International animation powerhouse DreamWorks is spotlighting Filipino stories and voices next year with its upcoming film, Forgotten Island. Though we don’t have all the details about this new feature yet, the movie’s star-studded cast of talents is enough to get us excited for its theatrical release.
Four iconic Filipino and half-Filipino celebrities will headline this groundbreaking animated film:
- Lea Salonga, Tony Award-winning multi-hyphenate and legend in the Philippine entertainment industry,
- Liza Soberano, who made her Hollywood debut in 2024 with Lisa Frankenstein,
- H.E.R., Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter, and
- Manny Jacinto, who captured fans’ hearts as Eric Reyes in Freakier Friday.
Photo: Lea Salonga, Manny Jacinto, Liza Soberano, H.E.R./Instagram
Nothing screams “Pinoy pride” quite like seeing these four unstoppable artists together for a project that hits close to home. Who wouldn’t look forward to this one-of-a-kind collaboration on the big screen?
Besides the film’s renowned lead actors, Forgotten Island has various other surprises in store for fans that push the envelope of animation while paying homage to Filipino culture and history. Here are more fun facts about the upcoming movie that you should take note of before its target release date on September 25, 2026:
A Uniquely Filipino Fantasy Film
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Forgotten Island takes us on an adventure of friendship, trust, and growth grounded in Philippine mythology. The story follows best friends Raissa (Soberano) and Jo (H.E.R.), who find themselves stranded on the mysterious, ancient island of Nakali, where the only way out is to lose all the memories they shared.
This magical work in progress was written and directed by American storyboard artist Joel Crawford and Filipino-American director Januel Mercado. The two previously teamed up for some of DreamWorks’ recent blockbusters, including The Croods: A New Age and the Oscar-nominated Puss in Boots: The Last Wish.
“It’s an honor to create alongside such extraordinary talent. We’ve poured our hearts into this story, and we can’t wait for the world to experience it,” Crawford and Mercado wrote on Instagram, in light of their new film’s major cast announcement.
A Highly Anticipated Ensemble of Stars
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On October 30, 2025, DreamWorks revealed more international artists who will lend their voices to Forgotten Island. Joining Lea Salonga, Liza Soberano, Manny Jacinto, and H.E.R. in the movie are:
- Dave Franco, PEOPLE’s “Sexiest Cat Dad of 2025” and star of Now You See Me: Now You Don’t, and
- Jenny Slate, who also took on roles in Zootopia, The Secret Life of Pets, and It Ends With Us.
From vibrant Filipino elements to a highly acclaimed all-star cast, Forgotten Island is gearing up to be one of the most ambitious and imaginative animated projects of 2026.
Making a Case for Filipino Representation
Forgotten Island isn’t the first instance of Filipino representation in international media. We previously witnessed thoughtful portrayals of Pinoy families, traditions, and culture on Trese and Blue’s Clues and You.
Like these popular shows, Filipinos are the protagonists and central theme of Forgotten Island—not just a subplot, second lead, or recurring character. With Filipino actors and filmmakers at the helm of this project, we might finally have the first-ever international animated film about the Philippines and its fantastical myths.
We’ve yet to learn more about the extensive plot of Forgotten Island, but witnessing the manananggal, aswang, kapre, and numerous other Filipino mythical creatures possibly take over Hollywood next year is a milestone we certainly don’t want to miss.
We can’t help but hope that this widely recognized international endeavor inspires us to support our local animated titles, too, such as Sun Chaser and Ella Arcangel: Awit ng Pangil at Kuko, which will also premiere next year.
What do you think of Forgotten Island so far? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
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