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DreamWorks Animation just unveiled the first official Forgotten Island trailer featuring H.E.R. and Filipino star Liza Soberano as lifelong best friends Jo and Raissa. The animated treasure marks H.E.R.’s voice acting debut while celebrating authentic Filipino folklore. Set for September 25, 2026 theatrical release, this original film unites two powerhouse talents in a magical adventure.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Release Date: September 25, 2026 in theatres nationwide
- Directors: Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado, who helmed ‘Puss in Boots: The Last Wish’
- Setting: 1990s with magical portal to Filipino mythology and folklore
- Studio: DreamWorks Animation, distributed by Universal Pictures
Best Friends Journey Into Filipino Mythology
The 10-minute episode opens with Jo and Raissa celebrating their final night together before life pulls them apart. The high school graduates bond over junk food and karaoke when they unexpectedly discover a magical portal. This gateway transports them into a dangerous world populated by shapeshifters, demons, witches and monsters from stories their families shared growing up. Director Januel Mercado explained the 1990s setting was intentional, capturing a time before smartphones when friendships felt permanent and every moment mattered.
The filmmakers drew inspiration from their own decades-long bond. Mercado said, “It’s about friends growing apart and feeling like it’s final when one goes to college. Will you see them again, will they forget you?” This emotional stakes elevated the story beyond simple adventure into something deeply human.
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Star Power Celebrates Cultural Heritage
H.E.R., the Grammy and Academy Award-winning artist known for “Hard Place,” makes her animated voice acting debut as Jo. During the trailer reveal at DreamWorks HQ in Glendale, she expressed profound emotion about the role. “I literally grew up on these stories. I get to share a piece of my childhood in this work and with the world,” H.E.R. stated. Her Filipino heritage deeply resonated with the project’s cultural authenticity.
Liza Soberano, the Filipino-American actress and model, voices Raissa with equal passion. Soberano revealed that representing the Philippines accurately in a major studio production had been a lifelong dream. “To have Filipino culture showcased by a major studio is very exciting,” she shared with enthusiasm about the project’s significance.
Animation Style Pushes Artistic Boundaries
| Element | Approach |
| Character Animation | Anime-inspired expressions and action sequences |
| 2D Elements | Hand-drawn, painterly textures building on ‘Puss in Boots’ style |
| Cinematography | Filmed like live-action with wider lenses and lens flare effects |
| Visual Theme | Memories and nostalgia through lighting and Polaroid aesthetics |
The directors intentionally evolved animation beyond traditional approaches. Crawford and Mercado explained they wanted hybrid visual storytelling combining anime influences with hand-drawn fantasy elements. Polaroid photographs serve as crucial narrative devices, with exactly 12 shots available, forcing meaningful choices about what moments matter most. This contrasts sharply with modern smartphone excess.
“It was telling a story about friends growing apart and feeling like it’s going to be final when a friend is going off to college. Will you see them again? Will they forget?”
— Januel Mercado, Co-Director
Powerhouse Ensemble Cast Rounds Out Adventure
Beyond H.E.R. and Soberano, the voice cast includes major talent. Dave Franco joins as supporting character alongside Jenny Slate, Lea Salonga, and Manny Jacinto. Newly announced additions include Jo Koy, Dolly de Leon, Ronny Chieng, and Amielynn Abellera, expanding representation across the Filipino and Asian American communities. This thoughtful casting ensures the story authentically reflects the cultures it celebrates. Producer Mark Swift oversaw the project as DreamWorks continues its tradition of original animated features.
Why This Friendship Story Matters Now
In 2026’s streaming-dominated landscape, Forgotten Island reminds audiences of cinema’s power to celebrate cultural identity and authentic relationships. H.E.R.’s involvement signals Hollywood’s growing commitment to Asian and Pacific Islander representation behind the microphone. The September release positions the film for potential awards season consideration, with Academy history favoring DreamWorks originals. Will this heartfelt tale about friendship transcending magical obstacles resonate as a box office success and cultural moment for audiences worldwide?
Sources
- Variety – ‘Forgotten Island’ Trailer: H.E.R. and Liza Soberano Star in DreamWorks’ Filipino Folklore-Inspired Animated Movie
- IMDB – DreamWorks Animation Sets ‘Forgotten Island’ Voice Cast
- Deadline – Six Heading to DreamWorks Animation’s ‘Forgotten Island’
