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DreamWorks Animation Unveils Original Fantasy Adventure Forgotten Island for September 2026 Release
DreamWorks Animation has announced its next original feature, Forgotten Island, a fantasy‑adventure comedy that will open in U.S. theaters on September 25 2026. Written and directed by Joel Crawford, known for Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, and Januel Mercado, the film marks the studio’s first non‑franchise project in several years.
The story follows two girls, Jo and Raissa, who grow up as best friends in the Philippines during the 1990s. After high school, the girls face a looming separation when Raissa plans to move to the United States. Before that can happen, they are transported to a mysterious island that blends Filipino mythology with elements of anime‑style adventure. As they navigate the island’s creatures—such as the Manananggal voiced by Lea Salonga—they begin to lose memories of each other, forcing them to find a way back before their friendship dissolves.
The film’s voice cast includes Grammy‑winning artist H.E.R. as Jo, Filipino actress Liza Soberano as Raissa, Dave Franco as the character Raww, and a supporting ensemble that features Jenny Slate, Manny Jacinto, Dolly de Leon, Jo Koy, and Ronny Chieng. The project was first announced in April 2025, with the initial cast revealed in October 2025 and additional voice talent confirmed in March 2026.
Forgotten Island was showcased at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival in March 2026, where DreamWorks released a new trailer that highlighted the film’s vibrant animation and cultural references. The trailer, available on the studio’s official website and on YouTube, emphasizes the blend of Filipino folklore and contemporary storytelling.
DreamWorks Animation, a subsidiary of NBCUniversal’s Universal Pictures, has a long history of producing high‑profile animated features such as Shrek, Kung Fu Panda, and How to Train Your Dragon. The studio’s recent slate includes Cocomelon: The Movie (February 2027) and a live‑action remake of How to Train Your Dragon 2 (June 2027). Forgotten Island represents a strategic shift toward original content that explores diverse cultural narratives.
Director Januel Mercado said in an interview with Variety that the film draws on his own experiences growing up in the Philippines during the 1990s. “A lot of my time in the Philippines was these summer vacations with my family that happened in the ’90s, so a lot of that organically carried over to the story,” he explained. The film’s emphasis on friendship, memory, and cultural heritage aligns with DreamWorks’ recent push to broaden the stories it tells.
The production’s animation style incorporates both traditional and computer‑generated techniques, a hybrid approach that has become increasingly common in the industry. While DreamWorks has historically relied on computer animation since 2006, the studio has expressed openness to traditional methods, as noted by President Margie Cohn in 2022.
From a business perspective, Forgotten Island is positioned to appeal to both domestic and international audiences. The film’s release under Universal Pictures’ distribution network ensures a wide theatrical rollout, and the studio has indicated plans to secure streaming rights after the theatrical window.
The film’s release date places it in a competitive late‑summer lineup, but its unique premise and cultural focus may help it stand out. DreamWorks has not yet disclosed marketing spend or box‑office projections. However, the studio’s track record of successful original titles—such as The Croods: A New Age and The Bad Guys—suggests that Forgotten Island could perform well if it resonates with audiences.
In summary, Forgotten Island is an original animated feature that blends Filipino mythology, friendship, and adventure. Directed by Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado, voiced by a diverse cast, and set for a September 2026 release, the film represents DreamWorks Animation’s continued effort to expand its storytelling repertoire beyond established franchises.
The film will be available in theaters on September 25 2026 and is expected to be distributed by Universal Pictures. Fans can watch the official trailer on DreamWorks’ website or on the studio’s YouTube channel. The project’s development and release details remain the latest addition to DreamWorks’ slate of upcoming releases.
The story follows two girls, Jo and Raissa, who grow up as best friends in the Philippines during the 1990s. After high school, the girls face a looming separation when Raissa plans to move to the United States. Before that can happen, they are transported to a mysterious island that blends Filipino mythology with elements of anime‑style adventure. As they navigate the island’s creatures—such as the Manananggal voiced by Lea Salonga—they begin to lose memories of each other, forcing them to find a way back before their friendship dissolves.
The film’s voice cast includes Grammy‑winning artist H.E.R. as Jo, Filipino actress Liza Soberano as Raissa, Dave Franco as the character Raww, and a supporting ensemble that features Jenny Slate, Manny Jacinto, Dolly de Leon, Jo Koy, and Ronny Chieng. The project was first announced in April 2025, with the initial cast revealed in October 2025 and additional voice talent confirmed in March 2026.
Forgotten Island was showcased at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival in March 2026, where DreamWorks released a new trailer that highlighted the film’s vibrant animation and cultural references. The trailer, available on the studio’s official website and on YouTube, emphasizes the blend of Filipino folklore and contemporary storytelling.
DreamWorks Animation, a subsidiary of NBCUniversal’s Universal Pictures, has a long history of producing high‑profile animated features such as Shrek, Kung Fu Panda, and How to Train Your Dragon. The studio’s recent slate includes Cocomelon: The Movie (February 2027) and a live‑action remake of How to Train Your Dragon 2 (June 2027). Forgotten Island represents a strategic shift toward original content that explores diverse cultural narratives.
Director Januel Mercado said in an interview with Variety that the film draws on his own experiences growing up in the Philippines during the 1990s. “A lot of my time in the Philippines was these summer vacations with my family that happened in the ’90s, so a lot of that organically carried over to the story,” he explained. The film’s emphasis on friendship, memory, and cultural heritage aligns with DreamWorks’ recent push to broaden the stories it tells.
The production’s animation style incorporates both traditional and computer‑generated techniques, a hybrid approach that has become increasingly common in the industry. While DreamWorks has historically relied on computer animation since 2006, the studio has expressed openness to traditional methods, as noted by President Margie Cohn in 2022.
From a business perspective, Forgotten Island is positioned to appeal to both domestic and international audiences. The film’s release under Universal Pictures’ distribution network ensures a wide theatrical rollout, and the studio has indicated plans to secure streaming rights after the theatrical window.
The film’s release date places it in a competitive late‑summer lineup, but its unique premise and cultural focus may help it stand out. DreamWorks has not yet disclosed marketing spend or box‑office projections. However, the studio’s track record of successful original titles—such as The Croods: A New Age and The Bad Guys—suggests that Forgotten Island could perform well if it resonates with audiences.
In summary, Forgotten Island is an original animated feature that blends Filipino mythology, friendship, and adventure. Directed by Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado, voiced by a diverse cast, and set for a September 2026 release, the film represents DreamWorks Animation’s continued effort to expand its storytelling repertoire beyond established franchises.
The film will be available in theaters on September 25 2026 and is expected to be distributed by Universal Pictures. Fans can watch the official trailer on DreamWorks’ website or on the studio’s YouTube channel. The project’s development and release details remain the latest addition to DreamWorks’ slate of upcoming releases.
