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DreamWorks Animation opens the doors to a colorful new world with Forgotten Island, a fantasy adventure that centers equally on friendship and Filipino mythology. Set to hit theaters on September 25, 2026, the film follows Jo and Raissa, two best friends since childhood whose paths begin to diverge after they graduate. Their lives are turned upside down when a mysterious portal transports them to the island of Nakali, populated by creatures as strange as they are endearing. To bring this adventure to life, directors Joel Crawford and Januel P. Mercado have assembled an impressive voice cast. H.E.R., Liza Soberano, Dave Franco, Jenny Slate, Manny Jacinto, Jo Koy, and Ronny Chieng are among the many celebrities participating in this ambitious production.

Dave Franco

Dave Franco adds another animated film to his filmography with Forgotten Island, in which he voices Raww, one of Jo and Raissa’s main companions. The character is officially described by DreamWorks as a “weredog”—a well-meaning but clumsy were-dog—who accompanies the two heroines on their adventure on the fantastical island of Nakali.

At 41, Franco already has a remarkably diverse career, ranging from comedies like Neighbors and 21 Jump Street to projects such as Now You See Me, The Disaster Artist, and Together. With Forgotten Island, the actor returns to a much more family-friendly genre and can draw on his comedic talent to bring to life one of the most colorful creatures in this adventure inspired by Philippine mythology.

Liza Soberano

Liza Soberano plays one of the two lead roles in Forgotten Island, lending her voice to Raissa, Jo’s best friend since elementary school. As recent graduates, the two young women realize their paths are about to diverge when a mysterious portal transports them to Nakali. Raissa is portrayed as the more responsible and high-achieving of the two, but her relationship with Jo allows her to reveal a much more carefree side of her personality.

For Soberano, who was born in the United States and has become a huge star in the Philippines, this production represents another important step in her career in Hollywood. Following her role in Lisa Frankenstein, among others, she now finds herself at the heart of a major DreamWorks production that directly showcases Filipino culture and mythology.

Kathy and Joel Crawford

Kathy Crawford isn’t an actress in Forgotten Island, but her influence on the film is much greater than one might think. She is the wife of co-director and co-screenwriter Joel Crawford, who revealed that she was a major source of inspiration while developing the story.

Joel Crawford is at the heart of Forgotten Island, which he wrote and directed with Januel P. Mercado. The two men have known each other for over 15 years: they met while working as storyboard artists on Kung Fu Panda 2, released in 2011. Their professional collaboration continued through Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, which they also directed together.

   

H.E.R.

H.E.R., whose real name is Gabriella Wilson, is the other major star of Forgotten Island. The Grammy and Oscar-winning singer lends her voice to Jo, Raissa’s best friend and the truly unpredictable driving force behind their adventure. DreamWorks portrays the two young women as inseparable friends since childhood, but now facing different paths after high school. Jo has a much more spontaneous and impulsive personality than Raissa, creating an essential balance between the two heroines.

The film also marks a beautiful convergence between H.E.R.’s artistic world and her own Filipino roots. Having previously appeared in films such as The Color Purple, the artist now takes center stage in a major animated production where female friendship, identity, and Filipino culture take center stage.

Ronny Chieng

Ronny Chieng rounds out this particularly eclectic cast as King Truffle Wuffle. The comedian and actor, well known to audiences from The Daily Show, has a career that now extends far beyond stand-up comedy. He has appeared in films such as Crazy Rich Asians, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, and M3GAN, while continuing his work as a comedian and correspondent.

DreamWorks officially lists him as one of the main voices in Forgotten Island. His character is part of the impressive array of figures Jo and Raissa encounter after arriving in Nakali. The film uses these colorful characters to frame a much more emotional story: the two friends must find a way to return home before the price demanded for their departure causes them to completely forget their friendship.

Jenny Slate

Jenny Slate is part of the impressive voice cast assembled by DreamWorks for Forgotten Island. The actress and comedian lends her voice to Batiba, one of the creatures encountered in this fantastical universe. Slate, of course, has extensive experience in the field of animation. Her voice is notably associated with several popular productions, and her work on Marcel the Shell with Shoes On allowed her to showcase the depth of emotion she can bring to an animated character.

DreamWorks also lists her among the main supporting voices in Forgotten Island. Here, the actress joins a world directly inspired by the tales and creatures of Philippine mythology. Behind Jo and Raissa’s adventure lies, above all, a story about friendship, memories, and that sometimes difficult time when two very close people begin to go their separate ways.

Jo Koy

Jo Koy is one of many Filipino-American personalities who have come together to bring the world of Forgotten Island to life. The comedian lends his voice to Datu, a character from the fantasy world of Nakali. DreamWorks lists him among the main stars of its voice cast, alongside H.E.R., Liza Soberano, Dave Franco, Manny Jacinto, Jenny Slate, Ronny Chieng, Dolly de Leon, and Lea Salonga.

Born to a Filipino mother and an American father, Jo Koy has long incorporated his family heritage into his comedy, regularly sharing stories about his childhood and his relationship with his mother on stage. Having also appeared in films, notably Easter Sunday and Haunted Mansion, he now joins a project where Filipino culture is no longer merely a secondary element, but truly at the heart of the story.

Manny Jacinto

Manny Jacinto also brings his Filipino heritage to Forgotten Island. The actor, best known for playing Jason Mendoza in The Good Place, lends his voice to Bungi Tiyanak. The character is one of a group of fantastical creatures encountered by Jo and Raissa on Nakali Island. A review published ahead of the show’s release describes his character as a sort of giant demon baby—but surprisingly adorable.

Born in Manila and raised in Canada, Jacinto has gradually built a successful career in the U.S., moving from comedy to productions such as Top Gun: Maverick and The Acolyte. His role in Forgotten Island therefore holds special significance, as the DreamWorks film places Filipino culture, family stories, and mythology squarely at the center of its universe.