**Positive early critical reception and festival buzz are the main drivers shaping trader expectations for a high Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer on DreamWorks Animation’s *Forgotten Island*.** The film, directed by Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado (the team behind the well-received *Puss in Boots: The Last Wish*), centers on two childhood friends transported into a fantasy realm drawn from Filipino mythology. Work-in-progress screenings at CinemaCon and Annecy generated strong enthusiasm, including a reported standing ovation at the latter. The 13 early reviews published so far are uniformly favorable, praising the emotional friendship story, vivid animation, humor, cultural specificity, and heartfelt tone. These elements have fueled industry narrative around the project as a fresh, culturally grounded animated entry. With wide release set for September 25, 2026—just days away—additional reviews are expected to arrive quickly and lock in the score around the September 28 market resolution window. Historical patterns for similar animated releases show that strong precursor reactions often translate into Certified Fresh outcomes, though final tallies remain sensitive to the broader critical consensus once embargoed reviews and audience metrics enter the picture. Traders appear to be pricing in momentum from the directors’ track record and the film’s distinctive cultural angle as key tailwinds.