DreamWorks Animation's original Filipino-inspired film 'Forgotten Island' earns $13 million in the US and Canada, with global earnings at $38.5 million.
DreamWorks Animation’s latest original effort, Forgotten Island, has landed with a modest opening of $13 million in the US and Canada, bringing its global total to $38.5 million after two weekends. The film, which centers on two best friends navigating a fantastical island rooted in Filipino folklore, is a personal project for directors Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado — longtime collaborators who met as storyboard artists at the studio.
Mercado, who is Filipino American, and Crawford, whose wife is Filipino, made authenticity a priority. The movie weaves Tagalog phrases into dialogue and draws from local mythology to build Nakali, the island where the final adventure unfolds. It’s a deliberate move away from the usual formula, especially in animation, where sequels dominate.
Despite a below-average debut compared to the $14.6 million average for original animated films, the film holds strong with a 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. That critical approval may help it gain traction, particularly as the box office remains light on animated competition until Warner Bros.’ The Cat in the Hat arrives in early November.
The film stars H.E.R., Liza Soberano, and Dave Franco in voice roles, with the story focusing on Raissa and Jo, whose friendship is tested when Raissa prepares to leave for college in the US. The emotional core is balanced with visual spectacle, creatures inspired by Philippine legends, vibrant landscapes, and a narrative that doesn’t talk down to its audience.
This isn’t just a cultural experiment. It’s a statement. In a year where Toy Story 5 and The Super Mario Galaxy Movie each crossed $1 billion globally, original stories have struggled to find their footing. But Forgotten Island joins a growing list of culturally specific projects. Like Netflix’s Oscar-winning KPop Demon Hunters, that prove audiences connect beyond language or geography.
Crawford and Mercado aren’t chasing trends. They’re pushing boundaries. As Crawford put it: "We’re in a time of massive sequels. When you expand who’s telling the story, you naturally get originality."
With adult-oriented animated films like Wildwood and Ray Gunn also on the horizon, the window for bold storytelling is widening. Whether Forgotten Island can sustain momentum remains to be seen. But its quiet confidence suggests it might not need a blockbuster to matter.
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