DreamWorks Animation’s newest film Forgotten Island is now playing in theaters worldwide, and its two leads say the story of best friends facing separation is one they know all too well. Liza Soberano and H.E.R. voice Raissa and Jo, two lifelong friends whose final night together before college takes a magical turn when they are pulled into the mystical island of Nakali. The film, written and directed by Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado, centers on Filipino folklore while telling a universal story about friendship and memory.
Why the Story Feels Personal for Liza Soberano
Soberano, who grew up in the Philippines, said the theme of losing someone to overseas opportunities resonated deeply with her own life. She explained that she understands the different ways this situation can affect families and loved ones left behind.
The story became even more personal when she left her successful career in the Philippines to pursue Hollywood three years ago. She was especially worried about leaving her younger sister behind.
“It was really heartbreaking because I was afraid of us not being close anymore — not just in proximity, but in the relationship itself. I was afraid that we would grow apart. But through this, I actually discovered that there are so many reasons to not grow apart. You have to really fight for the relationship and fight for the closeness, no matter how far you physically are from one another.”
H.E.R. Shares Her Own Experience with Distance
H.E.R., whose real name is Gabriella Sarmiento Wilson, also connected with the film’s themes. She grew up near Vallejo, California, and left home at 17 to move to New York.
“I left when I was 17 to move to New York and it wasn’t as far away — just across the country. But it felt super far. My sister was eight at the time, and I was 17 and she wanted her big sister around.”
The Grammy and Academy Award winner said she has a best friend back home, and every time they reunite it feels like no time has passed. She described those kinds of friendships as worth fighting for.
Recording Together Made Their Bond Real
For an animated film, it is rare for voice actors to record in the same room. But Soberano and H.E.R. were able to record together, which helped their natural chemistry flow into their characters.
Soberano said their connection grew from their shared Filipino upbringing. The two had only met twice before joining the project, so Soberano watched several of H.E.R.’s interviews online to understand her personality before recording began.
“But then when we had our first recording session together — which is a very rare occurrence for animation, apparently — that really helped give us a better understanding of the dynamic we both have.”
She added that their bond came from the many things in their upbringing they both experienced and could relate to.
Filipino Culture Comes Through in Every Detail
The film is full of cultural touches that made the cast proud. H.E.R. recalled the moment she first saw these elements on screen.
“Seeing the Filipino sun for the first time — even before seeing the full film — made us so emotional. I remember seeing ‘pasalubong’ written on the screen, and I thought, oh my gosh, this is as Filipino as it gets. The petroleum jelly, all those little details, just really made me feel like, wow, I’m so proud to be Filipino.”
Soberano pointed to the despedida — the farewell party — as one of the most accurate scenes.
“There’s so much chaos going on. You have the lolas and the lolos being grumpy at everyone, telling them to either eat, sit down or go sing — and not to be ‘magulo.’ Then you have the little kids doing their own thing, hiding under the tables and creating chaos everywhere. And, of course, you have the titos and titas either playing mahjong on the side or singing karaoke.”
A Song That Wraps It All Up
Beyond voice acting, Soberano and H.E.R. also recorded a song for the film’s soundtrack. The track, called “BRB,” was released on September 8 through Back Lot Music.
Soberano admitted she felt major impostor syndrome during the recording. She asked herself, “What did I do in my life to deserve this?” and said she felt honored and blessed to be part of it.
H.E.R. praised her co-star’s performance.
“She killed it. There was no need to be nervous because it was just fun. The fact that we were singing as Jo and Raissa just wraps it all up. Then we shot the video in Manila and made it kind of like a travel vlog, continuing that love letter to the Philippines.”
The full soundtrack also features BINI, SB19, Lea Salonga, and Sophia Laforteza of KATSEYE.
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The Film Is Now Playing Worldwide
Forgotten Island opened in U.S. theaters on September 25, 2026, with preview screenings on September 24. It has a runtime of 1 hour and 49 minutes. In the Philippines, the film opened wide on September 23, with sneak screenings on September 19 and 20.
The world premiere took place on September 23 at the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art in Los Angeles, making it the first film to premiere at the newly opened museum founded by George Lucas. The red carpet featured Filipino fashion, with Soberano wearing a blush-pink terno gown by Mark Bumgarner.
The voice cast includes Lea Salonga, Manny Jacinto, Dave Franco, Jenny Slate, Dolly de Leon, Jo Koy, Ronny Chieng, and Amielynn Abellera.
Also Read: Forgotten Island Trailer Reveals Star-Studded Voice Cast for DreamWorks’ Filipino Mythology Film
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