DreamWorks Animation is cooking up something truly special with 'Forgotten Island,' and they've just spilled all the magical details – including a stellar voice cast and an emotional plot that'll tug at your heartstrings. Mark your calendars for an adventure that promises wonder, heart, and perhaps a few tears!
TL;DR- DreamWorks Animation's brand-new film, 'Forgotten Island,' is set for a theatrical release on September 25, 2026.
- The movie boasts an incredible voice cast, featuring musical talent H.E.R., Filipina star Liza Soberano, Broadway legend Lea Salonga, Dave Franco, Jenny Slate, and Manny Jacinto.
- Prepare for an emotional adventure following two best friends stranded on the mystical island of Nakali, where the only way home might mean losing a lifetime of cherished memories.
Alright, animation fans, gather 'round! DreamWorks Animation is notorious for giving us visually stunning worlds and stories that stick with us long after the credits roll. From the epic dragon rides of 'How to Train Your Dragon' to the hilarious antics of 'The Bad Guys,' they consistently deliver. And now, they're teasing something truly enchanting and deeply emotional with their upcoming feature, 'Forgotten Island.'
The studio has officially pulled back the curtain, announcing not just a stellar lineup of voice talent but also giving us a juicy glimpse into the film's central mystery. Get ready for a journey to a fantastical new world, arriving in theaters on September 25, 2026!
Unraveling the Heartfelt Mystery of 'Forgotten Island's' Emotional Plot
Forget everything you thought you knew about animated adventures for a moment, because 'Forgotten Island' is set to delve into a truly poignant theme. The newly revealed logline asks a question that hits right at the core of human connection: "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."
Can you even imagine? This isn't just about getting home; it's about the very essence of identity and relationship. The story centers on two inseparable best friends, Jo and Raissa, who find themselves unexpectedly stranded on the breathtaking, magical world of Nakali. As if being stuck on a mysterious island wasn't enough, they soon realize that their only path back home carries a heavy price: they might have to sacrifice a lifetime of shared memories and emotions.
The concept alone is enough to send shivers down your spine and spark endless conversations. How do you choose between escaping a magical prison and holding onto the very experiences that define you and your closest bond? This premise sets 'Forgotten Island' up to be more than just a visual spectacle; it's poised to be a powerful exploration of friendship, sacrifice, and what it truly means to remember.
Adding another layer of rich cultural tapestry, the island of Nakali itself is described as being "rooted in Philippine mythology." This is incredibly exciting! It promises a vibrant, unique setting that will likely introduce audiences to fascinating folklore, magical creatures, and an aesthetic unlike anything we've seen before in mainstream animation. The opportunity for DreamWorks to explore and celebrate such rich cultural narratives is a huge win for diverse storytelling in cinema.
Meet the Incredible Ensemble Bringing 'Forgotten Island's' World to Life
A story this emotionally charged and visually promising needs a voice cast that can deliver, and DreamWorks has truly outdone themselves here. 'Forgotten Island' is bringing together an impressive and diverse group of talents to breathe life into its characters. Let's dive into who's joining the adventure:
- H.E.R. as Jo: The multi-award-winning Filipino-American artist, known for her incredible musical talent, including an Oscar-winning song ("Fight for You") and her role in "The Color Purple," is stepping into a lead role as Jo. Her soulful voice and proven acting chops suggest Jo will be a character brimming with emotional depth and perhaps even some musical moments!
- Liza Soberano as Raissa: Making her Hollywood debut in "Lisa Frankenstein," Filipina actress Liza Soberano will voice Raissa, Jo's lifelong best friend. Her rising star power and fresh presence in Hollywood make her an exciting addition, promising a captivating performance as she navigates the film's central dilemma.
- Lea Salonga: The legendary Tony Award-winner (for "Miss Saigon") and a celebrated Filipino actress, Lea Salonga is no stranger to animated classics, having provided the singing voices for Disney's Jasmine and Mulan! Her involvement is a massive treat for fans, bringing unparalleled gravitas and musicality to the cast. She's also been seen recently in "KPop Demon Hunters," proving her continued presence in the animated world.
- Dave Franco: Known for his roles in a variety of films like "The Lego Ninjago Movie," Dave Franco brings his versatile voice talent to 'Forgotten Island.' His ability to blend humor with genuine emotion makes him a fantastic choice for any animated project, and we're eager to see what character he'll embody.
