The Philippines’ very own culture gets reimagined in Dreamworks’ new trailer for their upcoming new film Forgotten Island set to release worldwide this September 2026.
The newest trailer stars Filipino talents in both directorial, voice acting, and soundtrack roles. Directed by Filipino-American Januel Mercado and Joel Crawford, the film revolves its story between long-term best friends Jo (voiced by H.E.R.) and Raissa (voiced by Liza Soberano) in their journey of friendship, separation, and the supernatural with Filipino Mythology.
Joining the cast includes Broadway star Lea Salonga, Manny Jacinto, Dolly de Leon, Amielynn Abellera, and Jo Koy. Philippines’ very own P-Pop groups BINI and SB19 are also set to be featured in the movie’s soundtrack, with Katseye’s leader Sophia Laforteza to contribute an original track as well.
Seen in the trailer include the traditional Filipino jeep, a personification of the local Asong Pinoy (AsPin) through the character Raww (voiced by Dave Franco), and motifs such as the eight-ray sun of the Philippine Flag.
Filipino mythology takes center stage in the supernatural world of Nakali, the world that Jo and Raissa travel to. The movie’s villain centers on the Filipino folklore creature Aswang that threatens the leads’ memories to be wiped.
Releasing this September 25, Forgotten Island is Dreamworks’ first animated feature film heavily influenced by Filipino culture and folklore with a star-studded Filipino cast. The movie sets the spotlight on not only Filipino themes and traditions, but also a representation of Southeast Asia on the big stage of animation.
Photo courtesy of The Playlist
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