Universal Pictures and DreamWorks Animation have officially released the first trailer for Forgotten Island, an ambitious animated adventure poised to captivate global audiences with its vibrant storytelling and groundbreaking visuals. Set for a theatrical release on September 25, 2026, the film introduces a rich narrative steeped in Filipino mythology, marking a significant step in cultural representation within mainstream animation. The trailer, launched on March 25, 2026, showcases a visually stunning world and an emotional journey centered on the unbreakable bond between two best friends, Jo and Raissa, on the cusp of significant life changes.
Unveiling Nakali: A Deep Dive into the Narrative
Forgotten Island embarks on an imaginative journey with high school graduates Jo and Raissa, voiced by Grammy and Academy Award-winning artist H.E.R. and acclaimed actress Liza Soberano, respectively. Lifelong companions since grade school, the duo finds themselves at a pivotal crossroads, contemplating diverging paths after graduation. Their last night together takes an extraordinary turn when they stumble upon a mysterious portal. This gateway transports them to Nakali, a fantastical island teeming with magical creatures and mythological figures that their Filipino families had only ever recounted in stories.
The island of Nakali is presented as a realm of both wonder and peril. The trailer hints at a dynamic landscape where some of these mythological beings will emerge as allies, while others will pose formidable threats. Central to their survival and quest to return home is their encounter with Raww, a well-meaning but often clumsy weredog, voiced by Dave Franco, who joins their small but resilient pack of companions. Their ultimate adversary on Nakali is revealed to be The Dreaded Manananggal, a notoriously fearsome creature from Filipino folklore, brought to life by the iconic Tony Award-winning performer Lea Salonga. The Manananggal, known for its ability to sever its upper torso from its lower body and fly in search of victims, presents a truly terrifying challenge, promising high stakes and intense sequences.
The emotional core of Forgotten Island lies in its exploration of friendship and memory. Jo and Raissa discover a harrowing truth: the very essence of their shared history, the memories of their entire friendship, will be the price for returning home. This revelation ignites a desperate race against time to find a way off the island before their bond, the very foundation of their identities, is irrevocably erased. The narrative expertly weaves elements of adventure, mystery, and deep emotional resonance, appealing to a broad audience while anchoring its fantastical elements in relatable human experiences.
A Tapestry of Talent: The Creative Minds Behind the Vision
Forgotten Island is helmed by the acclaimed co-directing duo Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado, who previously garnered critical acclaim and commercial success for their work on Puss in Boots: The Last Wish. Their return to the director’s chairs for this original DreamWorks Animation feature signals a continued commitment to innovative storytelling and visually stunning animation. Puss in Boots: The Last Wish was particularly lauded for its unique animation style, blending traditional hand-drawn aesthetics with modern CGI, creating a distinct visual language that critics praised for its creativity and dynamic action sequences. This precedent sets high expectations for Forgotten Island, with early glimpses suggesting that Crawford and Mercado have indeed "outdone themselves," pushing creative boundaries even further.
Industry observers note that Crawford and Mercado’s involvement is a significant draw. Joel Crawford’s directorial credits also include The Croods: A New Age, another commercially successful animated feature for DreamWorks. Januel Mercado, with a background in "Harvey Beaks," brings a nuanced understanding of character development and comedic timing. Their collaborative synergy, refined through previous projects, is expected to deliver a film that is not only visually spectacular but also emotionally profound and narratively compelling. The creative team’s decision to craft an entirely original story, rather than rely on an existing franchise, underscores DreamWorks’ confidence in their vision and the inherent strength of the Forgotten Island concept.
Voices of a New Generation: The Ensemble Cast
The voice cast assembled for Forgotten Island is a formidable lineup of both musical and acting talent, reflecting a deliberate effort to bring authenticity and star power to the project. Leading the cast are H.E.R. and Liza Soberano, whose roles as Jo and Raissa are pivotal to the film’s emotional depth. H.E.R., a multi-award-winning artist, brings a distinctive vocal quality and emotional gravitas to Jo, potentially hinting at musical elements within the film, though this has not been explicitly confirmed. Liza Soberano, a prominent Filipino-American actress, lends her voice and cultural insight to Raissa, further enhancing the film’s connection to its Filipino roots. Their casting is particularly significant, as it places two talents with strong ties to the Filipino community at the forefront of a major animated release.
The supporting cast is equally impressive, featuring a blend of comedic and dramatic actors. Jenny Slate, known for her distinctive voice work in films like Zootopia and The Secret Life of Pets, is expected to bring her characteristic charm to a yet-unspecified role. Manny Jacinto, celebrated for his role in The Good Place, and Dolly de Leon, who gained international recognition for her performance in Triangle of Sadness, add further depth and range. Comedic powerhouses Jo Koy and Ronny Chieng, both of Filipino descent, are expected to infuse the film with their unique brand of humor, resonating particularly with audiences familiar with their stand-up and acting work. The inclusion of Dave Franco as Raww the weredog and the legendary Lea Salonga as The Dreaded Manananggal further elevates the cast, promising performances that are both engaging and memorable. Salonga’s involvement, in particular, is a nod to her iconic status in both Broadway and Disney animation (Mulan, Aladdin), bringing a sense of grandeur and authenticity to the villainous Manananggal. The diverse and talented ensemble underscores the film’s commitment to delivering a high-quality production across all facets.
Cultural Resonance: Bringing Filipino Mythology to the Global Stage
The most striking aspect of Forgotten Island is its profound immersion in Filipino mythology and culture. The island of Nakali, populated by creatures like the Manananggal and weredogs, represents a bold and welcome venture into a rich, yet often underrepresented, mythological landscape in mainstream Western animation. Filipino folklore is replete with a diverse array of mythical beings, spirits, and legends, often reflecting the archipelago’s pre-colonial beliefs, Spanish colonial influences, and diverse regional traditions. By featuring these stories, Forgotten Island offers a unique opportunity for global audiences to explore a vibrant cultural heritage.
The choice of the Manananggal as a primary antagonist is particularly potent. This creature, a vampiric, self-segmenting being, is one of the most iconic and terrifying figures in Filipino folklore. Its inclusion signifies a commitment to portraying these myths with a degree of authenticity and respect, moving beyond superficial representation. The film’s premise, wherein the protagonists hear these stories from their Filipino families, grounds the fantastical elements in a relatable cultural experience, making the transition to Nakali feel like a direct manifestation of their heritage.
This focus on Filipino culture aligns with a broader industry trend towards diverse storytelling and representation. Following the success of films like Disney’s Coco (Mexican culture) and Encanto (Colombian culture), and Raya and the Last Dragon (Southeast Asian influences), there is a clear demand for animated features that celebrate specific cultural identities. Forgotten Island stands to be a landmark film for the Filipino diaspora worldwide, offering a sense of pride and recognition. Experts in cultural studies and animation have long advocated for more authentic and varied representations on screen, noting the positive impact on audience engagement and cultural understanding. DreamWorks Animation’s decision to greenlight Forgotten Island reflects a strategic understanding of this evolving market and a commitment to inclusive storytelling.
DreamWorks’ Evolving Narrative: Strategic Positioning and Market Impact
Forgotten Island arrives at a time when DreamWorks Animation, under the Universal Pictures banner, is navigating a complex landscape of established franchises and the demand for original content. While successful sequels like Puss in Boots: The Last Wish continue to perform strongly, original stories like Forgotten Island are crucial for fostering innovation and attracting new audiences. The film’s unique cultural premise positions it as a potential breakout hit, appealing to both general family audiences and specific cultural demographics.
The success of Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, which grossed over $484 million worldwide on a reported budget of $90 million and received an Academy Award nomination, provides a strong foundation for the expectations surrounding Crawford and Mercado’s latest project. Its critical acclaim for animation style and narrative depth also boosts confidence in Forgotten Island‘s artistic merit. DreamWorks Animation has a history of delivering visually distinctive and emotionally engaging films, from the Shrek franchise to How to Train Your Dragon. Forgotten Island appears to continue this legacy, while also forging new ground.
From a commercial perspective, the film’s September 2026 release places it strategically in the fall animated film season, often a period for prestige animated features that can build momentum towards year-end awards. The strong voice cast, combined with a compelling cultural narrative, could draw significant attention. The global box office has shown increasing receptiveness to animated films that feature non-Western cultural elements, indicating a broad market appeal for authentic storytelling. Analysts will be closely watching Forgotten Island to see if it can replicate or even surpass the cultural and commercial impact of its predecessors in the diverse animation space, potentially solidifying a new direction for DreamWorks’ original content slate.
The Journey to Release: Production and Anticipation
The journey of Forgotten Island from concept to screen has been a meticulously crafted process, reflecting the complexity and detail required for high-quality animation. While specific production timelines are not fully disclosed, the typical cycle for a major animated feature can span several years, involving hundreds of artists, animators, writers, and technical experts. The trailer’s release on March 25, 2026, roughly six months before its theatrical debut, kicks off the primary marketing campaign, designed to build anticipation and generate buzz. This period is crucial for showcasing the film’s unique visual style, introducing its characters, and highlighting its emotional and cultural depth.
Mark Swift, serving as producer, brings his extensive experience in animation production, ensuring the ambitious vision of Crawford and Mercado is realized within the intricate demands of a large-scale animated feature. The collaboration between DreamWorks Animation and Universal Pictures ensures a robust distribution network, maximizing the film’s reach to audiences worldwide. As the release date approaches, further marketing materials, including additional trailers, character spotlights, and behind-the-scenes features, are expected to be unveiled, offering deeper insights into the film’s creative process and its cultural inspirations. The anticipation among animation enthusiasts and the Filipino community is palpable, as Forgotten Island promises to be a significant entry in the animated film canon for 2026.
Conclusion: A Promising Horizon for Animated Storytelling
Forgotten Island represents a bold and exciting venture for DreamWorks Animation and Universal Pictures. By intertwining a heartfelt story of friendship with the rich tapestry of Filipino mythology, the film is poised to deliver a captivating cinematic experience that transcends cultural boundaries. The visionary direction of Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado, coupled with a stellar voice cast and a commitment to authentic representation, suggests that Forgotten Island is not just another animated movie, but a significant cultural event. Its potential impact on representation in animation, coupled with its artistic ambition, marks it as a film that will likely resonate deeply with audiences and contribute meaningfully to the evolving landscape of global storytelling. As the release date draws nearer, Forgotten Island stands out as a beacon of innovative animation, promising both dazzling visuals and a profoundly moving narrative.