- Jenny Slate: A comedic powerhouse and a familiar voice from beloved animated hits like "Zootopia" and "The Secret Life of Pets," Jenny Slate is also joining the ensemble. Her distinctive voice and flair for character work mean we can expect a memorable and perhaps very funny performance in 'Forgotten Island.'
- Manny Jacinto: The Filipino-Canadian actor, recognized for his work in projects like "Star Wars: The Acolyte" and "Freakier Friday," rounds out this impressive lineup. His growing presence in major franchises signals a talent that will undoubtedly add another layer of charm and depth to this exciting animated feature.
This cast is not only packed with talent but also showcases incredible Filipino representation, from Lea Salonga to Liza Soberano, H.E.R., and Manny Jacinto. It's a powerful statement about diverse storytelling and will resonate deeply with audiences worldwide.
The Dynamic DreamWorks Duo Driving This Animated Adventure's Vision
Behind the mics, you've got a powerhouse ensemble, but who's steering the ship? For 'Forgotten Island,' DreamWorks has entrusted the creative vision to the proven talents of Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado, who are both writing and directing the film. They’re also joined by seasoned producer Mark Swift.
This isn't Crawford and Swift's first rodeo; 'Forgotten Island' marks their third collaboration, following the critically acclaimed and Oscar-nominated "Puss in Boots: The Last Wish" and the prehistoric hilarity of "The Croods: A New Age." If you’ve seen "Puss in Boots: The Last Wish," you know that Crawford and Swift delivered a film with stunning animation, a perfect blend of humor and heartfelt emotion, and truly memorable characters. Their track record speaks for itself, promising 'Forgotten Island' will be in highly capable hands, ready to deliver another beloved animated classic.
For Januel Mercado, this project is particularly special: it marks his feature directorial debut! He's no newcomer to the DreamWorks family, having served as co-director on "Puss in Boots: The Last Wish" and head of story on "The Croods: A New Age." This progression from key creative roles to full director showcases DreamWorks' confidence in his vision and ability to craft compelling narratives. Expect a fresh perspective blended with the studio's signature quality.
Providing the musical backdrop for this emotional journey will be composer Nathan Matthew David, known for his work on "Joy Ride" and "The Brothers Sun." His touch will undoubtedly enhance the film's mystical atmosphere and deep emotional core.
Charting DreamWorks Animation's Exciting Future Releases and Legacy
'Forgotten Island' is clearly a major part of DreamWorks Animation's strategy for keeping us hooked, but it’s also important to see it within the bigger picture of their current and upcoming slate. The studio has been on a roll, delivering consistent hits and beloved stories.
Looking back, last year (relative to October 2025), they gave us the sleeper hit "The Wild Robot," which captivated audiences with its unique story. This year (2025) has also seen big box office draws with "The Bad Guys 2" and a remake of "How to Train Your Dragon," alongside other anticipated releases like "Gabby's Dollhouse: The Movie" and "Dog Man."
And the momentum doesn't stop there! Beyond 'Forgotten Island,' DreamWorks already has major projects slated for 2027, including "Shrek 5" – yes, you read that right, Shrek is back! – and a live-action "How to Train Your Dragon 2." This continuous stream of diverse and exciting content shows DreamWorks Animation is dedicated to pushing boundaries and entertaining audiences of all ages for years to come.
'Forgotten Island,' with its unique premise and cultural depth, fits perfectly into this vibrant lineup, demonstrating the studio's commitment to both beloved franchises and fresh, original storytelling.
Why 'Forgotten Island' Is Already Shaping Up to Be a Must-See Animated Film
Honestly, with everything we know so far, 'Forgotten Island' already feels like it’s going to be a truly special movie. It combines DreamWorks' proven ability to create stunning animated worlds with a deeply personal and universally resonant story about friendship, memory, and identity. The addition of Philippine mythology offers a vibrant, under-explored wellspring of inspiration, promising a visual and narrative treat.
The stellar voice cast, rich with celebrated talents like H.E.R., Liza Soberano, and Lea Salonga, ensures that the characters will be brought to life with incredible authenticity and emotional power. And with the creative team behind "Puss in Boots: The Last Wish" at the helm, we can trust that 'Forgotten Island' will deliver both breathtaking animation and a story that stays with you long after the credits roll. Get ready for an adventure that promises to be visually gorgeous, emotionally profound, and culturally significant!
Discover all the exciting details about DreamWorks Animation's 'Forgotten Island'! Uncover the all-star voice cast, emotional plot, and theatrical release date for this adventure rooted in Philippine mythology.
Frequently Asked Questions About 'Forgotten Island'
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