H.E.R. and Liza Soberano star in DreamWorks’ magical friendship tale Forgotten Island.
DreamWorks Animation continues its legacy of heartfelt storytelling with Forgotten Island, a visually dazzling original animated film arriving in theaters September 25. The studio known for unforgettable friendships—from a boy and his dragon in How to Train Your Dragon to the unlikely bond between an ogre and a donkey in Shrek—now explores a powerful story about lifelong friendship, identity, and the fear of growing apart.
The new film centers on Jo and Raissa, two best friends who have been inseparable since childhood. As high school graduates, they find themselves facing the uncertainty of new life paths that threaten to pull them in different directions. During their final night together, the pair discovers a mysterious portal that transports them to Nakali, a fantastical island inspired by Filipino mythology and folklore.
What begins as an emotional farewell quickly becomes a magical adventure filled with mythological creatures, unexpected allies, and dangerous foes. Among them is Raww, a well-meaning but hapless weredog voiced by Dave Franco, who joins Jo and Raissa on their journey. Together, they must confront the island’s most feared entity, the terrifying Manananggal, voiced by Tony Award-winning icon Lea Salonga.
However, the greatest threat may not be the island’s monsters. Jo and Raissa soon learn that the price for returning home could cost them the memories of their entire friendship. Faced with losing everything they share, the two must find a way off the island before their bond disappears forever.
A Powerful Story From the Team Behind Puss in Boots: The Last Wish
Forgotten Island is written and directed by Academy Award nominee Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado, the creative duo behind the critically acclaimed Puss in Boots: The Last Wish. The film is produced by Academy Award nominee Mark Swift, continuing DreamWorks’ tradition of emotionally resonant storytelling combined with bold animation style.
The film also showcases a standout voice cast led by Grammy and Academy Award-winning artist H.E.R. and Liza Soberano as Jo and Raissa. The supporting cast features an impressive lineup of talent, including Jenny Slate, Manny Jacinto, Dolly de Leon, Jo Koy, and Ronny Chieng.
Filipino Mythology Takes Center Stage
The island of Nakali draws inspiration from Filipino folklore, bringing legendary creatures to life for global audiences. By blending cultural storytelling with fantasy adventure, Forgotten Island aims to deliver both spectacle and emotional depth.
Themes of friendship, change, and holding on to meaningful connections are at the heart of the story. Much like DreamWorks’ previous classics, the film explores how relationships evolve and how the bonds we form shape who we become.
With its mix of humor, heart, and mythology, Forgotten Island is poised to be one of the studio’s most emotionally impactful original films in years.
Film Details
Directors: Joel Crawford, Januel Mercado
Writers: Joel Crawford, Januel Mercado
Cast: H.E.R., Liza Soberano, Dave Franco, Lea Salonga, Jenny Slate, Manny Jacinto, Dolly de Leon, Jo Koy, Ronny Chieng
Release Date: September 25, 2026
Studio: DreamWorks Animation
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Sean Tajipour
Sean Tajipour is the Founder and Editor of Nerdtropolis and the host of the Moviegoers Society and Reel Insights Podcast. He is also a member of the Critics Choice Association. You can follow on Twitter and Instagram @Seantaj.
