Tag: H.E.R.

DreamWorks’ “Forgotten Island” Announces Nationwide Sneak Screenings on September 19 and 20

Filipino moviegoers are getting an early ticket to Nakali.

Ahead of its official Philippine release, DreamWorks Animation’s “Forgotten Island” will hold nationwide sneak screenings on September 19 and 20, giving audiences a first look at the fantasy adventure before it opens in cinemas on September 23.

Making the occasion even more special, the Philippines will be the first country to release the film theatrically.

Inspired by Filipino culture, mythology, music, and family traditions, “Forgotten Island” brings together a remarkable lineup of Filipino and Filipino-American talent both in front of the microphone and on its soundtrack.

Filipino Talent Takes Center Stage

Leading the voice cast are Liza Soberano and Grammy and Academy Award winner H.E.R., who play lifelong best friends Raissa and Jo.

They are joined by a powerhouse supporting cast that includes Manny Jacinto, Lea Salonga, Dolly de Leon, and Jo Koy, along with Jenny Slate, Dave Franco, and Ronny Chieng.

The Filipino representation continues through the film’s music.

Its soundtrack features artists including SB19, BINI, KATSEYE’s Sophia Laforteza, Ruby Ibarra, and Carl Angelo, while cast members Lea Salonga, H.E.R., and Liza Soberano also contribute songs to the film.

It is a lineup that gives “Forgotten Island” a distinctly Filipino heartbeat, pairing a big-screen DreamWorks adventure with voices and sounds familiar to audiences at home.

Watch the trailer here:

A Friendship Put to the Ultimate Test

At the center of “Forgotten Island” is the bond between Jo and Raissa.

Best friends since grade school, the two are about to leave high school behind and begin separate chapters in their lives. Before going their different ways, they spend one final night together.

Then everything changes.

Jo and Raissa stumble upon a mysterious portal that transports them to Nakali, a fantastical island filled with creatures drawn from the stories they grew up hearing from their Filipino families.

Some of those creatures are helpful. Others are frightening. And waiting somewhere on the island is a danger far bigger than either of them expected.

As they search for a way home, Jo and Raissa discover the devastating cost of escaping Nakali: the memories of their friendship are slowly disappearing.

The longer they remain on the island, the more they risk forgetting each other completely.

Welcome to Nakali

Helping Jo and Raissa through their strange new surroundings is Raww, a well-meaning but hapless weredog voiced by Dave Franco, along with a small but fearless group of companions.

But Nakali is also home to one of its most terrifying figures, The Dreaded Manananggal, voiced by Tony Award winner Lea Salonga.

With their memories fading and time running out, Jo and Raissa must find a way to leave the island while holding on to the friendship that brought them this far.

It is a colorful fantasy adventure, but beneath the magical creatures and larger-than-life world is something deeply relatable: the fear that comes with growing apart from someone who has been part of your life for years.

From the Team Behind “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish”

“Forgotten Island” comes from DreamWorks Animation, the studio behind films such as “How to Train Your Dragon,” “Shrek,” and “The Wild Robot.”

The original animated film is written and directed by Academy Award nominee Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado, with Academy Award nominee Mark Swift producing.

Crawford, Mercado, and Swift previously worked together on the acclaimed animated adventure “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish.”

Joining H.E.R. and Soberano in the ensemble are Emmy nominee Jenny Slate, “The Good Place” and “Top Gun: Maverick” star Manny Jacinto, BAFTA nominee Dolly de Leon, global comedian Jo Koy, and Emmy winner Ronny Chieng.

Together, they bring to life a story about friendship, memory, growing up, and the difficult moment when two people who have always been side by side suddenly face different futures.

See “Forgotten Island” Before Everyone Else

For Filipino audiences eager to experience Nakali, the wait is almost over.

Catch the nationwide sneak screenings of “Forgotten Island” on September 19 and 20, ahead of its official Philippine cinema release on September 23.

With Filipino mythology woven into its fantasy world, a star-studded Filipino cast, and music from some of today’s biggest homegrown talents, “Forgotten Island” is shaping up to be a uniquely familiar DreamWorks adventure with plenty of heart.

After all, some friendships are worth remembering.

And some are worth fighting for.

DreamWorks Animation’s “Forgotten Island” is distributed by Universal Pictures.

For the latest updates, follow Universal Pictures PH on Facebook, @UniversalPicturesPH on Instagram, and @UniversalPicsPH on TikTok.

September 16, 2026
Liza Soberano and H.E.R. Surprise ‘Save the Children’ Kids at “Forgotten Island” Screening

Some adventures become even more memorable when they are shared with friends.

