Forgotten Island: DreamWorks film opens 25 September
DreamWorks Animation's Forgotten Island reaches theatres on Friday, 25 September, with a friendship story rooted in Filipino culture and myth. The film runs 1 hour 47 minutes and carries a PG rating, for parental guidance, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
It is directed and written by Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado. The pair previously directed 2022's Puss in Boots: The Last Wish.
The story is set in the Philippines in the 1990s. Jo and Raissa have been best friends since grade school and are about to head down separate paths in life.
Their last night together changes course. The two stumble upon a mysterious portal that carries them to Nakali, a magical island, as described by DreamWorks. The trip is one way at first. They are stuck, and must find their way through a land they do not understand.
Two actors share each of the central roles at different ages. Kailey Crawford voices younger Jo, while singer-songwriter H.E.R. voices older Jo. Kayla Teruel and Liza Soberano voice Raissa.
Family anchors the human side. Dolly de Leon voices Lola, Jo's grandmother. Lea Salonga voices Manang.
Nakali is vivid and unruly. Dave Franco voices Raww, a friendly were-dog. Jenny Slate voices Batiba, a memory-eating demon. Manny Jacinto voices Bungi, a giant demon baby.
The island has its own power structure. Jo Koy voices Datu, the leader of the tree giants. Ronny Chieng voices King Truffle Wuffle.
Filipino language, place and folklore run through the film. Characters speak Tagalog, and the story features the manananggal from Filipino folklore, a shape-shifting creature well known to local audiences. The film also depicts the streets and food culture of Tondo, Manila, alongside the turquoise waters of Palawan, according to ABS-CBN.
DreamWorks describes the project as a broad party comedy adventure and a tale of friendship, heritage and growing up. Another trade description calls it an action-adventure animated comedy, which in plain terms means chases and monsters mixed with jokes.
Music is central to the release plan. H.E.R., Bini, Lea Salonga and Katseye's Sophia Laforteza lead the soundtrack, according to Variety. DreamWorks is also offering a downloadable Activity Kit and colouring sheet for young viewers.
For families, this means a short wait. The film was first slated for autumn 2026, and that date has held.
