DreamWorks Animation is setting the stage for its next big theatrical hit—and if the first look is anything to go by, Forgotten Island is already striking an emotional chord.
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At an intimate trailer launch event attended by press and select guests, the studio officially unveiled its highly anticipated original film, offering a first glimpse into a vibrant, heartfelt story rooted in friendship, culture, and memory. Hosted by Jazz Tangcay, the event brought together filmmakers, cast, and creatives for a deeply personal conversation about the journey behind the film.
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A Story Born From Friendship
Taking the stage to roaring applause, directors Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado reflected on the origins of Forgotten Island—a story that mirrors their own decades-long friendship.
“This is the beginning of sharing something incredibly personal with the world,” Crawford said, visibly emotional. “At its core, this film is about lifelong friends and the fear of growing apart.”
Mercado echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the passion poured into every frame. “This story is filled with love, craftsmanship, and real experiences. It’s something we’ve lived—and now we get to share it.”
DreamWorks Animation President Margie Cohn described the film as “hilarious, visually stunning, and sneakily emotional,” promising audiences a story that balances comedy, action, and heartfelt depth.
A Pivotal Moment For The Philippines
Set in the Philippines and infused with Filipino mythology and culture, Forgotten Island stands out as a rare and powerful representation on a global stage.
For Mercado, who is Filipino American, the film is deeply personal. He shared how returning to the Philippines during production became both a creative and emotional journey—especially after the passing of his father.
“We weren’t just researching the setting—we were reconnecting with family, celebrating memories, and honoring where we come from,” he explained.
The authenticity is felt throughout the film, from the jeepney-lined streets to the symbolic use of the sun—an element that left cast members emotional upon seeing it onscreen.
H.E.R. and Liza Soberano Bring the Heart
Leading the film are H.E.R. as Jo and Liza Soberano as Raissa, two best friends navigating the bittersweet reality of growing up and possibly growing apart.
Both actors spoke candidly about how meaningful the project is to them.
“I felt like I was sharing a piece of my childhood with the world,” H.E.R. said, referencing the film’s use of Filipino folklore she grew up hearing.
For Soberano, the experience was equally powerful. “I cried the first time I saw the trailer,” she revealed. “Just imagining kids in the Philippines seeing themselves represented like this—it means everything.”
Their chemistry wasn’t just scripted—it was real. Recording sessions often felt more like play than work, with both actors feeding off each other’s energy in the booth, bringing authenticity and warmth to their characters.
Nostalgia, Memory, and the Magic of the ’90s
Set in the 1990s, Forgotten Island leans into nostalgia to heighten its emotional stakes. Without modern technology like FaceTime, the idea of separation—and the fear of losing someone, feels more permanent.
The filmmakers also use visual storytelling to reinforce the film’s themes. From Polaroid photos to wide-angle “memory shots,” every frame is designed to capture the fleeting nature of moments that shape us.
“Memories define who we are,” Mercado explained. “And the people we share them with—they stay with us, even when time moves on.”
A Trailer That Promises Adventure and Emotion
The trailer itself teased a visually rich, genre-blending adventure—mixing anime-inspired action, painterly textures, and emotional storytelling reminiscent of Puss in Boots: The Last Wish.
At its center is the bond between Jo and Raissa, as they chase a mythical portal to the “forgotten island” before life pulls them in different directions.
It’s funny. It’s fantastical. But most of all, it’s deeply human.
Forgotten Island is set to hit theaters in the United States on September 25, positioning itself as one of DreamWorks’ most exciting and culturally significant releases in years.
