Front Row Features
LOS ANGELES –DreamWorks Animation’s Forgotten Island takes audiences on a magical adventure inspired by Filipino folklore, combining fantasy, comedy, and an emotional story about the power of friendship.
The animated film follows Jo, voiced by Grammy and Academy Award winner H.E.R., and Raissa, voiced by Filipino actress Liza Soberano. The two lifelong best friends find themselves facing an uncertain future as they prepare to graduate from high school and begin separate journeys in life.
During their final night together, the pair discover a mysterious portal that transports them to Nakali, a fantastical island filled with magical creatures and legendary beings drawn from stories passed down through their Filipino families.
Their adventure soon becomes a fight for survival when they discover that escaping the island could cost them the memories of their friendship. With time running out, Jo and Raissa must find a way home before they forget the experiences and bond that brought them together.
The film also features Dave Franco as Raww, a well-meaning but clumsy were-dog, and Filipino theater icon Lea Salonga as the feared Manananggal. The supporting voice cast includes Jenny Slate, Manny Jacinto, Dolly de Leon, Jo Koy, and Ronny Chieng.
Directed by Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado, with Mark Swift serving as producer, the film brings Filipino mythology and cultural storytelling into the spotlight of a major Hollywood animated production.
Beyond its fantastical creatures and adventurous setting, Forgotten Island explores a relatable question: What happens when the people closest to us begin moving in different directions? Through Jo and Raissa’s journey, the story examines the challenges of growing up, facing change, and holding on to meaningful relationships.
The movie also offers an opportunity for international audiences to discover elements of Filipino folklore, introducing legendary creatures and cultural traditions through the colorful visual storytelling of DreamWorks Animation.
Distributed by Universal Pictures, Forgotten Island was released in U.S. theaters on September 25, 2026.
With its combination of mythology, adventure, and heartfelt themes, the film brings a culturally inspired story to the big screen while reminding audiences that some friendships are worth fighting for—even when the price of holding on is everything you remember.
