Dreamworks Announces ‘Forgotten Island’

DreamWorks Animation’s announced a new original film: Forgotten Island. The film will be released by Universal Pictures on September 25, fall of 2026.

Forgotten Island is an incredible rarity for Dreamworks Animation, which rarely produces original films that are not based on a franchise, pre-existing IP, or an adaptation of literary material. In fact, over the last 15 years, the studio has released just one completely original film — Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken — an above-average effort that failed to gain steam at the box office and earned just $46 million worldwide.

Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado will write and direct the feature film. While little has been revealed about the plot, the film is described as a “broad party comedy adventure that transports the film’s protagonists to a long forgotten, magical island rooted in Philippine mythology.” Crawford’s longtime collaborator, Mark Swift, is set to produce the film.

“Forgotten Island” will mark Mercado’s first full directing credit. He worked as a co-director on “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish.” He was also head of story for Crawford’s “The Croods: A New Age.”