DreamWorks Animation is pushing its visual boundaries once again. After the acclaimed Puss in Boots: The Last Wish wowed audiences with its watercolor aesthetic, directors Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado are back with Forgotten Island, a vibrant new feature that trades the familiar for the fantastical. Set in the Philippines during the 1990s, the film follows two best friends who find themselves trapped on a mysterious island that slowly erases their shared memories. It's a premise ripe for emotional stakes, but the real star here is the animation itself.
In an exclusive sneak peek shared with Collider, the creative team and voice cast—including H.E.R., Liza Soberano, and Dave Franco—dive into the film's eclectic visual language. The trio marvels at how the filmmakers crafted a world that feels both surreal and grounded, as if a character within the story is holding a camera. This handheld approach is just one of many styles on display, as the movie seamlessly shifts between dreamlike sequences, graphic novel panels, and anime-inspired action, with nods to Dragon Ball Z and Street Fighter. The latter was brought to life in collaboration with the Philippines-based Snipple Animation studio.
For Crawford and Mercado, The Last Wish served as a springboard, proving they could handle high-stakes fantasy. But with no existing franchise to anchor them, Forgotten Island let them unleash their imaginations. The result, they say, is one of DreamWorks' most complex films to date—a melting pot of pop culture, mythology, and friendship. It's a love letter to the decade that defined their youth, from its neon colors to its iconic media, while also paying homage to Philippine folklore.
The voice cast is a who's who of talent, with H.E.R., Soberano, and Franco joined by Manny Jacinto, Jenny Slate, Dolly de Leon, Jo Koy, Ronny Chieng, and Lea Salonga. Even the soundtrack is a character in itself, drawing from the Philippine music scene of the 80s and 90s, with contributions from H.E.R., Soberano, and the P-Pop group Bini.
Forgotten Island hits theaters on September 25. For fans of delightful fantasy TV series or those who appreciate high fantasy books, this is one to watch. And if you're curious about other homages to classic games, this film's anime influences might just hit the spot.
