks' Filipino Folklore-Inspired Animated Movie". Variety. Retrieved July 31, 2026.
  15. ^ Verallo, Joseph (July 24, 2026). "BINI Joins Comic-Con for DreamWorks' 'Forgotten Island'". Retrieved July 31, 2026.
  16. ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (April 15, 2025). "DreamWorks Animation Dates 'Forgotten Island' For Fall 2026". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on May 27, 2025. Retrieved April 15, 2025.
  17. ^ Taylor, Drew (April 15, 2026). "'Forgotten Island' First Look: Bold and Dazzling, This Movie Is Everything DreamWorks Animation Can Be". TheWrap. Retrieved July 3, 2026.
  18. ^ Licsi, Ayae (June 25, 2026). "'Forgotten Island' earns five-minute standing ovation at Annecy International Animation Film Festival". The Philippine Star. Retrieved July 3, 2026.

Content Disclaimer

Informasi ini disarikan dari Wikipedia dan disajikan kembali untuk tujuan edukasi. Konten tersedia di bawah lisensi CC BY-SA 3.0. Kami tidak bertanggung jawab atas ketidakakuratan data yang bersumber dari kontribusi publik tersebut.

  1. The information displayed on this website is sourced in part or in whole from Wikipedia and has been adapted for the purpose of restating it. We strive to provide accurate and relevant information, however:
  2. There is no guarantee of absolute accuracy. Wikipedia is an open, collaborative project that can be edited by anyone, so information is subject to change.
  3. It is not intended to constitute professional advice. The content displayed is for informational and educational purposes only. For important decisions (e.g., medical, legal, or financial), please consult a professional.
  4. Content copyright. Wikipedia is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License (CC BY-SA). This means that content may be reused with appropriate attribution and shared under a similar license.
  5. Responsible use. Any risk arising from the use of information from this website is entirely the responsibility of the user.