Friendship stories often live in the quiet, everyday moments – shared laughter, inside jokes and the comfort of simply knowing someone understands you. But sometimes, the truest test of a bond comes when life begins to pull people in different directions. That emotional crossroads sits at the heart of the upcoming animated adventure movie, ‘Forgotten Island.’
To help promote the authentic meaning of friendship, DreamWorks Animation has released the ‘First Look’ featurette for the family film. The clip shows how the comedy blends fantasy, culture, and heartfelt storytelling into one unforgettable journey.
Universal Pictures will distribute ‘Forgotten Island’ in theaters on September 25. Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado wrote and directed the coming-of-age family movie. H.E.R., Liza Soberano, Dave Franco, Jenny Slate, Manny Jacinto, Dolly de Leon, Jo Koy, Ronny Chieng and Lea Salonga lead the film’s cast.
‘Forgotten Island’ follows the friendship of Jo and Raissa (voiced by H.E.R. and Soberano). Best friends since childhood, they stand on the edge of a life-changing transition: graduation. Like many lifelong friendships, theirs is about to be tested by distance, ambition, and the uncertainty of growing up.
But what begins as a bittersweet final night together quickly transforms into something extraordinary. Jo and Raissa stumble upon a mysterious portal that transports them to Nakali, a breathtaking island filled with mythological creatures drawn from Filipino folklore. It’s a world they’ve only heard about in stories – until now. Suddenly, their shared past becomes vividly real, surrounding them in both wonder and danger.
Nakali is no ordinary fantasy setting. It’s rich with cultural identity, populated by creatures that are as enchanting as they are unpredictable. Some become allies, while others become enemies, but they all play a role in testing the strength of Jo and Raissa’s bond.
Among their companions is Raww (Franco), a lovable but clumsy weredog, alongside a lively group of allies who help guide them through the island’s challenges. But looming over their journey is a terrifying force: the legendary creature Manananggal (Salonga).
As the adventure unfolds, Jo and Raissa face an impossible choice. To return home, they must sacrifice the very memories that define their friendship. Every laugh, every secret, every moment that made them who they are together – gone.
Their race against time becomes more than a physical journey – it’s a battle to hold onto identity, connection, and love in the face of loss.
At its core, ‘Forgotten Island’ isn’t just about magic portals or mythical creatures; it’s about something deeply human: the fear of growing apart from someone who once felt like home.
As Jo and Raissa discover, friendship isn’t guaranteed – it’s something you choose, protect, and sometimes fight for. In a world that constantly pushes people forward into new chapters, the movie reminds audiences that holding onto meaningful connections can be the bravest act of all.

