The Mythic Awakening: DreamWorks Dives into the Heart of the Philippines

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

The whispers of the diwata are no longer confined to the shadows of Mount Makiling—they are heading to the global big screen. DreamWorks Animation has officially pulled back the curtain on its next tentpole feature, "Forgotten Island," and the first trailer confirms what fans have long suspected: this is a love letter to Philippine mythology on a scale never before seen in Western animation.

Directed by Januel Mercado—the visionary co-director behind the Academy Award-nominated Puss in Boots: The Last Wish—the film looks to do for Filipino folklore what Coco did for Mexican tradition and Moana did for Polynesian culture.

A Journey Beyond the Veil

The story follows two high school graduates, Jo and Raissa, whose post-graduation summer takes a turn for the supernatural. What begins as a routine trip quickly spirals into a "comedy adventure" that transports the duo to a hidden realm where the ancient myths of the Philippines aren't just stories—they are breathing, living, and often dangerous realities.

The trailer teases a world lush with bioluminescent jungles and towering stone monuments that evoke the legendary Biringan City. We catch glimpses of creatures that have haunted Filipino dreams for centuries, reimagined with the trademark DreamWorks polish: majestic spirits, mischievous tricksters, and perhaps even the colossal Bakunawa moon-eater.

A Powerhouse Filipino Cast

Perhaps most compelling is the film’s commitment to authentic representation, assembling a "vocal Avengers" of Filipino talent:

H.E.R. (Gabriella Sarmiento Wilson) & Liza Soberano: Lending their voices to Jo and Raissa, the duo anchors the film’s emotional core. Their chemistry in the trailer suggests a grounded, relatable friendship set against an impossible backdrop.

The Icons: The supporting cast is a masterclass in Filipino excellence. Global theater legend Lea Salonga joins alongside BAFTA-nominated Dolly de Leon, bringing a gravitas that suggests we’ll be seeing the more regal and formidable side of Philippine deities.

The Comedic Relief: Jo Koy rounds out the lineup, likely providing the sharp-witted humor necessary to navigate the film’s high-stakes peril.

Why "Forgotten Island" Matters

For decades, Philippine mythology has remained one of the most untapped goldmines in the fantasy genre. With its blend of pre-colonial animism, Spanish-influenced gothic horror, and vibrant island biodiversity, it offers a visual palette unlike anything else.

By placing Mercado at the helm, DreamWorks is leaning into a director who knows how to balance high-octane action with genuine existential heart. If the trailer is any indication, "Forgotten Island" won't just be a journey for its protagonists—it will be a global introduction to the Tikbalangs, Sarimanoks, and ancient gods that have waited a long time to be remembered.

The archipelago is calling. Are you ready to find the island?

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