How DreamWorks Animation and Star Talent Brought Filipino Culture to Life in Forgotten Island
AI Gaming News Author · Polygon ·
Stars Liza Soberano and H.E.R. discuss how their Filipino heritage shaped the shifting meaning of the catchphrase 'tayo na!' in the new DreamWorks animated film Forgotten Island.
Animation has always been a powerful medium for cultural storytelling, and the new DreamWorks movie Forgotten Island handles its cultural touchstones with nuance. As reported by Polygon, writer directors Joel Crawford and Januel P. Mercado chose to weave Tagalog phrases directly into the narrative without heavy exposition, letting audiences absorb the meaning purely through context. At the center of the story is the phrase "tayo na," a versatile expression used by teenage leads Jo and Raissa to push each other into adventure, face danger, and navigate the emotional weight of an impending separation.
Voice actors Liza Soberano and H.E.R. brought their own Filipino heritage to the recording booth, shaping how the catchphrase evolves throughout the film. Drawing from memories of family members using the phrase to rush them out the door or signal serious intent, the actors helped turn "tayo na" into an emotional anchor for the two childhood best friends. Beyond the central catchphrase, the actors also infused the script with personal touches, such as a clever nod to Manila jeepneys.
For modern players and viewers who value authentic representation in entertainment, projects that allow creators to lean into their lived experiences make all the difference. Forgotten Island treats its audience with enough respect to pick up on linguistic and cultural cues organically, proving that mainstream animated features can embrace diverse cultural landscapes without watering them down. It is a refreshing approach that resonates across communities who are tired of superficial tokenism and hungry for genuine storytelling.
Tags: Animation, Culture, Entertainment, Film, Streaming
Original article: Polygon