DreamWorks' latest animated adventure, Forgotten Island, invites audiences to a realm where Filipino folklore comes alive. The film follows childhood friends Jo (H.E.R.) and Raissa (Liza Soberano) as they are transported to the mystical island of Nakali, a place teeming with fantastical beings. Among the island's inhabitants are Raww (Dave Franco), a lonely were-dog; Bungi (Manny Jacinto), a sheltered baby demon; and Batiba (Jenny Slate), a spirit who collects memories. Together, these three characters help Jo and Raissa navigate a journey that tests their bonds and their recollections.
In a recent interview with Collider's Meredith Loftus, Franco, Jacinto, and Slate shared their experiences working on the film. They praised directors Joel Crawford and Januel P. Mercado for creating a supportive and collaborative environment. "They make you feel comfortable in the booth," Jacinto noted, highlighting the duo's impressive creative instincts. Franco added that the directors' five-year commitment to the project resulted in a film that felt fresh and magical when he finally saw it. "I just couldn't believe what they did," he said.
For Jacinto, being part of a major studio film that showcases Filipino culture was particularly meaningful. "You don't really get a lot of Filipino stories told in the mainstream media," he explained. "To be a part of a big studio movie that showcases the culture and these creatures to worldwide audiences is super special." His enthusiasm echoes the sentiments shared by Liza Soberano and H.E.R. on the Filipino heart of Forgotten Island.
Each actor's character embodies distinct fears and anxieties. Bungi, for instance, grapples with separation anxiety, having never left his mother's shop. "They literally forced him to cut the cord," Jacinto joked, noting that it ultimately helps Bungi explore the world. Batiba, Slate explained, learns that facing your fears isn't easy: "Just because you know what you're afraid of doesn't mean there's an easy way to get over it." Meanwhile, Raww's isolation as the only were-dog on the island is eased when the girls befriend him. "It just makes him feel like he found his wolf pack," Franco said.
When asked about their own underappreciated projects, the actors didn't hesitate. Franco championed The Little Hours, a dark comedy in which he plays a fugitive who hides in a convent and seduces the nuns. "It's a wild story," he laughed. "But it's so funny, and it has its own rhythms, and I'm just really proud of that film." Slate pointed to her second stand-up special, Seasoned Professional, as a work she wishes more people had seen. "I was so proud of the work I did," she said. "I hope it's something that people can still go to."
With its blend of cultural richness and heartfelt storytelling, Forgotten Island promises to be a memorable addition to DreamWorks' catalog. The film's directors have even hinted at sequel plans and the P-Pop group they made cry, suggesting that Nakali's magic may not be a one-time journey. For now, audiences can enjoy the adventures of Jo, Raissa, and their newfound creature companions when Forgotten Island hits theaters.
