Voice actors in animated studio projects frequently record their lines early in production, often years prior to completion. Because character designs and final visuals evolve throughout the lengthy process, cast members typically experience the completed film much like any other audience member.
The long animation timeline
Dave Franco, who co-stars in the fantasy adventure Forgotten Island, noted that the film’s directors worked on the project for over five years. Franco recorded his voice in eight to ten sessions. Because his involvement represented a small portion of the total production timeline, seeing the final movie offered an objective viewing experience.
Cast members portray a group of characters derived from Filipino folklore. Franco plays Raww, a were-dog who befriends characters on the magical island of Nakali. Jenny Slate voices Batiba, a catlike demon covered in runes, while Manny Jacinto voices Bungi, a three-eyed demon baby.
Surprises on the big screen
Both Slate and Jacinto expressed surprise when seeing their finished characters animated on-screen. Slate stated she enjoyed watching Batiba light up with glowing runes during magical sequences. Jacinto praised the animators’ ability to bring emotion and character to a voice recorded inside a booth, noting his satisfaction with a sequence where his character uses a pinkeye blast.
Vocal challenges and references
Franco highlighted a sequence where his character recounts a memory with a deeper, stereotypical masculine voice and imitates the two main female characters, drawing on ’90s anime and fighting game styles.
Meanwhile, Slate and Jacinto focused on emotional balance. Slate sought a light touch to keep Batiba’s true objectives hidden behind her outward presentation. Jacinto navigated a fine line between horror and comedy while recounting the terror of the story’s antagonist, the Manananggal.
