DreamWorks Animation has released the first trailer for Forgotten Island, a new original animated movie that centers on friendship, family roots, and Filipino mythology.
The film stars H.E.R. and Liza Soberano as best friends Jo and Raissa, whose lives are about to head in different directions after high school.
The trailer sets up an emotional fantasy adventure as the two are pulled into a mysterious world where their bond is put to the test. Watch below.
Forgotten Island follows two best friends on the edge of change
Forgotten Island focuses on Jo and Raissa, who have been best friends since grade school but are now preparing to go their separate ways.
While celebrating their final night together, the two discover a mysterious portal that transports them to Nakali, a magical island filled with mythological creatures from the stories they grew up hearing from their Filipino families.
That setup gives the movie both a personal and fantasy angle, with DreamWorks leaning into the idea that their friendship may not survive what comes next unless they fight for it.
Filipino mythology plays a big role
Once on Nakali, Jo and Raissa meet a mix of allies and enemies. Dave Franco voices Raww, a weredog described as well-meaning but hapless, who joins them on their journey.
The biggest threat comes from The Dreaded Manananggal, voiced by Lea Salonga, as the girls try to find a way home before the price of escaping becomes too high.
According to the official synopsis, Jo and Raissa learn that the cost of returning home is the memories of their friendship. That raises the stakes and gives Forgotten Island a more emotional hook than a standard animated adventure.
DreamWorks brings back the Puss in Boots: The Last Wish team
Forgotten Island is written and directed by Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado, with Mark Swift producing.
Crawford and Swift previously worked on Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, which should put this one on the radar for animation fans. DreamWorks is also promoting the movie as another story built around a memorable friendship, similar to How to Train Your Dragon, Shrek, and The Wild Robot.
Voice cast includes H.E.R., Liza Soberano, Jo Koy, and more
Along with H.E.R., Liza Soberano, Dave Franco, and Lea Salonga, the voice cast also includes Jenny Slate, Manny Jacinto, Dolly de Leon, Jo Koy, and Ronny Chieng.
The cast gives the movie a strong mix of music, comedy, and acting talent, while the Filipino folklore angle helps Forgotten Island stand out from the usual animated lineup.
Forgotten Island release info
Forgotten Island is a DreamWorks Animation production distributed by Universal Pictures. The film is written and directed by Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado and produced by Mark Swift. The voice cast includes H.E.R., Liza Soberano, Dave Franco, Jenny Slate, Manny Jacinto, Dolly de Leon, Jo Koy, Ronny Chieng, and Lea Salonga.
According to IMDb, the film is expected to be released on September 26, 2026.
Watch the trailer:
