DreamWorks to Release Forgotten Island in October
The animated film will debut on digital platforms on October 27, 2026, before reaching physical media in December.
Updated on Oct. 24, 2026 in Animation
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DreamWorks is set to debut the animated film Forgotten Island on digital platforms on October 27, 2026. The movie features friends Jo and Raissa as they travel through a portal to a mythical island.
Why it matters
The film aims to bring Filipino mythology to a wider audience through a personal narrative rather than an exhaustive list of creatures. Directors focused on intimate storytelling to keep the scale manageable for viewers.
The production follows a split release schedule, arriving on digital platforms first before a 4K UHD, Blu-ray, and DVD launch follows on December 1, 2026.
The players
Joel Crawford
He is a filmmaker and director who collaborated with Januel Mercado on this project.
Januel Mercado
He is a director known for his collaborative work on animated feature films.
Kirby Araullo
He served as the cultural consultant to ensure accurate representation of Filipino mythology.
DreamWorks
This is a major animation studio responsible for the production and distribution of the film.
The details
Directed by Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado, the film incorporates Filipino mythology with the help of cultural consultant Kirby Araullo. The directors employed rhythmic cutting and varying animation styles in memory sequences to reflect the propulsive feeling of time passing during youth.
Timeline
October 27, 2026: The film debuts on digital platforms.
December 1, 2026: The film becomes available on 4K UHD, Blu-ray, and DVD.
Industry Dynamics
This film reflects the broader industry trend of integrating diverse cultural mythologies into mainstream animated features. It follows the pattern set by the ongoing shift toward cultural diversification in animation by anchoring its narrative in Filipino lore.
Viewers can purchase the title on digital platforms beginning October 27, 2026. Fans who prefer physical media can secure their copies on 4K UHD, Blu-ray, or DVD starting December 1, 2026.
The takeaway
The directors prioritized a focused personal narrative over world-building to ensure the mythological elements remained accessible. Audiences should look for the rhythmic editing style which was specifically designed to capture the feeling of time passing during memorable life events.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in the Animation industry.
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