DreamWorks Bets on 'Forgotten Island'
What happened
DreamWorks released the trailer for Forgotten Island, a new high‑concept fantasy adventure positioned as a potential breakout animated hit — a reminder studios still invest in original family IP amid franchise-heavy slates. The trailer rollout signals distribution confidence for theatrical family fare. (aceshowbiz.com)
Why it matters
Universal Pictures has dated Forgotten Island for a wide theatrical release on September 25, 2026. (deadline.com) The feature is written and directed by Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado, with Mark Swift credited as producer. (hollywoodreporter.com) Studio and trade listings show a voice cast that includes H.E.R., Liza Soberano, Dave Franco, Jenny Slate, Manny Jacinto, Dolly de Leon, Jo Koy, Ronny Chieng and Lea Salonga. (animationmagazine.net) Trade descriptions place the story in the 1990s Philippines and note the film draws explicitly on Philippine mythology, naming the manananggal among its mythic figures. (animationmagazine.net) Universal reassigned the late‑September wide slot to Forgotten Island, replacing an earlier “Untitled DreamWorks Animation” entry when the studio dated the project for Sept. 25, 2026. (animationscoop.com) Joel Crawford previously directed Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, which grossed approximately $484.3 million worldwide and earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Animated Feature. (en.wikipedia.org)
Key numbers
- (aceshowbiz.com) Universal Pictures has dated Forgotten Island for a wide theatrical release on September 25, 2026.
- (animationmagazine.net) Trade descriptions place the story in the 1990s Philippines and note the film draws explicitly on Philippine mythology, naming the manananggal among its mythic figures.
- (animationscoop.com) Joel Crawford previously directed Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, which grossed approximately $484.3 million worldwide and earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Animated Feature.
Quick answers
What happened in DreamWorks Bets on 'Forgotten Island'?
DreamWorks released the trailer for Forgotten Island, a new high‑concept fantasy adventure positioned as a potential breakout animated hit — a reminder studios still invest in original family IP amid franchise-heavy slates. The trailer rollout signals distribution confidence for theatrical family fare. (aceshowbiz.com)
Why does DreamWorks Bets on 'Forgotten Island' matter?
Universal Pictures has dated Forgotten Island for a wide theatrical release on September 25, 2026. (deadline.com) The feature is written and directed by Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado, with Mark Swift credited as producer. (hollywoodreporter.com) Studio and trade listings show a voice cast that includes H.E.R., Liza Soberano, Dave Franco, Jenny Slate, Manny Jacinto, Dolly de Leon, Jo Koy, Ronny Chieng and Lea Salonga. (animationmagazine.net) Trade descriptions place the story in the 1990s Philippines and note the film draws explicitly on Philippine mythology, naming the manananggal among its mythic figures. (animationmagazine.net) Universal reassigned the late‑September wide slot to Forgotten Island, replacing an earlier “Untitled DreamWorks Animation” entry when the studio dated the project for Sept. 25, 2026. (animationscoop.com) Joel Crawford previously directed Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, which grossed approximately $484.3 million worldwide and earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Animated Feature. (en.wikipedia.org)
