'Forgotten Island': Upcoming animated epic Is a love letter to Filipino culture and music

"Forgotten Island" is premiering Sept. 25 by Universal Studios.

Anticipation is reaching a fever pitch for DreamWorks’ upcoming animated epic Forgotten Island, especially after early preview audiences—including a rapturous crowd at the Annecy International Animated Film Festival—met the film with a roaring five-minute standing ovation.

The buzz isn't just about the breathtaking animation or emotional storytelling; it’s about a historic moment for Filipino representation on the global screen.

         FYI: Click here to view trailer of 'Forgotten Island''

Produced by DreamWorks Animation, the movie serves as a high-profile celebration of Filipino identity, values, and precolonial history. For the first time on this scale, a major Hollywood studio feature film is putting the sights, folklore, and unmistakably vibrant sounds of the Philippines right at center stage.

“What's been thrilling for us all along is giving a voice to Filipino culture and Filipino stories, and seeing how that has translated into this freshness in the music... Many amazingly talented Filipino artists have come together to create this unified...” says Joel Crawford, who along with FilAm Januel Mercado.

A historic tapestry of sound

What sets Forgotten Island apart is its intentional, genre-spanning soundtrack engineered by composer Nathan Matthew David and Universal Pictures’ SVP of Film Music Angela Leus. The music acts as a cultural bridge: when the story begins in the human realm, the score hums with nostalgic '80s pop, '90s analog synths, and classic hip-hop.

With both H.E.R., left, and Liza Soberano born in the Bay Area, the voices
for the 'best friends" in Forgotten Island.

The moment the main characters step through a mystical portal into the world of Nakali, the musical palette undergoes a radical evolution. The soundtrack bursts open with deep cultural heritage, weaving together:

• Indigenous Tribal Instruments & Chanters: Rich, multi-layered rhythm arrangements that ground the fantasy world in real ancestral heritage.

• Traditional Gandingan: A southern Philippine talking gong utilized specifically for mythical character moments.

• The Las Piñas Bamboo Pipe Organ & Tagalog Choir: Sacred, historic sonic textures rarely heard in mainstream Western filmmaking.

Universal Pictures' film music team notes that the track captures an unforced, natural chemistry. The vocal delivery mirrors the growth of two strong Filipinas, serving as the musical heart of the film's transition into the magical world of adventure.

An all-star Filipino & FilAm musical lineup

R&B artist and Grammy winner H.E.R., aka Vallejo-born Gabby Sarmiento, was not asked to create a song for the film. However, it happened organically. After viewing  the feature onscreen, she was inspired to write "BRB" which stands out for seamlessly integrating Tagalog lyrics into modern pop structures. This design choice is meant to ground the upbeat track in authentic Filipino language and culture.

The song delivers a rich, dual-vocal dynamic featuring both H.E.R. and co-star Liza Soberano, who was born in Santa Clara, California. 

The P-pop group BINI made performed "Parallel World" part of Forgotten Island's soundrack
 at the recent ComicCon in San Diego.

To execute this ambitious sonic vision, the filmmakers assembled an unprecedented lineup of global Filipino powerhouses, delivering original tracks and reimagined anthems:

• H.E.R. & Liza Soberano: The lead voice actors team up on the title track "BRB," an original contemporary pop anthem written by Oscar and Grammy winner H.E.R. The track fuses Tagalog lyricism with upbeat pop energy to mirror the central bond between lead characters Jo and Raissa.

• BINI: The "Nation's Girl Group" brings their signature energy with "A Parallel World," a synth-pop original track produced alongside Shawn Wasabi and David.

• SB19: The undisputed kings of P-pop bring high-octane modern appeal to a classic, dropping a cover of Francis Magalona’s iconic nationalist hip-hop track "Mga Kababayan."

• Sophia Laforteza: The Filipina star from global girl group KATSEYE lends powerhouse vocals to a completely reimagined cover of INXS’s "Never Tear Us Apart."

• Lea Salonga: The Broadway legend provides haunting vocal textures across the score and chant work during key transformation scenes.

• Ruby Ibarra & Carl Angelo: Heavyweight FilAm hip-hop talent Ruby Ibarra joins Carl Angelo to deliver "Salbahae Ako," a fiery original track showcasing Pinoy rap at its finest.

The music reinforces the cultural significance of Forgotten Island. The movie it is the first major Hollywood-backed animated feature film deeply rooted in Philippine culture and folklore. 

The cast of Forgotten Island includes some prominent Filipino and FilAm talent, including H.E.R. as Jo, Liza Soberano as Raissa, alongside Lea Salonga, Manny Jacinto, Dolly de Leon, and Jo Koy.

By centering authentic language, native instrumentation, and an undeniable roster of talent, Forgotten Island is shaping up to be more than just a box-office event—it’s a major cultural celebration for the global Pinoy community.

