Filipinos Agog About Their Representation In Upcoming DreamWorks Animation ‘Forgotten Island’

Filipinos are excited about DreamWorks’ new animated film, ‘Forgotten Island’, which centres on Philippine culture and mythology.

The official trailer for the animation, released on Universal Pictures’ YouTube channel on March 26, shows Jo and Raissa, whose friendship spans from primary to secondary school. Their bond is put to the test when Raissa leaves the Philippines for college in the US. While celebrating their last night together, both stumble upon a mysterious portal that transports them to the fantastical Island of Nakali, packed with magical and mythological creatures they grew up hearing stories about from their families. But the magical realm comes with a price: the memories of their friendship. The girls will race against time to find their way home before they forget each other forever.

Filipinos couldn’t contain their excitement about an animation that not only spotlights Philippine culture and mythology, but is actually set in the country, and features the Philippines’ most successful musical and acting exports, Lea Salonga, who voices the animation’s villain, the Dreaded Manananggal.

Manananggal is a giant with weredog features in Philippine folklore, capable of separating its upper body from its lower body. The animation further features a butterfly knife (balisong) with the inscription ‘Lola’ engraved on it, which references Filipino culture and highlights family values and local festivals of the people.

“Filipino lead characters set in the Philippines?! The Filipino folklore references OMGGGG!!! The Jeepney and the songs are so Filipino. They must have a karaoke scene!!!” @justinehercthehuman

“As a Filipino, it’s unreal to have a movie centred around my country’s mythology by DreamWorks. I honestly can’t wait for this!” @marcustheorangebruh

“The Philippine Flag Sun!!!” @Girl-rj3qe

“Finally, a Filipino-themed movie from Universal. There’s the Manananggal, the jeepney, a bakulaw, and what seems to be a mix of sarimanok and a macaw? And there’s even the sun logo from our flag as a portal!” @jughjau777

“Nice, as a Filipino-American here, showcasing Filipino heritage”, @EthanArtsAndStudios

“Forever grateful for what ‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse’ did for animation. The diversity in animation these past few years has been awesome,” @elijahe7612

“I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, this year is a good year for original animated movies in theatres. We already have GOAT, Hoppers, and, next, Laika’s Wildwoods, Disney’s Hexed, and now this film. Let’s hope we see more of this in the future,” @animation1300

“It’s nice to see studios making new movies that aren’t sequels, prequels, or remakes,” @jngorook4257

Joining Salonga in the cast are Grammy and Academy Award-winning Filipino American singer (H.E.R) as Jo, and rising Filipino American influencer and actress, Lisa Soberano. There are also Jenny Slate (Marcel the Shell with Shoes On), Manny Jacinto (The Good Place), Dolly de Leon (Triangle of Sadness), standup comic star, Jo Koy (Jo Koy: Live From Brooklyn), and Emmy winner, Ronny Chieng (The Daily Show, M3GAN).

Directed by Joel Crawford (Puss In Boots: The Last Wish), ‘Forgotten Island’ will release in theatres worldwide on September 25, 2026.