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[Source<\/a>]<\/p>\n DreamWorks Animation announced that a lineup of Filipino and Filipino diaspora artists will headline its upcoming film \u201cForgotten Island,\u201d set for worldwide release in September 2026 through Universal Pictures. The ensemble<\/a> includes Filipino American singer H.E.R<\/a>., Filipina artists Liza Soberano<\/a> and Lea Salonga<\/a> and Filipino Canadian actor Manny Jacinto<\/a>, alongside Dave Franco and Jenny Slate. The studio revealed the casting this week, confirming its latest animated feature will focus on characters and themes rooted in Philippine mythology.<\/p>\n Philippine mythology takes center stage<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cForgotten Island” centers on lifelong best friends Jo (H.E.R.) and Raissa (Soberano), who find themselves stuck on the magical and forgotten island of Nakali. The only way home will potentially require the loss of their cherished memories together.\u201d The film incorporates<\/a> settings and folklore inspired by the Philippines, extending DreamWorks\u2019 exploration of culturally specific storytelling in global animation.<\/p>\n Another Pinoy behind the camera<\/strong><\/p>\n Trending on NextShark: Border Patrol, ICE sued over escalating tactics in Chicago crackdown<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n The film is written and directed by Joel Crawford and Filipino American filmmaker Januel Mercado, known for co-directing \u201cPuss in Boots: The Last Wish.\u201d Their collaboration continues a creative partnership with producer Mark Swift, who previously worked with Crawford on \u201cThe Croods: A New Age\u201d and \u201cPuss in Boots: The Last Wish.\u201d Bringing together Filipino and Filipino American talent both on screen and behind the camera in a single project remains a rarity in major Hollywood animation.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n This story is part of The Rebel Yellow Newsletter \u2014 a bold weekly newsletter from the creators of NextShark, reclaiming our stories and celebrating Asian American voices.<\/strong><\/p>\n Trending on NextShark: Texas freezes program helping Asian American, minority-owned businesses<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Subscribe free to join the movement. If you love what we\u2019re building, consider becoming a paid member \u2014 your support helps us grow our team, investigate impactful stories, and uplift our community.<\/strong><\/p>\n Subscribe here now<\/a>!<\/strong><\/p>\n Trending on NextShark: SNAP freeze leaves Asian American families scrambling for food<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n