Tom and Jerry: Forbidden Compass Brings Legendary Frenemies Back to the Big Screen

Tom and Jerry: Forbidden Compass opens a new chapter for the classic duo.

The ultimate frenemies are heading back to theaters as Tom and Jerry: Forbidden Compass arrives nationwide on September 9. The announcement was made during CinemaCon, giving fans their first look at the newest big-screen adventure featuring one of animation’s most iconic rivalries.

Based on the beloved characters created by Hanna-Barbera, now part of the Warner Bros. legacy, the film places Tom and Jerry in a fantasy-driven story that pushes the classic cat-and-mouse dynamic into bold new territory. While their rivalry has fueled decades of animated chaos, this latest installment challenges the pair to work together in ways audiences have not seen before.

A High-Speed Chase Leads to a Lost World

The story begins with Tom and Jerry clashing during a high-speed pursuit through New York’s Metropolitan Museum. Their latest chase unleashes a mysterious, mythical compass that opens a powerful vortex, transporting the pair to a breathtaking ancient metropolis lost in time.

Separated in an unfamiliar world filled with danger and intrigue, Jerry finds himself caught in the orbit of a cunning crime lord, while Tom is mistaken for a divine messenger. The mistaken identities create new comedic situations, but also force the longtime rivals into unexpected roles as they navigate a mysterious civilization filled with hidden threats.

To survive and find their way home, Tom and Jerry must put aside their differences and rely on each other. The film blends action, fantasy, and the physical comedy that has defined the characters for generations, while introducing a larger mythological backdrop that expands the scope of their adventures.

Written and directed by Gang Zhang, Tom and Jerry: Forbidden Compass carries a PG rating and runs 94 minutes. Warner Bros. China appointed Beijing-based Blossoms Entertainment to develop and oversee sales for the film, which was later acquired by Viva Kids for distribution earlier this year.

A Legacy of Timeless Comedy

Tom and Jerry remain one of the most recognizable duos in animation history. The characters were created in 1940 by William Hanna and Joseph Barbera for MGM and quickly became a cornerstone of animated storytelling. Their earliest shorts helped define the golden age of animation, blending visual humor, inventive gags, and expressive storytelling without relying heavily on dialogue.

Over the decades, Tom and Jerry have appeared in more than 160 theatrical shorts, numerous television series, and multiple feature-length films. Their original run earned seven Academy Awards for Best Animated Short Film, cementing their place as one of the most celebrated animated franchises ever created.

The duo successfully transitioned to television in the 1960s and continued evolving through various series, specials, and direct-to-video films. More recently, the characters returned to theaters in a hybrid live-action and animated film, introducing the classic rivalry to a new generation of viewers while maintaining the slapstick humor that longtime fans expect.

Part of Tom and Jerry’s enduring appeal comes from the simplicity of their concept. The ongoing battle between cat and mouse has proven endlessly adaptable across eras, styles, and formats. Whether set in suburban homes, bustling cities, or imaginative fantasy worlds, the dynamic between the two characters continues to resonate with audiences of all ages.

Expanding the World of Tom and Jerry

Tom and Jerry: Forbidden Compass aims to push the franchise into new territory by combining its signature physical comedy with larger-scale worldbuilding. The introduction of a mythical compass and ancient civilization allows the story to explore fantasy elements while preserving the familiar humor that defines the characters.

The film also reflects the continued global appeal of Tom and Jerry, as international collaboration plays a role in bringing the project to life. The involvement of Warner Bros. China and Blossoms Entertainment highlights the franchise’s ability to reach audiences worldwide while maintaining the core identity established more than 80 years ago.

As Tom and Jerry continue their cinematic journey, Forbidden Compass represents another evolution of the beloved characters. By placing them in a visually rich adventure filled with mystery, danger, and unexpected teamwork, the film offers a fresh take on one of animation’s most enduring rivalries.

Film Details

Director: Gang Zhang
Writer: Gang Zhang
Release Date: September 9, 2026

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