3 Reasons Forgotten Island Surprised Audiences & Opened to 97M Pesos

Superace88 players often appreciate a well-crafted visual experience, and DreamWorks Animation's latest feature, Forgotten Island, certainly delivers on that front. After officially opening in cinemas across the Philippines on September 23, 2026, the film quickly set a new benchmark, earning over 97 million Philippine pesos during its opening weekend—the largest theatrical opening weekend for a DreamWorks film in the country. Before the wide release, I found myself drawn to the movie simply because of its title, but the trailer's vivid art style and mysterious atmosphere immediately grabbed my attention.

1. A Star-Studded Promotional Run

The momentum built long before the Philippine opening. On August 25, 2026, the "Tayo Na, Philippines!" special promotional event took over the SM Mall of Asia Main Atrium. Hosted by Ai Dela Cruz, the purple carpet fan event brought out lead voice actors Liza Soberano and H.E.R., alongside co-directors Januel Mercado and Joel Crawford, and producer Mark Swift. Almost a month later, on September 23, the Hollywood premiere took place at the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art in Los Angeles, drawing a massive cast lineup including Dave Franco, Jo Koy, and Manny Jacinto. For the cast and crew, these red carpets represent the moment years of production finally meet the public.

2. Striking Visuals and Scene Design

What sets this film apart is its commitment to a highly specific, vibrant aesthetic. The trailer alone showcases colorful, strange creatures and an unfamiliar, eerie, yet lively island environment. From the released footage, the scene design shows significant ingenuity. The visual rhythm of the adventure is tight, creating an atmosphere that makes you want to uncover what hides in the background.

3. A Familiar Humorous Core Inside a Survival Story

While the visuals are striking, the narrative anchors itself in a classic survival setup. The main character washes ashore unexpectedly and must face a continuous string of challenges. Earning that 97 million peso opening weekend required more than just nice art; it required a story where surviving means slowly uncovering the island's secrets and examining the character's own inner thoughts. Even with these heavier themes of courage and memory, the film retains the relaxed, humorous storytelling style DreamWorks is known for.