DreamWorks Animation Unveils Star-Studded Voice Cast for 'Forgotten Island' Adventure

Get ready to set sail for adventure! Dreamworks Animation just dropped exciting details about their upcoming film, Forgotten Island, including its incredible voice cast and a glimpse into its magical, memory-bending story.

TL;DR: The Quick Scoop on DreamWorks' Next Big Animated Film

• DreamWorks Animation is bringing us Forgotten Island, a brand-new animated adventure rooted deeply in Philippine mythology.
• The film boasts an amazing voice cast featuring H.E.R., Liza Soberano, Lea Salonga, Dave Franco, Manny Jacinto, and Jenny Slate.
• Mark your calendars for September 25, 2026, when this tale of friendship, memory, and a fantastical island hits theaters!

Get Ready to Explore the Mysterious World of Nakali with DreamWorks

Big news just landed from DreamWorks Animation, and trust us, you're going to want to hear all about it! They've just pulled back the curtain on their upcoming animated feature, Forgotten Island, and it sounds like a truly special journey. This isn't just another cartoon; it's an action-adventure comedy that promises a rich, emotional story, all set against a backdrop inspired by enchanting Philippine mythology.

Imagine being stranded on a fantastical island, far from home, with your best friend by your side. Sounds like an epic adventure, right? But what if the only way back meant losing all the precious memories you've shared together? That's the heart-wrenching premise at the core of Forgotten Island, and it's already got us reaching for the tissues. DreamWorks is definitely aiming to make a splash with this one, blending thrilling escapades with a truly touching narrative about friendship and the power of shared experiences.

Meet the Incredible Voices Bringing the Characters of Nakali to Life

One of the most exciting reveals about Forgotten Island is its absolutely stacked voice cast. DreamWorks has assembled an all-star lineup that brings together award-winning musicians, Broadway legends, and beloved comedic and dramatic actors. Get ready to hear some familiar voices lend their talents to this magical adventure:

• H.E.R. as Jo: The multi-talented Oscar, five-time Grammy, and Emmy-winning music artist and actress will voice one of the lifelong best friends, Jo. You might remember her powerful acting debut in 2023's The Color Purple, or her Oscar-winning song "Fight for You" from Judas and the Black Messiah.
• Liza Soberano as Raissa: The other half of our best friend duo, Raissa, will be voiced by Liza Soberano. Liza made her Hollywood feature film debut in Lisa Frankenstein and is also known for her roles in films like My Ex and Whys and the drama series Alone/Together. Fans of animated series might also recognize her as the voice of the title character in Netflix's Trese.
• Lea Salonga: A true Broadway legend, Lea Salonga is joining the cast! Her incredible career includes a Tony-winning role in Miss Saigon, and she's famously the singing voice for Disney Princesses Jasmine (Aladdin) and Fa Mulan (Mulan, Mulan II). She recently starred in Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends on Broadway and the West End, and in Here Lies Love on Broadway, which she also produced. Her extensive credits also include HBO Max's Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin and Netflix's Centaurworld.
• Dave Franco: Known for his versatile performances, Dave Franco is also lending his voice. His recent work includes starring with his wife Alison Brie in the romance horror film Together and appearing in Regretting You. He's also a director, having helmed movies like The Rental and Somebody I Used to Know.
• Manny Jacinto: Bringing his charm to Forgotten Island is Manny Jacinto! He recently appeared in Disney's sequel Freakier Friday and is well-loved for his role in NBC's hit series The Good Place. You might also have spotted him in Star Wars: The Acolyte, Top Gun: Maverick, and the Netflix horror-thriller Brand New Cherry.
• Jenny Slate: The Emmy-nominated comedian and actress Jenny Slate is also on board. A former cast member of Saturday Night Live, Jenny recently starred in the FX series Dying for Sex. Her impressive feature credits include the multi-Oscar winning Everything Everywhere All at Once and the Oscar-nominated Marcel the Shell With Shoes On.

This phenomenal ensemble promises to bring depth, humor, and incredible vocal talent to the fantastical world of Nakali, ensuring that the emotional journey of Jo and Raissa resonates powerfully with audiences.

