Jo Koy Joins DreamWorks' Forgotten Island Voice Cast

Jo Koy Joins 'Forgotten Island': DreamWorks' Philippine Mythology Animated Film Gets a Star-Studded Cast

Filipino-American comedian and actor Jo Koy is making waves in animation, and fans couldn't be more excited. On March 22, 2026, actress Dolly de Leon announced via Instagram that she, Jo Koy, Amielynn Abellera, and Ronny Chieng are joining the voice cast of Forgotten Island — DreamWorks Animation's upcoming feature film inspired by Philippine mythology. The announcement sent ripples through both the entertainment industry and Filipino communities worldwide, cementing what is already shaping up to be a landmark moment for Filipino representation in mainstream animation.

With a theatrical release set for September 25 and a cast that reads like a who's who of Filipino and Filipino-adjacent talent, Forgotten Island is quickly becoming one of the most anticipated animated films of the year. Here's everything you need to know.

What Is 'Forgotten Island'?

Forgotten Island is an upcoming DreamWorks animated feature film described as a comedy adventure set on a magical island rooted in Philippine mythology. Directed by Januel Mercado, the film represents a significant cultural milestone — it's one of the first major Hollywood animated productions to draw deeply from Filipino folklore and mythological traditions.

DreamWorks Animation, the studio behind beloved franchises such as How to Train Your Dragon, Shrek, and Kung Fu Panda, is producing the film, lending it the kind of production pedigree that signals serious investment in the project. With those franchises as context, audiences can expect rich world-building, emotionally resonant storytelling, and sharp humor — a combination that perfectly suits the comedy-adventure tone the film is going for.

Philippine mythology is a treasure trove of creatures, deities, and legends that have remained largely untapped by Hollywood. From the shape-shifting aswang to the benevolent diwata (fairies) and the fearsome tikbalang (half-horse, half-human beings), Filipino folklore offers a vivid and largely unfamiliar world to global audiences — exactly the kind of fresh territory that made films like Moana and Coco so compelling.

Jo Koy's Role and Why This Casting Matters

Jo Koy, born Joseph Glenn Herbert, has spent decades building one of the most successful stand-up careers in comedy, often drawing from his Filipino-American heritage. His Netflix specials, including Jo Koy: In His Elements — which was filmed in the Philippines — have brought Filipino culture to global audiences in ways few entertainers have managed. His inclusion in Forgotten Island feels like a natural evolution of that cultural advocacy.

While specific character details for Jo Koy's role have not yet been disclosed, his casting alongside a predominantly Filipino ensemble is a statement in itself. For a generation of Filipino-Americans who grew up rarely seeing themselves represented in mainstream media — let alone in a DreamWorks feature — this announcement carries real emotional weight.

According to GMA Network, Dolly de Leon confirmed the new additions to the cast via her Instagram, which quickly went viral across Filipino social media communities.

The Full Voice Cast: A Filipino Supergroup

The ensemble assembled for Forgotten Island is nothing short of extraordinary. The cast combines international award-winners, Broadway legends, chart-topping musicians, and beloved comedians — many of Filipino descent.

• Jo Koy — Stand-up comedian and actor known for his celebration of Filipino-American identity
• Dolly de Leon — Award-winning Filipino actress who received international acclaim for her role in Triangle of Sadness
• Amielynn Abellera — Filipino-American actress and comedian, joining as one of the newly announced cast members
• Lea Salonga — Tony Award-winning Broadway icon and the iconic singing voice of Disney's Jasmine and Mulan
• Liza Soberano — One of the Philippines' biggest stars, making her major Hollywood animated debut
• Manny Jacinto — Canadian-Filipino actor best known for his role as Jason Mendoza in The Good Place
• Ronny Chieng — Malaysian-Chinese comedian and actor from Crazy Rich Asians and the Daily Show
• H.E.R. — Grammy and Academy Award-winning singer-songwriter, adding her powerhouse vocals to the project

As reported by MSN Entertainment, the additions of Jo Koy, Dolly de Leon, Amielynn Abellera, and Ronny Chieng round out a cast that had previously been anchored by Lea Salonga, Liza Soberano, H.E.R., and Manny Jacinto.

