Trailer – “Forgotten Island”

Key Takeaways

• Trailer reveals Filipino mythological creatures
• Release date set for September 25, 2026
• Voice cast includes H.E.R., Liza Soberano, Dave Franco
• Directors previously succeeded with Puss in Boots sequel
• Film positioned as awards contender for Best Animated Feature

Summary

Universal Pictures and DreamWorks Animation have dropped the first trailer for the upcoming animated feature “Forgotten Island,” slated for a theatrical debut on September 25, 2026. The film follows two Filipino‑American teens who stumble through a portal onto Nakali, an island populated by mythic creatures from their heritage, including a fearsome Manananggal voiced by Lea Salonga. The star‑studded voice cast features H.E.R., Liza Soberano, Dave Franco, Jenny Slate, Manny Jacinto, Dolly de Leon, Jo Koy, Ronny Chieng, and Salonga. Directors Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado, fresh off the critical success of “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish,” are expected to bring the same visual flair and emotional depth.

Pulse Analysis

The “Forgotten Island” trailer immediately signals a shift toward more diverse storytelling in mainstream animation. By centering a narrative on Filipino‑American protagonists and weaving in legendary beings like the Manananggal, the film taps into a rich cultural vein that has been largely untapped by Hollywood. This approach not only offers fresh visual opportunities—vividly rendered mythic creatures and a lush island setting—but also resonates with a growing audience eager for authentic representation, potentially broadening the film’s appeal beyond traditional family demographics.

Backed by Universal Pictures and DreamWorks Animation, the project benefits from a proven production pipeline and a distribution network that can secure wide theatrical exposure. Directors Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado have demonstrated an ability to blend humor, heart, and high‑stakes adventure, as seen in the box‑office hit “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish.” Coupled with a voice roster that blends pop star H.E.R., rising Filipino talent Liza Soberano, and seasoned comedians like Dave Franco and Jo Koy, the film is primed to attract both domestic and international viewers. Its September release positions it ahead of the holiday rush, giving it a clear runway to build word‑of‑mouth momentum.

From an industry perspective, “Forgotten Island” is shaping up as a strong contender for the Best Animated Feature Oscar, mirroring DreamWorks’ recent awards strategy. The combination of cultural relevance, star power, and a track record of critical acclaim could translate into robust box‑office performance and lucrative post‑theatrical deals on streaming platforms. If the film delivers on its visual and emotional promises, it may set a new benchmark for culturally specific animated features, encouraging studios to invest in similar projects that diversify the animation landscape.