That spirit of friendship and imagination came alive on August 25 as Save the Children beneficiaries became among the first audiences to watch DreamWorks Animation’s new feature film, “Forgotten Island,” during a special screening at SM Aura in Taguig.

Presented courtesy of DreamWorks Animation and Universal Pictures, the event welcomed children supported by Save the Children, an organization that has spent more than four decades helping Filipino children learn, thrive, and work toward brighter futures.

Liza Soberano and H.E.R. Make a Surprise Appearance

The screening became even more special when Liza Soberano and Grammy and Academy Award winner H.E.R.surprised the young moviegoers with an unexpected appearance.

Soberano and H.E.R., who lend their voices to best friends Raissa and Jo in the film, spent time with the children and shared in the excitement surrounding the movie.

Their visit transformed the screening into a memorable celebration of friendship, imagination, and the meaningful connections that stay with us as we grow.

Joining them were “Forgotten Island” directors Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado, whose creative vision helped shape the film’s colorful world inspired by Filipino mythology, culture, and storytelling.

A Meaningful Moment for Liza Soberano

The occasion carried added significance for Soberano, who has long supported the work of Save the Children as an ambassador and advocate for children.

H.E.R. has also supported initiatives aimed at empowering and uplifting marginalized communities.

Soberano, H.E.R., Crawford, and Mercado are in Manila as part of the “Tayo Na, Philippines!” “Forgotten Island” Tour, a celebration of the Filipino culture, stories, and spirit at the heart of the animated film.

“Forgotten Island” Takes Audiences to the Magical World of Nakali

Arriving in Philippine cinemas on September 23, “Forgotten Island” follows longtime best friends Jo, voiced by H.E.R., and Raissa, voiced by Soberano.

The two have been inseparable since grade school, but after graduating from high school, they are preparing to take different paths in life.

On what is supposed to be one last night together before their lives begin to change, Jo and Raissa discover a mysterious portal that transports them to Nakali, a fantastical island filled with magical beings and mythological creatures inspired by stories they heard growing up in their Filipino families.

Suddenly, childhood legends are no longer just stories.

Some of the creatures they encounter become unlikely allies, while others pose dangerous challenges.

Helping the best friends on their journey is Raww, a lovable but hapless weredog voiced by Dave Franco, along with a small but determined group of companions.

Waiting for them, however, is their biggest threat yet: The Dreaded Manananggal, voiced by Tony Award-winning Filipino icon Lea Salonga.

Friendship Comes With an Unexpected Price

Jo and Raissa soon discover that escaping Nakali will not be easy.

Their journey home comes with a devastating condition. To leave the island, they may have to sacrifice every memory of the friendship they have shared through the years.

With time running out, the pair must find another way home before the memories that connect them begin to disappear forever.

The emotional adventure puts friendship at the center of a story filled with humor, fantasy, danger, and Filipino cultural influences.

A Stellar Voice Cast Brings the Adventure to Life

Adding even more star power to the animated feature is an impressive voice cast that includes Manny Jacinto, Dolly de Leon, Jo Koy, Jenny Slate, and Ronny Chieng.

Together, the cast brings to life a world where familiar stories and mythical creatures become part of an unforgettable coming-of-age adventure.

At its core, “Forgotten Island” celebrates the stories passed down through families and generations. It also explores the friendships, memories, people, and places that help shape who we become.

Through the magical world of Nakali, audiences are invited to rediscover the wonder of childhood while experiencing a vibrant story rooted in Filipino mythology and culture.

An Unforgettable Adventure for Save the Children Beneficiaries

For the Save the Children beneficiaries who attended the special screening, the journey to Nakali became more than an early look at an animated movie.

It became a chance to imagine, discover, laugh, and experience an adventure together.

With Soberano, H.E.R., Crawford, and Mercado joining the celebration, the young guests also had the rare opportunity to meet some of the stars and filmmakers responsible for bringing the magical world of “Forgotten Island” to the screen.

Watch the official trailer:

“Forgotten Island” opens in Philippine cinemas on September 23.

For more news and updates, follow Universal Pictures PH on Facebook, @universalpicturesph on Instagram, and @universalpicsph on TikTok.

August 25, 2026
Liza Soberano, H.E.R. and “Forgotten Island” Filmmakers Set for Manila Homecoming

The cast and filmmakers of DreamWorks Animation’s Forgotten Island are saying, “Tayo Na, Philippines!”

Lead voice cast members Liza Soberano and H.E.R., directors Januel Mercado and Joel Crawford, and producer Mark Swift are heading to the Philippines on August 25 for a special celebration of Forgotten Island and the Filipino culture that helped inspire its world.

