Lea Salonga, H.E.R., Liza Soberano, and Manny Jacinto Voice 'Forgotten Island'
A New Adventure on the Magical Island of Nakali
DreamWorks Animation has unveiled an exciting lineup for its upcoming animated film Forgotten Island, set to hit theaters next year. The movie features a stellar voice cast, including Lea Salonga, H.E.R., and Liza Soberano, who will take on leading roles. Manny Jacinto will also be part of the ensemble, playing a supporting character.
The comedy adventure film follows the story of two lifelong best friends, Jo and Raissa. Jo is voiced by H.E.R., while Raissa is brought to life by Liza Soberano. The two find themselves stranded on a remote and magical island called Nakali. As they try to find their way back home, they discover that the only solution may involve forgetting each other and their friendship.
Lea Salonga: A Broadway Star with a Global Reach
Lea Salonga, a celebrated Broadway star and Tony Award winner, has already made her mark in the entertainment industry. Her recent role in the Netflix series KPop Demon Hunters saw her play Celine, a retired demon hunter and mentor to three young hunters. This new project adds another feather to her cap, showcasing her versatility as a voice actress.
Liza Soberano: From Hollywood to the Big Screen
Liza Soberano has been making waves in Hollywood. She recently appeared in the 2024 horror comedy Lisa Frankenstein, where she played the character Taffy. Her performance has been well-received, and her inclusion in Forgotten Island further solidifies her growing presence in the film industry.
H.E.R.: A Multi-Talented Artist
H.E.R., whose real name is Gabriella Sarmiento Wilson, was born in California to a Filipino mother and an American father. Known for her powerful voice and captivating music, she has released numerous award-winning tracks and albums. In 2024, she performed at the Super Bowl halftime show alongside Usher. Her stage name, H.E.R., stands for "Having Everything Revealed."
Manny Jacinto: A Familiar Face in Hollywood
Manila-born Filipino-Canadian actor Manny Jacinto recently visited the Philippines to promote Disney’s Freakier Friday, where he plays Eric Reyes, the fiancé of Lindsay Lohan’s character Anna. He is best known for his role as Jason Mendoza in the NBC comedy The Good Place. His involvement in Forgotten Island brings a familiar face to the animated film.
Additional Cast Members and Creative Team
In addition to the four Filipino actors, the film also features Dave Franco and Jenny Slate. According to a report by The Hollywood Reporter, one of the co-directors and writers of Forgotten Island is Filipino-American Januel Mercado. He co-directed another DreamWorks Animation feature, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish. Mercado based Forgotten Island on a Philippine mythological island, adding a unique cultural touch to the story.
Release Date and Expectations
Universal Pictures is set to release Forgotten Island theatrically on September 25, 2026. With its mix of humor, adventure, and cultural elements, the film is expected to captivate audiences worldwide. Fans of the voice actors and animation enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting the release of this highly anticipated project.
