Dreamworks' 'forgotten island' conjures friendship, folklore for 2026

Forget summer blockbusters; DreamWorks Animation is betting on a potent dose of friendship and Filipino folklore to kick off the fall season in 2026. Forgotten Island, slated for release on September 25th, promises a visually striking adventure anchored by a compelling story about two lifelong friends facing a terrifying test of their bond.

A portal, a curse, and a fearsome beast

The film follows Jo and Raissa, recent high school graduates on the cusp of diverging paths. Their last night together takes an unexpected turn when they stumble upon a mysterious portal transporting them to the enchanted island of Nakali. Populated by creatures ripped straight from Filipino mythology, the island’s beauty masks a perilous threat: the Manananggal, a terrifying winged creature whose existence depends on severing the ties of friendship. Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado, the creative duo behind the critically acclaimed Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, are directing and writing duties.

The voice cast is a veritable who’s who of talent, boasting names like H.E.R., Liza Soberano, Dave Franco, Jenny Slate, Manny Jacinto, Dolly De Leon, Jo Koy, Ronny Chieng, and Lea Salonga. Their performances, judging from the recently released trailer underscored by Simple Minds' iconic