DreamWorks Animation is putting Filipino culture front and centre with its upcoming feature Forgotten Island, starring a powerhouse Asian cast led by Lea Salonga, H.E.R., and Liza Soberano.
The animated adventure, slated for release on 25 September 2026, brings together some of the most recognisable Filipino talents in global entertainment. Salonga — celebrated for her iconic Broadway and Disney roles — joins Grammy winner H.E.R. (The Color Purple) and rising Hollywood star Soberano (Lisa Frankenstein) in a story deeply rooted in Philippine mythology.
Forgotten Island follows best friends Jo (H.E.R.) and Raissa (Soberano) who become stranded on the mystical island of Nakali, where the path home may mean losing the memories that define their friendship.
Directed by Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado — the creative duo behind Puss in Boots: The Last Wish — the film marks another milestone in DreamWorks’ effort to tell more diverse stories. Mercado, who is of Filipino descent, steps into his first solo directorial role, signalling a meaningful moment for Southeast Asian representation in Hollywood animation.
For Salonga, long celebrated as a trailblazer for Asian performers in Western media, Forgotten Island continues her legacy of bringing authentic Asian narratives to the global stage. Known for her work in Miss Saigon and as the singing voice of Disney princesses Jasmine and Mulan, Salonga’s involvement ties the project to decades of evolving Asian representation in Western animation.
Read more: Lea Salonga to Receive Hollywood Walk of Fame Star for Theatre Work
The ensemble also includes Manny Jacinto (The Good Place), Dave Franco, and Jenny Slate, rounding out a cast that bridges Hollywood star power with Filipino creative pride.
By weaving mythology, music, and memory into a visually rich adventure, Forgotten Island looks set to become more than just another animated release — it’s shaping up to be a love letter to Filipino storytelling and the wider Asian diaspora.
