Forgotten Island is giving fans a closer look into its world ahead of its release as its creators and cast unveiled a behind-the-scenes peek, sharing the inspiration and heart behind the highly anticipated film.
In an Instagram post on March 26, writer/directors Joel Crawford and Filipino-American Januel Mercado opened up about the creative journey behind the film, deeply rooted in friendship, culture, and shared experiences.
The reel also gave audiences a look at lead stars H.E.R. and Liza Soberano as they stepped into the recording booth, bringing their animated characters to life.
For Joel and Januel, Forgotten Island is more than just another animated feature, but a passion project shaped by a friendship that began over 15 years ago while working on Kung Fu Panda 2.
“We very quickly found out that we have very similar sensibilities,” Januel said, recalling their early collaboration.
“With Forgotten Island, we set out and made an original that is truly original in every sense of the word,” Joel added.
At its core, the film explores the value of relationships and the lasting impact of the people you grow up with. “We really thought about what the impact and value of those loved ones in your life is and how do they contribute to the life you have and the person you become,” Januel explained.
For Joel, working on the film alongside his longtime friend made the experience even more meaningful. “To actually get to make something that is funny and personal, honestly with such a great friend, it’s a dream come true,” he said.
Set in the 1990s, Forgotten Island follows best friends Jo and Raissa, voiced by H.E.R. and Liza respectively, who are on the verge of going their separate ways after high school. What begins as a simple night of junk food and karaoke takes a magical turn when they stumble upon a mysterious portal that leads them into a world inspired by Filipino folklore.
Inside this fantastical realm, they encounter creatures both friendly and fearsome, from the weredog Raww (Dave Franco) to the terrifying Manananggal (Lea Salonga). As they navigate the island, their bond is tested, pushing them to confront change, distance, and what it truly means to hold on to friendship.
The chemistry between the creators, according to Liza, extended beyond the project which inspired them as the lead voices in the film. “Their friendship just makes it feel like we’re one big friend group because they’re riffing off each other and that inspires us to do the same thing,” she said.
H.E.R., meanwhile, expressed admiration for the filmmakers’ dedication. “You can just tell [that] they put their whole hearts into this film. It's a lot of fun,” she said.
During the film’s trailer launch at DreamWorks headquarters in Glendale, California, the cast further emphasized how Forgotten Island aims to resonate with audiences globally while staying true to its Filipino roots.
“It’s been a long-time dream of mine to be able to be in a project that really represented the Philippines in a very accurate way, but at the same time, is universal enough for people to be able to relate to,” Liza said. “To have Filipino culture showcased by a major studio is very exciting.”
The decision to set the story in the 1990s was also intentional. For the filmmakers, it was a time defined by moments and meaningful connections long before the convenience of digital communication.
“It was telling a story about friends growing apart and feeling like it’s going to be final when a friend is going off to college, will you see them again? Will they forget? You can’t just FaceTime,” Januel explained, highlighting how the absence of modern technology heightened the emotional stakes. He pointed to Polaroid photos as a key symbol in the film, capturing limited yet meaningful snapshots of life, unlike today’s endless digital images.
Visually, Forgotten Island pushes the boundaries of animation by blending styles inspired by anime with painterly, hand-drawn textures, “that bring to life and push the fantasy aspect.” Januel also shared how cinematic techniques, such as dynamic lighting and lens effects, were used to evoke memory and nostalgia.
Beyond its stunning visuals and adventurous storyline, the film also carries a deeper cultural significance with both lead casts having Filipino roots, adding authenticity to a story that celebrates heritage while embracing universal themes.
H.E.R., whose real name is Gabriella Sarmiento Wilson, was born in Vallejo, California, to a Filipina mother from Nueva Ecija and a Black father. Liza, meanwhile, was born in Santa Clara, California to a Filipino father from Pangasinan and an American mother.
Joining them in the voice cast are Manny Jacinto, Jo Koy, Dolly de Leon, Amielynn Abellera, along with Jenny Slate, and Ronny Chieng.
The film is set to premiere in Philippine cinemas on September 23.