Dreamworks Animation’s ‘Forgotten Island’ Cast and Filmmakers Head to Manila for ‘Tayo Na, Philippines!’

Liza Soberano, H.E.R., directors Januel Mercado and Joel Crawford, and producer Mark Swift will visit the Philippines on August 25 as the country becomes the first international stop for the upcoming DreamWorks Animation film.

The global journey of DreamWorks Animation’s Forgotten Island is beginning in the Philippines.

Lead voice stars Liza Soberano and H.E.R., directors Januel Mercado and Joel Crawford, and producer Mark Swift will visit Manila on August 25, 2026 for “Tayo Na, Philippines!,” a special celebration of the film and the Filipino culture that helped inspire its world.

The Philippines will be the first international destination to welcome the cast and filmmakers, with special events and screenings planned as local audiences get an early opportunity to experience the upcoming animated adventure alongside members of the creative team.

A Homecoming Behind the Film

More than an international promotional stop, the Philippine visit carries a personal connection for several members of the team.

Soberano and H.E.R. are returning to celebrate the film with Filipino audiences, while Filipino American filmmaker Januel Mercado comes to the country as one of the movie’s directors.

Director Joel Crawford, whose wife and family are Filipino, will also join the visit.

Producer Mark Swift previously traveled to the Philippines several times during the film’s development, immersing himself in Filipino culture as the filmmakers developed the movie’s Filipino-inspired setting and characters.

Fans can see the cast and filmmakers at the “Tayo Na, Philippines!” Forgotten Island event at the SM Mall of Asia Main Atrium on August 25 at 7:00 PM.

A Friendship Tested on a Fantastical Island

At the heart of Forgotten Island is a story about friendship, growing up and the memories that connect people.

The film follows Jo and Raissa, voiced by H.E.R. and Liza Soberano, two high school graduates who have been best friends since grade school but are preparing to take separate paths in life.

During their final night together, the two discover a mysterious portal that transports them to Nakali, a fantastical island filled with magical and mythological creatures they grew up hearing about from their Filipino families.

Their journey introduces them to friends, foes and a well-meaning but hapless weredog named Raww, voiced by Dave Franco.

Standing in their way is The Dreaded Manananggal, voiced by Tony-winning Filipino icon Lea Salonga.

But the greatest challenge comes when Jo and Raissa discover the price of going home: the memories of their entire friendship.

They must find a way to escape the island before they forget each other forever.

Filipino Talent Joins an International Cast

The film brings together a notable international voice cast that also includes Jenny Slate, Manny Jacinto, Dolly de Leon, Jo Koy and Ronny Chieng.

Forgotten Island is written and directed by Academy Award® nominees Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado and produced by Academy Award® nominee Mark Swift, the filmmaking team behind Puss in Boots: The Last Wish.

For Filipino audiences, the movie brings familiar cultural influences and Filipino talent into a story designed for a global audience.

That makes the Philippines an especially fitting place for the film to begin its international journey.

DreamWorks Animation’s Forgotten Island arrives in Philippine cinemas on September 23, 2026 and is distributed by Universal Pictures.

Watch the trailer:

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