DreamWorks Animation is set to release its new animated feature, 'Forgotten Island,' a film deeply rooted in Philippine mythology that promises to take audiences on an emotional journey. The recent unveiling of its trailer has garnered significant attention, particularly for its heartfelt representation of Filipino culture through its characters and thematic elements. The creative team and lead voice actors have expressed profound connections to the project, emphasizing its cultural significance and universal themes of friendship and nostalgia.

DreamWorks Celebrates Filipino Heritage with 'Forgotten Island' Trailer Launch

On March 25, 2026, Universal Pictures released the highly anticipated trailer for DreamWorks Animation's 'Forgotten Island.' The film, slated for a September 25 theatrical release, features an impressive voice cast including musical artist H.E.R., actress Liza Soberano, Dave Franco, Jenny Slate, Manny Jacinto, and Lea Salonga. Co-directed and written by Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado, the narrative centers on best friends Jo (voiced by H.E.R.) and Raissa (voiced by Soberano) who find themselves stranded on the enchanting island of Nakali. Their only path to returning home involves a poignant sacrifice: the possible erasure of their shared memories.

During a special event commemorating the trailer's debut, H.E.R. conveyed her deep personal connection to the project, noting how it allowed her to integrate elements of her Filipino heritage, particularly the folklore she grew up with, into her professional work. She described the experience as immensely rewarding, offering a unique opportunity to share a part of her childhood with a global audience. The trailer also highlights a magical portal intertwined with the sun, a powerful emblem in Filipino culture. Liza Soberano shared an emotional reaction to this imagery, describing how it moved her to tears as she envisioned the pride and connection Filipino children worldwide would feel seeing their culture beautifully depicted on the big screen.

H.E.R. echoed Soberano's sentiments, emphasizing the profound impact of the sun as a symbol within the film, particularly for younger viewers. She remarked on the emotional weight and special nature of this representation. Directors Crawford and Mercado revealed that their own enduring friendship, forged during their collaboration on 'Kung Fu Panda 2,' served as a core inspiration for the film's central theme of companionship. Crawford spoke of finding a kindred spirit in Mercado, and how this bond naturally led them to create a story celebrating friendship. Furthermore, the decision to set the film in the 1990s was a deliberate choice by the directors to evoke a sense of nostalgia. They aimed for this theme to resonate universally, regardless of specific generational ties, inviting audiences to connect with their own cherished memories.

The debut of the 'Forgotten Island' trailer is more than just a promotional event; it’s a celebration of cultural representation and storytelling that transcends borders. The emotional responses from H.E.R. and Liza Soberano underscore the importance of seeing one's heritage reflected authentically in mainstream media. For young audiences, this film can be a powerful experience, offering both entertainment and a deeper connection to their cultural identity. The directors' choice to weave their personal friendship into the narrative, coupled with the nostalgic 90s setting, suggests a film that will resonate with themes of connection, memory, and belonging, reminding us all of the enduring power of friendship and the preciousness of our shared past.