Universal Pictures has set a theatrical release date for DreamWorks Animation’s “Forgotten Island.” The animated feature will be released on Sept. 25, 2026.
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.”
For “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish,” Crawford took the “Shrek” spinoff’s animation into new territory. Speaking about his style, he told Variety, “You can see the brushstrokes and it looks as if you’re in a moving painting.” He complemented the film’s story beats and took 2D inspirations that were incorporated into the 3D animation.
DreamWorks Animation last released “The Wild Robot,” which landed three Academy Award nominations, including one for best sound. It also scored nine Annie Awards. Later this year, the studio will release “The Bad Guys 2” movie and the live-action remake of “How to Train Your Dragon.”
Universal Pictures announced during its presentation at CinemaCon, the annual convention of movie theater owners, that the live-action “How to Train Your Dragon 2″ will be released in 2027, signaling confidence in the first remake headed to theaters this summer.
