The latest reveal from the film introduces Prince Mermahn, a self-absorbed and visually striking merman who plays a prominent role in the protagonists’ journey. In an exclusive image provided to media outlets, Mermahn is depicted as a muscular, blue-toned character sporting a fishnet shirt and strategically placed starfish covering his chest. As the son of King Merdad and the heir to the Pearl Throne, Mermahn wields a trident sword known as the Tidebreaker. Described by the filmmakers as a shallow and validation-seeking royal, Mermahn eventually crosses paths with the main characters and becomes a part of the Wild Pack during their travels across the fantastical realm of Nakali.
Behind the character’s creation is an unexpected casting story. Co-directors Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado revealed that Prince Mermahn is voiced by Kevin McCann. During the early production and editorial phases of the film, various crew members provided temporary or scratch vocal tracks for reference before professional voice actors were officially cast. According to the directors, McCann’s temporary vocal performance simply proved too good to replace, prompting the creative team to keep him in the final cut. McCann, who worked on the editorial team for both Forgotten Island and the critically acclaimed Puss in Boots: The Last Wish—where he also voiced the character "Ethical Bug"—brings a unique energy to the narcissistic royal.
The film’s visual identity builds upon the stylistic evolution established by Crawford in his previous directorial work on Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, which famously experimented with rendering techniques and painterly aesthetics. In discussing how the team expanded upon those artistic boundaries for Forgotten Island, Crawford and Mercado noted a desire to integrate deeper anime influences and incorporate concise side-stories executed entirely in traditional 2D animation. Building the world of Nakali completely from scratch also provided the production crew with the creative freedom to experiment with distinct camera lens choices and intricate lighting designs, aiming to immerse viewers directly into a vibrant palette reminiscent of 1990s visual culture.
At its core, Forgotten Island follows an emotional and high-stakes narrative centering on friendship and memory. The plot kicks off when two close friends, Jo—voiced by singer and musician HER—and Raissa, portrayed by actress Liza Soberano, are celebrating what is meant to be their final night together before circumstances separate them. During their evening, the pair accidentally stumble upon a mysterious, hidden portal that transports them away from the mundane world and directly into the wondrous island of Nakali. This fantastical setting is heavily populated by magical and mythological figures rooted in the Filipino folklore that both characters grew up hearing about from their families.
Upon arriving in this strange realm, Jo and Raissa quickly discover that the inhabitants of Nakali are a mix of both helpful allies and formidable threats. Among their traveling companions is Raww, a well-meaning but perpetually hapless weredog voiced by Dave Franco, alongside a small yet fiercely loyal pack of friends. Together, this diverse group must navigate the dangers of the island while facing its most feared entity, The Dreaded Manananggal, portrayed by Tony Award-winning icon Lea Salonga. The journey quickly turns into a desperate race against time when the protagonists learn a devastating rule of the realm: the price of finding a way back home is the complete and permanent loss of the memories of their entire friendship. To escape Nakali, Jo and Raissa must outmaneuver the island’s perils and find a way out before they forget each other entirely.
As anticipation builds for the late-September release, Forgotten Island represents a significant new chapter for DreamWorks, merging personal coming-of-age storytelling with expansive mythical world-building. With its distinct visual style, star-studded voice cast, and deep roots in cultural folklore, the film stands as one of the most anticipated animated releases of the fall season. Audiences will have the opportunity to experience the journey of Jo, Raissa, and characters like Prince Mermahn when Forgotten Island officially arrives in theaters on September 25.
