Forgotten Island Is Putting Filipino Folklore Front and Center Like Never Before

Starring Liza Soberano and H.E.R., DreamWorks Animation’s next movie is a colorful combination of female friendship and local folklore.

By Rafael Bautista March 27, 2026

Jo and Raissa’s Big Adventure

Set in the 1990s, Forgotten Island tells the story of two best friends, Jo (voiced by H.E.R.) and Raissa (voiced by Liza Soberano). Friends since they were in grade school, the two reach a crossroads when their lives look to diverge after they graduate high school. But their last night together would soon lead to an unforgettable adventure when they discover a magical portal, which resembles the sun on the Philippine flag, that transports them to the mysterious island of Nakali (a potential reference to nakalimutan).

There, they meet all kinds of Filipino mythological creatures who are either friend or foe, such as Raww (voiced by Dave Franco), a charming weredog, and the terrifying Manananggal (voiced by Lea Salonga). To go home, Jo, Raissa, and their newfound friends must face the mythical vampire as their friendship is put to the test on an island where the price of leaving is losing their memories of each other.

The film marks H.E.R.’s first animated movie, while this is Liza’s second time to voice an animated character following 2021’s Trese, which coincidentally was also based on Philippine mythology. It also is a milestone for Liza as this is her first time as a lead actress of a DreamWorks movie, and her first leading role in a Hollywood film. Joining the two on the cast alongside the previously mentioned Dave Franco and Lea Salonga are Manny Jacinto, Jenny Slate, Jo Koy, Dolly de Leon, Ronny Chieng, and Amielynn Abellera.

Writing and directing the movie are Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado, the latter of whom is also Filipino. The duo took inspiration from their own decades-long friendship (they first met while working on Kung Fu Panda 2) for the movie’s central story of two best friends who navigate the uncertainties of growing up. They last worked together as directors on the well-received and visually stunning Puss in Boots: The Last Wish. The filmmakers are bringing that pedigree to the movie, which pops with its bold use of colors and hand-drawn, painterly style animation that meets lively and expressive motion.

A Trip Into Philippine Mythology

The film features a notable voice cast, but what’s more impressive is how many of the actors are either Filipinos or Filipino-Americans. It also features two Filipinas as its lead stars, which is something you don’t see in Hollywood. In general, the movie stands out for its use, reference, and representation of Filipino mythology and culture.

Already, we spotted a jeepney and multiple mythical creatures in the trailer, such as the Ibong Adarna and Manananggal. The school uniforms Jo and Raissa wear look like they were taken straight from an actual Philippine public school. Their friendship bracelets are also a nice touch, especially with the multiple charms added on them as a nod to anik-anik culture. And you know the movie is set in the Philippines as you can spot electricity wires in the trailer. Also, expect the movie’s ‘90s setting to play a part in the story, as seen in the duo’s use of Polaroids.

There’s a lot to mine when it comes to ideas inspired by Philippine mythology, and given the work Filipino talent and animators have done in animation for decades, it feels correct to see DreamWorks put in the resources for this project. It’s nice seeing a mainstream movie from a major studio spotlight a story like this. These elements and the emphasis of cultural storytelling through the lens of female friendship make Forgotten Island already one of the more anticipated movies of 2026. It may just join the likes of Pixar’s Coco in terms of that marriage between animation and celebrating culture.