Dreamworks charts course for 'forgotten island' – but can it steer clear of shrek shadow?
DreamWorks Animation is aiming for a splashy fall 2026 debut with The Forgotten Island, a vibrant adventure film poised to capitalize on the continued strength of animated features in both theaters and streaming. But with the looming shadow of Shrek 5, slated for 2027, can this standalone tale carve out its own unique space?
A friendship tested by myth and magic
The Forgotten Island, directed and written by Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado, centers on the lifelong friendship of Jo and Raissa. Their bond, forged in childhood, faces a monumental test when a mysterious portal transports them to the mythical island of Nakali. Populated by creatures ripped from Filipino folklore, Nakali throws the duo into a thrilling quest where their memories – and ultimately their friendship – are on the line. The voice cast boasts a stellar lineup including H.E.R., Liza Soberano, Dave Franco, Jenny Slate, Manny Jacinto, Dolly De Leon, Jo Koy, Ronny Chieng, and Lea Salonga, lending considerable star power to the project.
The official trailer, released yesterday by Universal Pictures, hints at a visually stunning adventure, underscored by a familiar tune – Simple Minds' “Don't You (Forget About Me).” The narrative pits Jo and Raissa against the fearsome Manananggal, a creature of Filipino legend, alongside a motley crew of allies including the surprisingly endearing, if somewhat clumsy, Raww, a dog-like being. The synopsis reveals the stakes are high: “When they discover that the memory of their friendship is the price that will allow them to return home, Jo and Raissa embark on a frantic race to escape the island before they forget each other forever.”
The timing is interesting. DreamWorks has been on a prolific output schedule in recent years, delivering hits like The Bad Guys and Puss in Boots: The Last Wish. However, 2026 sees a significantly scaled-back release schedule – just one project planned – suggesting a heightened focus on quality over quantity. But the question remains: can The Forgotten Island stand on its own, or will it be forever measured against the legacy of a certain green ogre?
SkyShowtime, meanwhile, is leveraging the film’s impending release with a limited-time price reduction, offering a monthly subscription for just €4.99. This move underscores the increasingly intertwined fates of theatrical releases and streaming platforms, as studios scramble to capture audiences across multiple screens.