Forgotten Island introduces Prince Mermahn, DreamWorks’ blue new star
DreamWorks is preparing to release Forgotten Island, a new animated adventure from the Universal-owned studio. The film is scheduled to arrive in Australian cinemas on 25 September.
An exclusive first look introduces Jo, played by HER, and Raissa, played by Liza Soberano, alongside Prince Mermahn: a blue merman wearing a fishnet shirt and starfish coverings. Kevin McCann provides his voice.
Mermahn is the son of King Merdad, heir to the Pearl Throne and wielder of Tidebreaker, a trident sword. He is also described as shallow, self-absorbed and eager for validation before becoming part of the Wild Pack during Jo and Raissa’s journey across Nakali.
Prince Mermahn joins the film’s unusual group of allies, with Kevin McCann remaining in the finished production after his temporary recording proved too good to replace. McCann also worked on Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, where he voiced Ethical Bug.
For readers who enjoy the visual side of animation, the film’s fantasy-world approach may be worth watching. You can find more entertainment and arcade news on RETROCADE, including stories about the games and characters that shape pop culture.
A 2D-inspired visual approach
Director Joel Crawford previously led Puss in Boots: The Last Wish. For Forgotten Island, Crawford and co-director Januel Mercado wanted to explore more anime references and use 2D animation for side stories.
Building Nakali from the ground up also gave the filmmakers room to experiment with camera choices and lighting. Their stated aim was to capture the colours and atmosphere associated with the 1990s.
What is Forgotten Island about?
Jo and Raissa are best friends who accidentally pass through a mysterious portal while celebrating their final night together. It carries them to Nakali, a magical island filled with mythological creatures inspired by stories from their Filipino families.
The pair must find a way home before they lose their memories of their former lives, including their friendship. Along the way, they meet the well-meaning but hapless weredog Raww and a small group of companions.
Their greatest threat is The Dreaded Manananggal. When Jo and Raissa discover that their memories of one another are the price of returning home, they must escape before they forget each other completely.
Forgotten Island cast
- HER as Jo
- Liza Soberano as Raissa
- Dave Franco as Raww
- Manny Jacinto as Bungi, a Tiyanak
- Jenny Slate as Batiba, a Batibat
- Lea Salonga as The Dreaded Manananggal
- Dolly de Leon as Lola Fatima, Jo’s grandmother
- Jo Koy as Datu
- Ronny Chieng as King Truffle Wuffle
- Kevin McCann as Mermahn
When does Forgotten Island release?
Forgotten Island is due in cinemas on 25 September. While waiting, fans can browse RETROCADE’s arcade videos or explore the arcade machine buying guide for more screen-ready entertainment ideas.
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