Meet the Voice Cast of ‘Forgotten Island’ (with Pictures)

DreamWorks Animation’s fantasy adventure film ‘Forgotten Island‘ brings Philippine folklore to life through an imaginative and star-studded production. Directed by Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado, the animated feature follows childhood best friends Jo and Raissa as they become trapped in the mystical, memory-consuming realm of Nakali. The voice cast features a blend of Filipino talent and seasoned Hollywood performers playing mythical creatures and grounded human characters.

H.E.R.

Multi-Grammy and Academy Award-winning musician and actress H.E.R. stars as Josephine “Jo” Yuson, Raissa’s rowdy and fiercely loyal best friend. Jo is an imaginative young artist who struggles with the emotional weight of Raissa’s upcoming departure for college. When the duo accidentally enters the mythical island of Nakali, Jo must confront her fear of separation while trying to protect their shared memories. In addition to voicing the leading character, H.E.R. contributed original music to the soundtrack of ‘Forgotten Island’.

Liza Soberano

Filipino-American actress Liza Soberano lends her voice to Raissa Molina, Jo’s academically gifted best friend. Raissa finds herself torn between pursuing her educational ambitions at CalTech and maintaining her lifelong bond with Jo. After awakening in Nakali with a pair of mysterious wings, Raissa works alongside Jo to locate the magical sand dollar required to return home. This project marks another major Hollywood feature role for Soberano following her performance in ‘Lisa Frankenstein’.

Dave Franco

Dave Franco voices Raww, a well-meaning but hapless were-aspin residing on the enchanted island. Franco has previously lent his voice to animated projects such as ‘The Lego Movie’ and ‘The Lego Ninjago Movie’. In ‘Forgotten Island’, Raww struggles to control his transformations between a domestic dog and an upright creature while guiding the human visitors. Despite his secret initial connection to the island’s memory-stealing ruler, Raww develops a genuine bond with Jo and Raissa.

Manny Jacinto

Manny Jacinto portrays Bungi, a large Tiyanak baby demon who crosses paths with the main protagonists in Nakali. Jacinto gained widespread recognition for his breakout performance in ‘The Good Place’ and his appearance in ‘The Acolyte’. In the film, Bungi is a mythological being who assists Jo and Raissa by providing crucial clues regarding the location of the lost sand dollar. His character later teams up with the island’s allies to help the heroines overcome dangerous obstacles.

Jenny Slate

Comedian and actress Jenny Slate voices Batiba, a tree-dwelling Batibat spirit specializing in memories. Slate is widely known for her voice work in animated projects like ‘Marcel the Shell with Shoes On’ and ‘Zootopia’. In ‘Forgotten Island’, Batiba serves as a central antagonist who offers the heroines a way home only in exchange for their cherished memory bracelets. Her character arc explores the consequences of feeding on the memories and experiences of mortals lured to the island.

Lea Salonga

Tony Award winner and Disney Legend Lea Salonga voices Manang, the Dreaded Manananggal feared across Nakali. Salonga is world-renowned for providing the singing voices of Jasmine in ‘Aladdin’ and the titular heroine in ‘Mulan’. In this film, Manang is a formidable winged creature whose lost wings become an integral element of Jo and Raissa’s quest. Salonga also contributed traditional vocal performances to the film’s musical score composed by Nathan Matthew David.

Dolly de Leon

Acclaimed actress Dolly de Leon portrays Lola Fatima, Jo’s loving and storytelling grandmother. De Leon earned international critical praise and major award nominations for her role in ‘Triangle of Sadness’. In ‘Forgotten Island’, Lola Fatima passes down ancient stories of Nakali that serve as the folkloric guide for the girls’ adventure. Her tales establish the emotional foundation for Jo’s connection to the mythical realm.

Jo Koy

Stand-up comedian and actor Jo Koy voices Datu, a towering Kapre creature who leads a hidden forest community. Koy is recognized for his international comedy specials as well as his starring role in the family comedy ‘Easter Sunday’. In ‘Forgotten Island’, Datu presides over a welcoming village of magical beings that offers sanctuary to Jo and Raissa. His character brings humor and warmth to the traditional folklore represented throughout the setting.

Ronny Chieng

Comedian and actor Ronny Chieng voices Truffle Wuffle, the king of the Duwende people. Chieng is widely recognized for his work on ‘The Daily Show’ and his appearances in ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ and ‘Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings’. In ‘Forgotten Island’, King Truffle Wuffle presides over an underground realm holding a captive oceanic prince. His character delivers quick-witted dialogue during the protagonists’ quest through Nakali.

Kevin McCann

Kevin McCann voices Mermahn, the Prince of the Kataw people inhabiting the waters of Nakali. McCann is an experienced voice actor who has contributed to numerous animation and commercial projects. In ‘Forgotten Island’, Mermahn is mistaken for a mythical treasure known as the “Jewel of the Sea” before revealing his royal identity. His initial trickery complicates the girls’ journey before he ultimately aids them in the story’s climax.

Amielynn Abellera

Actress Amielynn Abellera voices Jane Molina, Raissa’s pragmatic and protective mother. Abellera is known for her appearances in television productions such as ‘The Cleaning Lady’. In ‘Forgotten Island’, Jane encourages Raissa to leave home to pursue her academic potential at CalTech. Her maternal expectations inadvertently spark the emotional conflict between the two best friends prior to their journey.

Januel Mercado

Filmmaker Januel Mercado voices Manny Molina, Raissa’s supportive father. Mercado also co-wrote and co-directed ‘Forgotten Island’ alongside director Joel Crawford. The two creatives previously collaborated on DreamWorks Animation’s acclaimed feature ‘Puss in Boots: The Last Wish’. In addition to his directorial responsibilities, Mercado’s vocal performance anchors the Molina family dynamic in the human world.

Nico Santos

Actor Nico Santos voices Starfish Pastie, a colorful creature found within the mystical ecosystem of Nakali. Santos gained widespread acclaim for his portrayal of Mateo in the television comedy ‘Superstore’ and his role in ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’. In ‘Forgotten Island’, Santos delivers an entertaining cameo that contributes to the island’s unique wildlife. His appearance highlights the film’s comedic approach to building its fantasy environment.

Which character from ‘Forgotten Island’ are you most excited to see on screen? Share your thoughts in the comments.