DreamWorks Animation’s Forgotten Island arrives in U.S. theaters September 25, 2026, with a voice cast built around Filipino and Filipino-American talent. The story follows lifelong friends Jo and Raissa after a mysterious portal carries them to the mythical island of Nakali.
The movie’s central voices are H.E.R. as Jo and Liza Soberano as Raissa, while Tony Award winner Lea Salonga voices the feared Manananggal. DreamWorks says the film’s creatures and setting are rooted in stories passed down through Filipino families.
H.E.R. as Jo
H.E.R. voices Jo, one half of the movie’s best-friend duo. Jo and Raissa have been close since grade school, but their lives are about to split in different directions when the story begins.
Liza Soberano as Raissa
Liza Soberano voices Raissa. The character is preparing to leave for a new chapter when she and Jo are transported to Nakali. Soberano has said that finding the right balance between Raissa’s youthful energy and emotional maturity was part of her approach to the role.
Lea Salonga as the Dreaded Manananggal
Lea Salonga voices the film’s most feared creature, the Dreaded Manananggal. The character comes directly from Filipino folklore and is central to the danger Jo and Raissa face on Nakali.
Dave Franco as Raww
Dave Franco voices Raww, a well-meaning but hapless weredog who joins the friends during their adventure.
Jenny Slate as Batiba
Jenny Slate is part of the ensemble as Batiba, one of the characters the friends encounter in Nakali.
Manny Jacinto, Dolly de Leon and Jo Koy
- Manny Jacinto voices Bungi.
- Dolly de Leon voices Lola Fatima.
- Jo Koy voices Datu.
Ronny Chieng and the wider cast
Ronny Chieng voices King Truffle Wuffle. The extended cast also includes Amielynn Abellera as Raissa’s mother, Eugene Cordero, Eric Bauza, Nico Santos, Januel Mercado, Kristin Villanueva, Sophia Laforteza and Tania Gunadi.
Why the cast matters to Forgotten Island
The casting is part of the movie’s cultural approach rather than a separate publicity detail. Reuters reported that H.E.R., who has Filipino roots, remembered hearing stories about the Manananggal from her mother. The filmmakers have also described the project as deeply connected to Filipino culture and family storytelling.
When does Forgotten Island come out?
Forgotten Island opens in U.S. theaters Friday, September 25, 2026. Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado directed the film, with Mark Swift producing it for DreamWorks Animation and Universal Pictures distributing it.
Sources
DreamWorks Animation, Forgotten Island official site, Reuters, and Philstar.
Author: Shivam Das
