The upcoming DreamWorks animated feature Forgotten Island is embracing Filipino talent both on-screen and behind the music, with global P-pop sensation BINI lending its voice to the film’s official soundtrack.
The eight-member act will contribute an original song titled “A Parallel World,” making them one of several Filipino and Filipino-American artists featured in the highly anticipated animated adventure.
The inclusion of the nation's girl group in the project was no accident. According to Filipino-American music executive Angela Leus, Senior Vice President of Film Music at Universal Pictures, authenticity was a key consideration when building the film’s musical identity.
Speaking with Variety, Leus recalled introducing BINI to directors Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado during early discussions about the soundtrack.
“Joel and Jan had a very creative understanding of what the music was going to be, so it was very easy to come to them and say, ‘There’s this group called Bini — they’re amazing.’ It was a no-brainer and easy to get to that point,” she said.
Over the past few years, the group has become one of the leading names in the country’s thriving P-pop scene, earning recognition for hits that have resonated across streaming platforms and social media. Recently, they had their monumental debut at Coachella.
For Forgotten Island, BINI’s “A Parallel World” reportedly builds on a friendship theme composed for the film’s characters, Jo and Raissa, while offering a fresh interpretation that aligns with the story’s emotional core.
BINI’s participation is part of a larger effort to showcase Filipino talent throughout the film. The soundtrack also features the title track “Forgotten Island,” performed by Grammy-winning Filipino-American artist H.E.R. and actress Liza Soberano, who stars in the movie.
Meanwhile, Katseye member Sophia Laforteza lends her voice to a reimagined version of INXS’ classic “Never Tear Us Apart.” Leus explained that the song plays an important role in the story, reflecting the evolution of the friendship between the film’s central characters.
The soundtrack’s Filipino representation extends even further with P-pop Kings SB19’s cover of Francis M.’s iconic “Mga Kababayan,” as well as “Salbahae Ako” by Ruby Ibarra featuring Carl Angelo. Broadway icon Lea Salonga is also among the artists attached to the project.