EDITOR'S NOTE: For additional commentary, news, views and chismis from an AANHPI perspective, follow me on Threads, on X, BlueSky or at the blog Views From the Edge. If you find this perspective interesting, please repost.

DreamWorks’ 'Forgotten Island' trailer drops, sparking excitement among Filipino Americans

Best friends face a dilemma in "Forgotten Island" which draws on Philippine mythology.

The internet just got a little louder, and for Filipino Americans, a whole lot more familiar. 

DreamWorks Animation released the official trailer for Forgotten Island on March 25, 2026, and it’s not just the animation that’s turning heads—it’s the jeepneys, the balisongs, and the unmistakable silhouette of a Manananggal soaring across the screen.

For a community that has long waited for its moment in the mainstream animation spotlight, this isn't just a movie; it’s a cultural milestone. Directed by Joel Crawford and FilAm animator Januel Mercado, the film is a love letter to Philippine folklore wrapped in a story about the one thing that binds the diaspora together: the bittersweet pain of leaving home.

“I was so excited. You have no idea. We were in the Philippines in 2019, and my mom was trying to scare us about all these stories. I literally grew up on them. I get to share a piece of my childhood in this work and with the world,” said Wilson (aka H.E.R.).

Soberano added, “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.” She added, “To have Filipino culture showcased by a major studio is very exciting.”

"It Hits Different"

The excitement isn’t just about seeing familiar sights; it’s about hearing familiar voices. The film features a powerhouse cast led by Grammy-winner H.E.R. (voicing Jo) and Liza Soberano (voicing Raissa), who is making a name for herself in Hollywood and gaining the attention of producers and casting agents.

Wilson, who already has a Best Song Oscar for "Fight For You" in 2021) a Bay Area native, didn't hold back on what the feature film means for her and the Filipino American community.

"I’ve always wanted to be part of a project that showcases Filipinos and Filipino culture on a global scale," she told press at the trailer launch. "Growing up Filipino and Black... and always being loud and proud... but going other places and not necessarily seeing the representation... to see it in a film, it just hits different. It’s honestly so magical.

Liza Soberano, left, and H.E.R. provide the voices of the best friends in 'Forgotten Island.'

The film’s co-director, Januel Mercado, emphasized that while the creatures are fantastical, the heart of the story is grounded in the very real Filipino experience of separation best exemplfied by poor economic conditions forcing millions of Filipinos to seek employment in other countries. 

"We really thought about what the impact and value of those loved ones in your life is and how they contribute to the life you have and the person you become," Mercado explained.

A 'Who’s Who' of Filipino talent

It’s not just the leads. The credits read like a dream roster of Filipino excellence:

Lea Salonga as the Dreaded Manananggal (yes, the Disney Legend and beloved Broadway star) is playing the monster, and we are here for it).

Manny Jacinto (The Good Place), Dolly de Leon, (Triangle of Sadness), comedian Jo Koy (Easter Sunday), and Amielynn Abellera rounding out the supporting cast.

The feature is still in production, and the producers have been rather coy about the music. Speculation is that a yet-to-be announced song will feature either Salonga or H.E.R., or both of the stars.

        FYI: Click here to view trailer of 'Forgotten Island''

Social media has been buzzing since the trailer dropped. One fan on Threads summed up the collective mood: "Filipino culture portrayed in a way that feels real... not just the visuals or the representation, it's the story about identity, roots, & what it means to grow up between cultures. As a third culture kid, this one feels personal."

Here’s what’s echoing across the feeds:

Liza Soberano (the voice of Raissa) set the tone early, sharing her excitement on Instagram: "So beyond grateful and honored to be a part of this beautiful film... A dream come true to bring a story rooted in Filipino culture to the big screen with DreamWorks!"

The A’tin (SB19’s fandom) have turned the comment sections into a digital rally. One high-profile fan account posted: "DreamWorks, the vision is right there. We need SB19 on this soundtrack. The world needs to hear the P-pop sound on the Forgotten Island!"

Filipino-American creators are getting emotional over the visuals. As one TikTok culture commentator put it: "Seeing a literal jeepney in a high-budget DreamWorks movie feels like a fever dream in the best way possible. This isn't just a movie; it's a 'we were here' moment."

Film enthusiasts are also leaning into the technical pedigree. One popular YouTube film essayist noted: "Januel Mercado coming off 'Puss in Boots: The Last Wish' to helm this? Expect the animation to be experimental, vibrant, and absolutely top-tier. Forgotten Island is the one to watch in 2026."

EDITOR'S NOTE: For additional commentary, news, views and chismis from an AANHPI perspective, follow me on Threads, on X, BlueSky or at the blog Views From the Edge.