DreamWorks’ 'Kpop Demon Hunters' Replacement Officially Arrives in 1 Week

Sam Nelson·Sep 4, 2026·Source

Get ready for another colorful animated movie packed with music and demons

Netflix’s animated musical Kpop Demon Hunters was an unexpected sensation, spending a full year in the streaming service’s global top 10 list. The film about a K-pop band whose music secretly empowers a mystical barrier protecting the world from demons racked up more than 500 million views, becoming Netflix’s most-watched title ever. Sony originally thought Kpop Demon Hunters was too “niche” for a theatrical release, but its success prompted Netflix to launch its widest theatrical run ever to give fans the chance to sing along in the theaters.

A sequel is in the works, but it will likely be years until its release given how long animation takes to produce. Netflix is also working on launching a global concert tour. But a new treat for Kpop Demon Hunters fans is arriving in three weeks. Forgotten Island, an original DreamWorks Animation film from Puss in Boots: The Last Wish co-directors Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado, combines demons, music, and a sweet story about female friendship for a fantasy film that is likely to resonate with anyone obsessed with Huntrix and the Saja Boys.

What is Forgotten Island about?

A girl with her hair pulled up in a topknot, wearing a Bowser-style spiked turtle shell, comforts her friend, a girl with long, dark hair shaved on one side, and big red glasses sliding down her nose, in Forgotten Island

Set in the Philippines in the 1990s, Forgotten Island follows best friends Jo (H.E.R.) and Raissa (Liza Soberano). When Raissa is admitted to Caltech, Jo insists they spend one last memorable night together. While they just plan on goofing off on the beach, they wind up finding a portal to Nakali, a mystical realm from the stories told by Jo’s grandmother.

There they encounter numerous demons and other creatures from Philippine mythology, including the flying, vampire-like Manananggal (Lea Salonga), the baby demon Bungi (Manny Jacinto), and the handsome Kataw Mermahn (Kevin McCann). In a fantasy version of The Hangover, they wake up on the beach in Nakali with no memories of their night partying together, and have to piece together what happened and get home before Raissa misses her flight to the U.S.

Why is Forgotten Island perfect for Kpop Demon Hunters fans?

Raisa wears headphones while Jo sings in Forgotten Island

While Raissa and Jo aren’t part of a band, Forgotten Island has a lot of music. There are multiple karaoke scenes and the duo freestyle rap together. The song list showcases original contemporary Filipino music along with ‘80s and ‘90s American classics like Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’” and Sir Mix-a-Lot’s “Baby Got Back.” The quirky creatures of Nakali are sure to appeal to anyone who loves Jinu’s pets. Forgotten Island is also drawing on the same anime styles as Kpop Demon Hunters, mixing silly exaggerated facial expressions with absolutely gorgeous, colorful magical battles.

Both movies are also fundamentally about the power of friendship. Rumi, the leader of Huntrix, is tormented by keeping the secret of her demonic heritage from her bandmates, but finds strength once they accept her true self. Jo is worried that Raissa will leave her behind and forget about her when she goes to America, and their adventure is about proving their relationship and the memories they have built together are strong enough to survive any distance.

How can you watch Forgotten Island?

Forgotten Island releases in theaters on Sept. 25.

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