MANILA, Philippines — Jeepneys, mythical creatures and childhood folklore come to life in “Forgotten Island,” the first DreamWorks Animation feature to place Filipino culture at the heart of its story, led by a cast that includes H.E.R., Liza Soberano and Lea Salonga.
The upcoming animated film follows best friends Jo and Raissa, voiced by H.E.R. and Soberano, as they confront a turning point familiar to many young adults: growing apart. On what is supposed to be their final night together before heading in different directions, the pair is unexpectedly transported to Nakali, a mysterious island shaped by the stories they grew up hearing.
What they find there feels distinctly Filipino.
From jeepney-inspired visuals to the terrifying presence of the manananggal, “Forgotten Island” builds its fantasy world from local references rarely seen in mainstream global animation. The island is populated by creatures drawn from Philippine folklore, blending the eerie and the playful in a way that mirrors the stories passed down across generations.
As Jo and Raissa search for a way home, they encounter allies and adversaries, including a bumbling weredog named Raww, voiced by Dave Franco, and the film’s central antagonist, the feared manananggal voiced by Lea Salonga.
Beyond the visuals, the film leans into an emotional core centered on friendship. The two leads soon discover that returning home comes at a cost: the memories of their bond. Faced with losing each other entirely, Jo and Raissa are forced to weigh what matters most.
“Forgotten Island” marks a notable moment for Filipino representation in global animation, not only for its setting but also for its cast. Alongside H.E.R. and Soberano, the voice lineup includes Manny Jacinto, Dolly de Leon, Jo Koy and Ronny Chieng, bringing together a mix of Filipino and Asian talent.
“Oh my gosh, oh my golly, oh my goodness, I am SO FRICKEN EXCITED!!!!!” Salonga enthused in an Instagram post.
“AAAAAHHHH I can’t believe it’s here. So grateful,” H.E.R wrote in her Instagram Story.
Soberano, on the other hand, wrote, “I have so much love for the whole team behind this project. I’m so so so honored and proud to be a part of such an amazing film that showcases Filipino culture and talent!! Did everyone like the trailer?”
The film is directed by Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado and produced by Mark Swift, the team behind “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish.” It continues DreamWorks Animation’s tradition of pairing large-scale fantasy with character-driven storytelling, this time rooted in Southeast Asian identity.
“Forgotten Island” opens in Philippine cinemas on Sept. 23.
Watch the trailer here:https://youtu.be/PJuAkccq3ks
