DreamWorks Drops Trailer For Filipino Folklore Fantasy ‘Forgotten Island’ From The Directors Of ‘Puss In Boots: The Last Wish’

DreamWorks Animation has unveiled the vibrant first trailer for Forgotten Island, an original feature set to hit theaters on September 25 that promises a sweeping blend of fantasy, friendship, nostalgia, and authentic cultural mythology.

Directed by Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado, the filmmaking team behind Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, the film centers on Jo and Raissa (voiced by H.E.R. and Liza Soberano), two lifelong best friends facing an uncertain future as they prepare to go their separate ways after high school. Their final night together takes an unexpected turn when they discover a mysterious portal that transports them to Nakali, a magical island rooted in Filipino folklore.

The trailer teases a deeply considered world filled with fantastic creatures as Jo and Raissa are pulled into a high-stakes quest. Alongside a comedic weredog named Raww (Dave Franco) and a colorful ensemble of allies, the pair must confront the terrifying Manananggal (Lea Salonga). The emotional core emerges when they learn the cost of returning home: the memories of their friendship.

Given the overwhelming success that Crawford and Mercado had with their Puss In Boots sequel, it’s easy to be optimistic about this one. Aside from its brilliant visuals, the Shrek spinoff that nobody saw coming was praised for its tight narrative and emotional impact, which are hinted at in the Forgotten Island trailer.

Visually, Forgotten Island leans into DreamWorks’ recent stylized animation approach, pairing sleek CG animation with a painterly aesthetic, although this time drenched in rich ‘90s neon. The supporting voice cast includes Jenny Slate, Manny Jacinto, Dolly de Leon, Jo Koy, and Ronny Chieng.

On a personal note, I was lucky enough to visit the film’s production floor, and while I can’t share much from that trip, I will say the trailer barely scratches the surface of what this film will offer audiences this fall. I also had assurances that the film will boast an incredible soundtrack of late ‘80s and early ‘90s bangers.

Focusing heavily on its emotional core and boasting a huge helping of fantasy worldbuilding, Forgotten Island promises spectacle-driven adventure and an intimate coming-of-age story at a time when DreamWorks seems to be back in a groove.