A Deep Dive into the Heartfelt Story of Friendship and Memories at Stake

At its core, Forgotten Island delves into the profound meaning of friendship and the irreplaceable value of shared memories. The story centers on two inseparable best friends, Jo and Raissa, whose bond is tested in the most extraordinary way. When they find themselves mysteriously stranded on Nakali, a magical and forgotten island steeped in Philippine mythology, their adventure takes an unexpected and emotional turn.

The island of Nakali isn't just a picturesque backdrop; it's a place where the fantastical comes to life, but also where difficult choices must be made. The film poses a powerful question: "What if your lifelong best friend just forgot all about you? Forgot all the love, the joy, the pain, all of the memories and experiences you once shared?" For Jo and Raissa, the path home from Nakali might demand a sacrifice too great to bear – the potential loss of their most cherished, lifelong memories together. This narrative promises to be a moving exploration of identity, connection, and what it truly means to hold onto the past when faced with an impossible future. Rooting the film in Philippine mythology adds a unique cultural richness and a fresh perspective to the animation landscape, making it even more anticipated.

The Visionary Team Behind DreamWorks' Next Big Adventure in Animation

Bringing this ambitious and heartfelt story to life is a talented creative team. Forgotten Island will be both written and directed by Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado. This project marks an exciting new chapter for Mercado, as it is his feature directorial debut, a significant milestone in his career.

Crawford and producer Mark Swift are veterans in the animation world, and Forgotten Island marks their third collaboration. They previously worked together on the critically acclaimed, Oscar-nominated DreamWorks Animation feature Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, which was a huge hit with both critics and audiences. They also teamed up on The Croods: A New Age. Mercado also contributed significantly to these past successes, serving as co-director on Puss in Boots: The Last Wish and as head of story for Crawford on The Croods: A New Age. This proven track record of creating engaging and visually stunning animated films certainly bodes well for Forgotten Island. Adding another layer of artistry, Nathan Matthew David, known for his work on Joy Ride and The Brothers Sun, will be composing the score for the film, promising a captivating auditory experience to match the visuals.

What's Next for DreamWorks Animation? A Look Ahead to More Exciting Films

DreamWorks Animation isn't slowing down, and Forgotten Island is just one piece of their exciting future slate. The studio is consistently pushing the boundaries of animated storytelling, bringing diverse narratives and cutting-edge visuals to the big screen. In 2025, DreamWorks has a packed schedule, including films like The Bad Guys 2, Gabby's Dollhouse: The Movie, Dog Man, and a highly anticipated live-action remake of How to Train Your Dragon. Looking even further ahead, they're already hard at work on projects like Shrek 5 and a live-action How to Train Your Dragon 2, both slated for 2027.

This robust lineup, which recently included last year's sleeper hit The Wild Robot, shows DreamWorks' commitment to delivering a wide range of stories for all audiences. Forgotten Island stands out with its unique cultural roots and emotional premise, further solidifying DreamWorks Animation's position as a powerhouse in the world of animated cinema. Get ready for a continuous stream of captivating tales and stunning animation from the studio!

Frequently Asked Questions About DreamWorks' Forgotten Island When does Forgotten Island officially release in theaters? You can catch Forgotten Island in theaters starting September 25, 2026. What platforms will Forgotten Island be available on after its theatrical run? Universal Pictures is distributing the film, so it's highly likely to eventually stream on Peacock, Universal's streaming service, after its theatrical window. However, specific streaming dates haven't been announced yet. What is the main plot of DreamWorks Animation's Forgotten Island? The movie centers on two lifelong best friends, Jo (H.E.R.) and Raissa (Liza Soberano), who become stranded on the magical island of Nakali. Their only path home may require them to sacrifice their cherished memories together, making for an emotional adventure rooted in Philippine mythology. Is Forgotten Island inspired by real-world mythology? Yes! The film's fantastical island of Nakali is explicitly rooted in Philippine mythology, promising a culturally rich and unique storytelling experience. Sources

• The Hollywood Reporter
• Variety
• Deadline
• BroadwayWorld.com
• ComingSoon.net
• Rappler
• The Daily Guardian
• The Express Tribune