DreamWorks Animation is once again inviting audiences into a richly imagined world. This time where friendship, memory, and mythology collide. The studio has officially released the first trailer for Forgotten Island, an upcoming fantasy adventure that blends cultural storytelling with emotional depth, led by a standout voice cast including H.E.R. and Liza Soberano.
A Story Rooted In Friendship and Identity
At the heart of Forgotten Island are Jo and Raissa — two best friends on the verge of life-changing separation after high school graduation. During one final night together, they stumble upon a mysterious portal that transports them to Nakali, a fantastical island filled with creatures pulled straight from the folklore they grew up hearing within their Filipino families.
But this isn’t just a magical escape. There’s a cost. As the story unfolds, the duo discovers that their memories, including their shared friendship, are slowly fading, becoming the price they must pay to return home. What follows is a race against time to preserve not just their way back, but the very bond that defines them.
A Cast That Brings The World To Life
Joining H.E.R. and Soberano is an eclectic and dynamic ensemble. Dave Franco voices Raww, a quirky and endearing weredog who adds humor and heart to the journey, while Broadway legend Lea Salonga takes on the role of the formidable Manananggal — one of the island’s most iconic and feared creatures.
The film also features performances from Jenny Slate, Manny Jacinto, Dolly de Leon, Jo Koy, and Ronny Chieng — creating a diverse lineup that reflects the film’s global and cultural reach.
The Creative Team Behind The Magic
The project is helmed by Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado, with Mark Swift producing. The trio previously collaborated on the critically acclaimed Puss in Boots: The Last Wish. A film praised for its bold animation style and emotional storytelling. That pedigree suggests Forgotten Island will similarly balance visual innovation with meaningful narrative stakes.
DreamWorks Continues Its Evolution
With recent hits like The Wild Robot and Kung Fu Panda 4, DreamWorks Animation has been steadily redefining its creative identity. In doing so, they’re leaning into stories that resonate across generations. Forgotten Island appears to continue that trajectory, offering a film that is both culturally specific and universally relatable.
A Fantasy With Emotional Stakes
While the film promises vibrant creatures and imaginative world-building, its core message is deeply human: what happens when the memories that define us begin to disappear?
By anchoring its fantasy in the emotional reality of growing up and growing apart, Forgotten Island positions itself as more than just another adventure. In fact, it’s a reflection on connection, identity, and the fragility of time.
Mark Your Calendar
Forgotten Island is set to arrive in theaters on September 25th, 2026, and if the first trailer is any indication, it could be one of the year’s most heartfelt animated releases. Because sometimes, the greatest journeys aren’t about where you go, but about what you hold onto along the way.