‘Forgotten Island’ merchandise rollout includes limited-edition ube ice cream

DreamWorks Animation’s “Forgotten Island” arrives in U.S. theaters Friday, Sept. 25, alongside a growing merchandise rollout that includes apparel, backpacks, books and even limited-edition ube ice cream.

BoxLunch and Hot Topic are carrying new “Forgotten Island” merchandise, while Random House Children’s Books has four titles on the way. Magnolia Ice Cream is also joining the rollout with a special version of its ube ice cream in “Forgotten Island” packaging.

From the freezer aisle to your closet, “Forgotten Island” is making sure the adventure doesn’t end when the credits roll.

“Forgotten Island” quick facts

• Opens: Friday, Sept. 25, in U.S. theaters. Philippine cinemas got the film on Sept. 23.
• Studio: DreamWorks Animation, with Universal rolling out the merchandise.
• Written and directed by: Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado, the team behind “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish.”
• Voice cast: H.E.R., Liza Soberano, Dave Franco, Jenny Slate, Manny Jacinto, Dolly de Leon, Jo Koy, Ronny Chieng, and Lea Salonga.
• Merchandise partners: BoxLunch, Hot Topic, Random House Children’s Books, and Magnolia Ice Cream.

“Forgotten Island” merchandise at a glance

The Star of the show (at least for us): Magnolia Limited Edition Ube Ice Cream

If one item stands out in the “Forgotten Island” merchandise rollout, it may be found in the freezer aisle. Magnolia Ice Cream has partnered with Universal on a limited-edition version of its ube ice cream featuring special “Forgotten Island” packaging.

Ube is a purple yam commonly used in Filipino desserts, and Magnolia has been making its ube ice cream since 1972. The limited-edition “Forgotten Island” packaging is available at Seafood City locations in the United States, with additional flavors, including Macapuno Coconut, expected to follow.

The promotional information says it’s available in the U.S., but Seafood City is not in every neighborhood, so check the store locator before planning a trip around a tub.

BoxLunch and Hot Topic: Tees, backpacks, and a very cozy-looking hoodie

BoxLunch has about ten “Forgotten Island” merchandise items. The Mabuhay T-Shirt ($29.90) features a tropical-inspired design of Jo and Raissa, and Mabuhay is a Filipino word often used as a cheer or greeting. The Bungi Tiyanak T-Shirt ($29.90) puts the character’s name beneath its front graphic. The BFF Bracelet Mini Backpack ($79.90) is modeled after Raissa’s backpack and includes a best friend bracelet charm, embroidered details, and a faux sticky note applique. At $79.90, it is the priciest listed item in the lineup.

Hot Topic has three “Forgotten Island” merchandise items arriving Sept. 25. The Icons Mini Backpack With Coin Purse ($49.90) has a patch of Raissa and Jo, star and character graphics, paint splatter detailing, a front zipper pocket, side pockets, an interior zipper pocket, adjustable straps, a detachable “Mega Mix!” coin purse, and a “BFF” bead bracelet. The Chibi Character Pajama Pants ($26.91) carry an allover print of chibi Raissa, Jo, and other characters, with pockets and an elasticated drawstring waistband.

The Raissa & Jo Girls Oversized Hoodie ($59.88) is a zip-up with purple graphics on the chest, the film logo on the sleeve, wings on the back, mineral wash, and drawcords inspired by the friendship bracelets.

If you want a backpack, the two are different animals. BoxLunch’s is the Raissa replica and costs $30 more. Hot Topic’s is $49.90 and includes the coin purse and bracelet.

What is “Forgotten Island”

“Forgotten Island” is an original animated adventure, not based on an existing book, game, or earlier film, dreamed up by Crawford and Mercado. Set in the Philippines in the 1990s, it follows lifelong best friends Jo (H.E.R.) and Raissa (Liza Soberano). Raissa is about to leave for the California Institute of Technology, and Jo’s grandmother (Dolly de Leon) has always told stories about a legendary island.

On their last night together, the pair stumble through a portal to that island, Nakali, a fantasy world of creatures from Filipino folklore. Getting home may cost them their memories of their friendship. Along the way, the friends meet a cast of folklore creatures, including a Manananggal named Manang (Lea Salonga), a tour guide named Raww (Dave Franco), Batiba (Jenny Slate), and Bungi the Tiyanak (Manny Jacinto). The Manananggal is a creature known for splitting its body in two.