Universal Pictures and DreamWorks Animation have released the second official trailer for Forgotten Island, a high-stakes animated feature film scheduled for a theatrical debut on September 25, 2026. The production marks a significant milestone for the studio, centering on Filipino culture and mythology while reuniting the acclaimed creative duo behind the 2022 critical and commercial success Puss in Boots: The Last Wish. Directed by Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado, the film explores themes of lifelong friendship, the pain of transition, and the preservation of cultural identity through a fantastical lens. The narrative follows two high school graduates, Jo and Raissa, voiced by Academy Award winner H.E.R. and Filipino-American actress Liza Soberano, respectively. As the pair prepares to depart for separate lives after graduation, they are pulled into the mystical realm of Nakali, an island populated by the mythological entities of Filipino folklore.
Narrative Core and Thematic Stakes
The plot of Forgotten Island centers on the emotional volatility of young adulthood. Jo and Raissa have been inseparable since childhood, but the looming reality of post-graduation life threatens to sever their bond. During their final night together, the discovery of a hidden portal transports them to Nakali, a vibrant but dangerous world that brings the bedtime stories of their youth to life. Unlike typical "isekai" or portal fantasies that focus solely on the adventure of discovery, Forgotten Island introduces a psychological cost to the journey. The protagonists learn that the price for returning to the human world is the erasure of their shared memories.
This central conflict elevates the film from a standard adventure to a poignant exploration of the "cost of growing up." The trailer highlights the urgency of their quest as they navigate the island’s geography while simultaneously battling the internal fear of losing their history with one another. Industry analysts have noted that this narrative choice aligns with DreamWorks’ recent trend of tackling more mature, existential themes, a shift that began with the exploration of mortality in Puss in Boots: The Last Wish.
The Creative Vision of Crawford and Mercado
The return of Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado to the director’s chairs has generated significant interest within the animation community. Their previous collaboration on The Last Wish was praised for its innovative "painterly" animation style, which broke away from the traditional photorealistic CGI aesthetic that dominated the previous decade. Early footage from Forgotten Island suggests a continuation of this artistic evolution, utilizing a vibrant color palette and stylized character designs that draw inspiration from traditional Southeast Asian art and tropical landscapes.
Producer Mark Swift, who also worked on The Croods: A New Age, oversees the production. The creative team has emphasized the importance of authenticity in depicting the island of Nakali. By integrating specific elements of Filipino mythology—such as the dreaded Manananggal—into a mainstream Hollywood production, Crawford and Mercado aim to provide representation for a demographic that has historically been underrepresented in major studio animation.
A High-Profile Voice Cast and Cultural Representation
The film features an ensemble cast that blends musical talent with established comedic and dramatic actors. H.E.R. (Gabriella Sarmiento Wilson), who provides the voice for Jo, brings her background as a multi-instrumentalist and songwriter to a role that reportedly includes original musical elements. Opposite her, Liza Soberano voices Raissa, marking another significant step in her transition from a prominent career in the Philippines to the international stage.
The supporting cast is equally robust:
- Dave Franco voices Raww, a "well-meaning-but-hapless" weredog who serves as the protagonists’ guide through Nakali.
- Lea Salonga, the Tony Award-winning Broadway legend, takes on a rare villainous role as The Dreaded Manananggal. In Filipino folklore, the Manananggal is a vampire-like creature capable of severing its upper torso from its lower body to fly through the night.
- Dolly de Leon, who gained international fame for her role in Triangle of Sadness, and comedian Jo Koy provide additional depth to the Filipino-led cast.
- Manny Jacinto, Jenny Slate, and Ronny Chieng round out the ensemble, portraying various spirits and creatures encountered on the island.
The inclusion of these actors is not merely a marketing strategy but a concerted effort to ensure the cultural nuances of the script—co-written by Crawford and Mercado—are delivered with authenticity.
Production Chronology and Marketing Trajectory
The development of Forgotten Island was first hinted at in late 2024 following the massive success of DreamWorks’ recent slate. Universal Pictures officially announced the project in early 2025, positioning it as a cornerstone of their 2026 theatrical calendar.
A critical turning point for the film’s public perception occurred at CinemaCon in early 2026. During the convention, Universal showcased extended sequences of the film to theater owners and press. The footage, which focused on the introduction of the island of Nakali and the chemistry between H.E.R. and Soberano’s characters, received a standing ovation. This initial "buzz" has been a primary driver for the film’s marketing campaign.
The first trailer, released earlier in the year, focused on the spectacle and the introduction of the portal. The second trailer, released on June 23, 2026, delves deeper into the emotional stakes, specifically the threat of memory loss. This "two-pronged" marketing approach—spectacle followed by heart—is a standard industry practice designed to capture both family audiences and older viewers interested in character-driven narratives.
Technical Innovations and Artistic Direction
Visually, Forgotten Island appears to push the boundaries of DreamWorks’ proprietary animation software. The island of Nakali is described as a "living ecosystem" where the flora and fauna react to the emotional states of the protagonists. Technical directors at the studio have reportedly developed new rendering techniques to capture the specific lighting of the Philippine archipelago, from the "golden hour" over tropical beaches to the dense, bioluminescent shadows of the jungle at night.
The design of the mythological creatures was handled with a focus on "mythic realism." For instance, the Manananggal’s design avoids traditional horror tropes in favor of a more majestic, albeit terrifying, aesthetic that fits within the PG-rated family adventure framework. This balance is crucial for a film that seeks to introduce complex folklore to a global audience without alienating younger viewers.
Industry Implications and Box Office Outlook
The release of Forgotten Island on September 25, 2026, places it at the start of the autumn movie season, a corridor that has historically been successful for animated features looking for long-term "legs" leading into the holiday season. By avoiding the crowded summer blockbuster window, Universal is positioning the film to be the dominant family offering for several weeks.
From a broader industry perspective, Forgotten Island represents a continued shift toward culturally specific storytelling in the animation sector. Following the success of Disney’s Moana and Raya and the Last Dragon, DreamWorks is demonstrating that there is a significant global market for stories rooted in Southeast Asian traditions. Furthermore, the film’s focus on a female-led friendship rather than a traditional romantic subplot reflects changing audience preferences for more diverse and relatable relationship dynamics.
The financial expectations for the film are high. With the combined star power of the voice cast and the directorial pedigree of Crawford and Mercado, box office analysts predict a strong domestic opening. Internationally, particularly in Southeast Asian markets and among the Filipino diaspora in North America, the film is expected to perform exceptionally well.
Official Responses and Early Critical Reception
While full reviews are withheld until closer to the release date, early social media reactions from press screenings have been overwhelmingly positive. Critics have noted the "visual inventiveness" and the "raw emotionality" of the voice performances.
A spokesperson for DreamWorks Animation stated, "With Forgotten Island, we wanted to create a world that felt both impossibly magical and deeply personal. Joel and Januel have a unique ability to find the humor in the fantastic and the truth in the absurd. This film is a love letter to friendship and the stories that shape us."
As the September release date approaches, Universal is expected to launch a final marketing push, including a multi-city press tour featuring H.E.R., Liza Soberano, and Jo Koy. The film will also be supported by a soundtrack release, which is rumored to feature original songs by H.E.R. that integrate traditional Filipino instruments with contemporary sounds.
Forgotten Island stands as a testament to the current "Golden Age" of DreamWorks Animation, where artistic risk-taking and cultural specificity are being prioritized alongside commercial viability. When it arrives in theaters this fall, it will not only offer a new perspective on Filipino mythology but will also challenge audiences to consider what they would be willing to sacrifice to hold onto the memories of those they love.
