Arzen Rose Dulzura

Dolly de Leon reacts to casting in DreamWorks’ Filipino folklore-inspired film ‘Forgotten Island’: ‘Nakakaproud maging Pinoy’

Article (news)

E. Kristhoff Cagape

Push Team

<p>More Filipino talents are set to join the voice cast of the upcoming DreamWorks Animation film, <em>Forgotten Island.</em></p><p>Dolly de Leon, alongside Filipino-American stars Jo Koy and Amielynn Abellera, will be part of the project, according to a report by Variety. Malaysian actor Ronny Chieng will also join the voice cast.</p><p>Following the announcement, Dolly took to social media to express her excitement about the film.</p><p>&quot;Over the moon with excitement and Pinoy pride to share <em>Forgotten Island</em> with the world! Nakakaproud maging pinoy.💪🏽Thank you, @dreamworks, @joel.crawford.art and @janimatedultd for putting our stories out there.💙❤️💛,&quot; she posted on her Instagram page.</p><p>Fans of Dolly were quick to react to the news.</p><p>&quot;Mother is booked and busy!!!!!&quot; one fan commented.</p><p>&quot;Love to see this!&quot; another fan wrote.  </p><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-8" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cz_D0UZB6z-/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=768&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A8%2C%22os%22%3A14360703.100000024%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="845" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-8" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><p>It was previously announced that Liza Soberano, H.E.R., and Lea Salonga would be the lead voice cast of the film. Filipino-Canadian actor Manny Jacinto, along with Dave Franco and Jenny Slate are also part of the project.</p><p><em>Forgotten Island</em> follows lifelong best friends Jo (voiced by H.E.R.) and Raissa (voiced by Soberano), who become stranded on the magical, long-forgotten island of Nakali. To find their way home, they must face a difficult choice that may require them to give up their most treasured memories. The film is inspired by Filipino folklore.</p><div><br/></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/movies-series/2025/10/30/liza-soberano-h-e-r-lea-salonga-and-manny-jacinto-to-lead-voice-cast-of-forgotten-island-0933"><strong><u>READ: Liza Soberano, H.E.R., Lea Salonga, and Manny Jacinto to lead voice cast of DreamWorks&#x27; &#x27;Forgotten Island&#x27;</u></strong></a></div><div><br/></div><p>The movie is written and co-directed by Filipino-American filmmaker Januel Mercado alongside Joel Crawford. Universal Pictures is set to release the film in theaters on September 25, 2026.</p><p>The project marks Januel&#x27;s first film with full directing credit. He previously co-directed the critically acclaimed <em>Puss in Boots: The Last Wish</em>, also produced by DreamWorks Animation.</p><p>Born and raised in Stockton, California to Filipino parents, Januel studied animation and illustration at San Jose State University.</p><p>In a past interview with GMA News, he emphasized how his Filipino heritage continues to shape his storytelling.  &quot;My love and care and my Filipino culture is very universal as well. It&#x27;s just like the connection and the closeness that you have with your family,&quot; he remarked.  </p>

<p>Dolly de Leon joins the voice cast of DreamWorks Animation's 'Forgotten Island.'</p>

Dolly de Leon joins the voice cast of DreamWorks Animation's 'Forgotten Island.'