Liza Soberano opened up about how her off-screen connection with Forgotten Island co-star H.E.R. helped shape their on-screen dynamic in the animated film.
In the DreamWorks Animation film, Liza voices Raissa, a young woman who becomes stranded on Nakali, a mysterious island that steals memories, alongside her childhood best friend Jo, voiced by Grammy-winning artist H.E.R. As they search for a way home, the two must navigate the island’s dangers while facing the possibility that escaping could cost them some of their most treasured memories.
In an interview with Rotten Tomatoes Editor Jacqueline Coley, Liza shared that she and H.E.R., whose real name is Gabriella “Gabi” Wilson, had only crossed paths a few times before working on the project.
"Gabi and I, before we started recording Forgotten Island, we only met like twice at like major events, so I didn't really know her on a personal level but obviously I was a fangirl of hers," she shared.
Liza said that after learning H.E.R. had been cast as Joe, she began watching the singer’s interviews online in an effort to get a better sense of her personality.
"So, when I found out that she was cast as Jo, what I did was I started watching a lot of videos of her just doing interviews on YouTube because I wanted to get to know her personally, but we didn't have the time because everything was just so quick once we got cast. So, it started with that, just me kind of just building that parasocial relationship with her," she said.
The two eventually had the opportunity to record together in person, something Liza said helped them better understand the dynamic between their characters.
"But then when we had our first recording session together, which is a very rare occurrence for an animation apparently, that really helped kind of give us a better understanding of the dynamic we both have," she stated.
Liza added that their shared Filipino upbringing also helped them instantly connect with each other.
"I think because we grew up with Filipino parents and grandparents, we instantly click. It's the Filipino connection I would say because there's a lot of things in our upbringing that we both experienced that we kind of both identify and relate to," she highlighted.
READ: Liza Soberano reflectson why she connected with her character in 'Forgotten Island'
The Filipino-American actress added that having two recording sessions together further strengthened their bond, while praising H.E.R. for making an effort to connect with her outside of work.
"It really helped that we had that two sessions in person and also Gabi is such a warm and friendly person and she made so many efforts to kind of reach out to me and hang out before we went into recording," she stated.
Forgotten Island is set to be released in Philippine theaters on September 23.