Making the occasion even more special, the Philippines will be the first international destination to welcome the cast and filmmakers as they begin their global journey for the film.

Forgotten Island Comes Home to the Philippines

During their visit, the stars and creative team will take part in special events and screenings, giving local audiences a rare opportunity to experience Forgotten Island alongside the people who helped bring it to life.

More than a promotional stop, however, “Tayo Na, Philippines!” carries a personal meaning for several members of the cast and filmmaking team.

Liza Soberano and H.E.R. return to celebrate the movie with Filipino fans, while Filipino American director Januel Mercado joins director Joel Crawford, whose wife and family are Filipino.

Producer Mark Swift also developed a close connection to the country while working on the film. During production, Swift made several trips to the Philippines, immersing himself in its culture as the filmmakers shaped the movie’s Filipino-inspired setting and story.

With those personal ties at its heart, the Manila celebration promises to be a memorable homecoming.

Meet the Cast and Filmmakers at SM Mall of Asia

Fans can be part of the excitement when the cast and filmmakers appear at the “Tayo Na, Philippines!” Forgotten Island event at the SM Mall of Asia Main Atrium on August 25 at 7 PM.

Expect an exciting evening celebrating the movie, its creative team, and the Filipino influences woven into its colorful world.

Before the event, fans can get a first look at the adventure by watching the official Forgotten Island trailer:

For more information about the Manila event, visit the Universal Pictures Philippines Facebook page.

Forgotten Island Arrives in Philippine Cinemas This September

Ready for an unforgettable trip?

DreamWorks Animation’s Forgotten Island arrives in Philippine cinemas on September 23.

For the latest news, videos, and updates, follow Universal Pictures PH on Facebook, UniversalPicturesPH on Instagram, and UniversalPicsPH on TikTok.

DreamWorks Animation’s Forgotten Island is distributed by Universal Pictures.

August 19, 2026
H.E.R. and Liza Soberano Star in DreamWorks’ Filipino Culture Inspired Film “Forgotten Island”

A Friendship Tested by Fate

Set against a backdrop of change and uncertainty, Forgotten Island introduces audiences to Jo and Raissa—best friends since childhood who now stand at the edge of new beginnings. Voiced by global music icon H.E.R. and Filipino actress Liza Soberano, the pair is preparing to take separate paths after graduation.

But just as their lives begin to shift, an unexpected twist pulls them into something far more extraordinary. One mysterious night leads them through a portal—and into a world they once only heard about in stories.

Welcome to Nakali: Where Legends Live

Suddenly, Jo and Raissa find themselves in Nakali, a breathtaking island teeming with creatures from Filipino folklore. Vibrant yet unpredictable, this magical realm is filled with both wonder and danger, where every encounter brings them closer to understanding the island—and themselves.

Among the unforgettable characters they meet is Raww, a quirky weredog voiced by Dave Franco, whose clumsy charm adds humor to their journey. Yet not all beings are friendly. Lurking in the shadows is the feared Manananggal, brought to life by Tony Award® winner Lea Salonga, whose presence raises the stakes for everyone on the island.

The Price of Going Home

As Jo and Raissa search for a way back, they uncover a heartbreaking truth: returning home may cost them the very memories that define their friendship.

Faced with an impossible choice, the two must decide what truly matters—holding on to the past or finding the courage to move forward. With time slipping away, their bond becomes both their greatest strength and their most fragile vulnerability.

A Visionary Creative Team

Behind Forgotten Island is the acclaimed team of Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado, with producer Mark Swift—all recognized for their work on Puss in Boots: The Last Wish. Known for crafting emotionally resonant stories, DreamWorks Animation continues its legacy of unforgettable relationships, from Shrek to How to Train Your Dragon.

This time, however, the spotlight shines on Filipino culture, weaving folklore, family, and friendship into a visually stunning cinematic experience.

An All-Star Ensemble

Joining H.E.R. and Liza Soberano is a dynamic lineup of voices, including: Jenny Slate, Manny Jacinto, Dolly de Leon, Jo Koy, and Ronny Chieng.

Together, they bring depth, humor, and energy to a story that feels both intimate and epic.

Watch the Trailer

Catch a glimpse of the adventure here:

Coming Soon to Cinemas

Filled with magic, emotion, and cultural richness, Forgotten Island promises a captivating and heartwarming cinematic journey. Don’t miss it when it opens in Philippine cinemas on September 23.

DreamWorks Animation’s Forgotten Island is distributed by Universal Pictures. For more updates, follow: Facebook: Universal Pictures PH, Instagram: @UniversalPicturesPH, TikTok: @UniversalPicsPH

March 27, 2026