Forgotten Island Official Trailer: H.E.R., Liza Soberano, and Filipino Myth Take Center Stage

The official trailer for Forgotten Island has arrived, and it’s a stunning blend of fantasy, Filipino folklore, and heartfelt friendship. Led by H.E.R. and Liza Soberano, this animated adventure is shaping up to be one of the most exciting family-friendly fantasy films on the horizon. The trailer offers a vibrant first look at the magical island of Nakali, the mythological creatures that inhabit it, and the emotional stakes behind Jo and Raissa’s unforgettable journey.

Forgotten Island is set for its US theatrical release on September 25, 2026, bringing a fresh perspective to fantasy cinema while spotlighting Filipino culture in a big, bold way. For fans of animated epics, diverse storytelling, and character-driven adventures, this is a trailer you’ll want to watch from start to finish.

A Star-Studded Voice Cast

One of the biggest draws of Forgotten Island is its impressive cast. The trailer highlights a lineup that blends Hollywood favorites with beloved Filipino talent and rising stars:

H.E.R. brings her signature warmth and emotional depth to the role of Jo, grounding the fantasy in real, human feeling.
Liza Soberano voices Raissa, Jo’s best friend and partner in adventure, infusing the character with charm, curiosity, and courage.
Dave Franco plays Raww, a well-meaning but hilariously hapless weredog who joins the duo on their journey.
Jenny Slate adds her distinct comedic energy, likely as one of the quirky magical inhabitants of Nakali.
Manny Jacinto brings charisma and heart, rounding out the ensemble with a performance that already pops in the trailer.
Lea Salonga takes on a powerful, scene-stealing role as The Dreaded Manananggal, delivering a blend of elegance and menace that instantly commands attention.

The combination of H.E.R. and Liza Soberano at the film’s emotional core, supported by talents like Lea Salonga and Dave Franco, gives Forgotten Island both star power and authenticity.

A Story Rooted in Friendship and Filipino Folklore

The trailer teases a story that’s as emotionally rich as it is visually spectacular. Jo and Raissa are celebrating their last night together when they stumble upon a mysterious portal. This gateway transports them to Nakali, a fantastical island filled with creatures drawn from the Filipino legends they grew up hearing from their families.

Instead of inventing generic fantasy monsters, Forgotten Island leans into regional folklore, making the world feel distinct and culturally grounded. Some creatures become allies, others enemies, and a few sit in that intriguing in-between. It’s a world that feels both ancient and newly imagined, tapping into stories passed down through generations.

At the heart of the film is the relationship between Jo and Raissa. The trailer quickly makes it clear that Forgotten Island isn’t just about wonder and danger; it’s about what it means to hold onto the people who matter most to you, even when the world is trying to make you forget.

The High Stakes of Memory and Identity

The emotional hook of the trailer is a devastating twist: to return home from Nakali, Jo and Raissa must pay a terrible price—the memories of their entire friendship.

This instantly raises the stakes. It’s not just about survival or beating a villain; it’s about preserving the history that defines who they are. Their inside jokes, shared struggles, family connections, and childhood memories are on the line.

The race to escape Nakali before they forget each other transforms the film from a standard fantasy quest into something far more poignant. It explores themes of:

What makes a friendship real—shared memories, or something deeper?
How culture and family stories shape who we are.
What we’re willing to risk to protect the people and bonds that made us.

This layered emotional core sets Forgotten Island apart from other animated adventures and gives it strong appeal for older viewers and younger audiences alike.

Meet The Dreaded Manananggal

One of the most striking figures in the trailer is The Dreaded Manananggal, portrayed by Tony-winning icon Lea Salonga. In Filipino mythology, the manananggal is a terrifying, vampiric creature that can separate its body and spread fear wherever it goes.

Bringing this myth to animated life, especially with Lea Salonga’s commanding voice performance, is a bold move. She radiates power and dread in every shot she appears in, immediately signaling that she’s not just a generic villain, but a legendary, deeply rooted figure within the story’s cultural fabric.

For fans of folklore, horror, and myth-inspired fantasy, seeing a manananggal depicted in a major animated feature is a major win. It opens the door for new audiences to discover Filipino stories while still fitting seamlessly into a fast-paced, family-friendly adventure.

Joel Crawford’s Vision and Visual Style

Directed by Joel Crawford, Forgotten Island looks visually rich and energetic. The trailer showcases:

Lush, tropical landscapes that evoke Southeast Asian islands.
Colorful, imaginative creature designs that balance whimsy and danger.
Dynamic action sequences, from chases and escapes to tense stand-offs.
Soft, glowing lighting that gives Nakali a dreamlike, otherworldly atmosphere.

The art direction and animation style give Nakali its own identity, distinct from other fantasy islands we’ve seen on screen. The magical creatures aren’t just background decoration; they feel like characters and forces that shape the island’s personality.

Cultural Representation in Fantasy Storytelling

Forgotten Island arrives at a time when audiences are hungry for fantasy that reflects a wider range of cultures and mythologies. Instead of revisiting the same European legends and archetypes, this film dives into Filipino stories, showing how rich and cinematic they can be.

The presence of Filipino and Filipino diaspora talent both in front of and behind the mic strengthens that representation. From family stories at the dinner table to the fearsome legends of creatures like the manananggal, the trailer suggests that the film honors its cultural inspirations while making them accessible and exciting for global viewers.

Why Forgotten Island Belongs on Your Watchlist

Based on the trailer, Forgotten Island is shaping up to be:

A must-watch for fans of animated fantasy.
A meaningful story about friendship, memory, and identity.
A rare big-screen showcase for Filipino myth and culture.
A star-powered event with H.E.R., Liza Soberano, Lea Salonga, Dave Franco, Jenny Slate, and Manny Jacinto.

Whether you’re here for the creatures of Nakali, the emotional journey of Jo and Raissa, or the chance to see Filipino mythology finally getting blockbuster treatment, Forgotten Island looks like a film you’ll want to experience in theaters.

Make sure you check out the official trailer to see the magic, the danger, and the heart of Nakali for yourself. Then mark your calendar for September 25, 2026, when the island opens its portal to audiences everywhere.

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