The presence of Lea Salonga is particularly symbolic. Having lent her voice to two of Disney's most iconic animated heroines, her joining a DreamWorks Philippine mythology film feels like a full-circle moment for Filipino representation in Hollywood animation.

Director Januel Mercado and the Vision Behind the Film

At the helm of Forgotten Island is director Januel Mercado, a Filipino animator whose credits include work on major DreamWorks productions. His direction on a film rooted in Philippine culture is a significant development — Hollywood studios have increasingly recognized that authentic storytelling requires authentic voices behind the camera, not just in front of the microphone.

The decision to ground the film in Philippine mythology rather than offering a generic fantasy backdrop suggests a commitment to cultural specificity. Philippine folklore is deeply regional and community-rooted, with stories varying between Tagalog, Visayan, Ilocano, and other ethnic groups. How the film navigates this richness — and whether it leans into the complexity or simplifies it for mainstream palatability — will be one of the key things critics and Filipino audiences will be watching closely.

That said, DreamWorks' track record with culturally-specific animated films is strong. Kung Fu Panda managed to honor Chinese aesthetics while delivering universal storytelling, and there's reason to believe Forgotten Island can do the same for Filipino culture.

What the Announcement Means for Filipino Representation in Hollywood

The buzz surrounding Forgotten Island goes beyond entertainment gossip — it touches something deeper. Filipinos are one of the largest Asian diasporas in the United States, yet Filipino stories have historically been underrepresented in major Hollywood productions. Films like Easter Sunday (also starring Jo Koy) have made strides, but a full-scale DreamWorks animated feature inspired by Philippine mythology is genuinely unprecedented.

For Filipino children growing up in the U.S., Australia, the Middle East, or anywhere else in the global diaspora, seeing familiar cultural touchstones — mythological creatures, Filipino humor, Filipino faces and voices — in a major animated film carries a profound message of visibility and belonging. The reaction on social media to Dolly de Leon's Instagram announcement reflected this, with thousands of comments from Filipinos expressing pride and excitement.

The film also arrives at a moment when Hollywood is increasingly recognizing the commercial viability of diverse, culturally specific storytelling. Encanto, Turning Red, and Moana 2 have all demonstrated that audiences are hungry for animated films that go beyond the familiar Euro-centric fairy tale template.

Frequently Asked Questions About Jo Koy and 'Forgotten Island'

When does 'Forgotten Island' release in theaters?

Forgotten Island is scheduled for a theatrical release on September 25. No year beyond the confirmed September 25 date has been specified in official announcements, but given the March 2026 cast announcement, the film is expected to arrive later in 2026.

Who is directing 'Forgotten Island'?

The film is directed by Januel Mercado, a Filipino animator and filmmaker working with DreamWorks Animation.

What is the plot of 'Forgotten Island'?

The film is described as a comedy adventure set on a magical island rooted in Philippine mythology. Specific plot details have not been fully revealed, but the premise draws from Filipino folklore and mythological traditions.

Is Jo Koy Filipino?

Yes. Jo Koy (Joseph Glenn Herbert) is Filipino-American — his mother is Filipino, and his cultural heritage has been a central theme throughout his comedy career. He has spoken extensively about growing up Filipino-American and has used his platform to celebrate Filipino culture globally.

What other films has DreamWorks Animation produced?

DreamWorks Animation is the studio behind major franchises including Shrek, How to Train Your Dragon, Kung Fu Panda, Madagascar, and The Boss Baby, among many others.

Conclusion: A Historic Moment for Filipino Storytelling

The casting of Jo Koy in Forgotten Island is more than just a headline — it's part of a larger cultural shift that's been building for years. With a cast that includes Dolly de Leon, Lea Salonga, Liza Soberano, Manny Jacinto, Amielynn Abellera, Ronny Chieng, and H.E.R., DreamWorks Animation has assembled one of the most exciting and culturally significant voice ensembles in recent animated film history.

Directed by Januel Mercado and rooted in Philippine mythology, Forgotten Island has every ingredient needed to be a breakout hit — world-class talent, a beloved studio's resources, and a rich, largely unexplored cultural canvas to draw from. With a theatrical release set for September 25, the countdown is officially on.

For Filipino communities around the world — and for anyone who loves great animated storytelling — Forgotten Island is shaping up to be one of the most important films of 2026.