The world’s most iconic cartoon rivalry is returning to cinemas with a fresh twist.
Tom and Jerry is back in a brand new feature film titled Tom and Jerry: Forbidden Compass, a fully animated adventure that reimagines the legendary cat and mouse duo for today’s audience. The film is scheduled for a wider theatrical rollout, including a September 9, 2026 release in the United States, following its earlier debut in Asia.
Originally created by William Hanna and Joseph Barbera, Tom and Jerry has remained a cultural staple for over eight decades. Known for its fast-paced slapstick humor and minimal dialogue, the franchise has thrived across multiple formats, from theatrical shorts to television series and feature films.
With Forbidden Compass, the franchise takes a more cinematic direction. The film is directed and written by Zhang Gang, and is produced in collaboration with Warner Bros. Pictures and China Film Co., pushing a strong international production effort.
The story begins in familiar territory, with Tom chasing Jerry inside a museum. However, the chase quickly takes a dramatic turn when they accidentally activate a mysterious magical compass. This device transports them into a completely different world, far removed from their usual suburban chaos.
In this new realm, Tom and Jerry encounter unfamiliar characters and become entangled in a larger conflict tied to the power of the compass. While their rivalry remains intact, the story introduces a stronger narrative arc, blending fantasy, adventure, and world-building with the franchise’s traditional comedic style.
One of the biggest changes in Forbidden Compass is its animation style. Unlike the hybrid live-action approach of Tom & Jerry, this film is fully computer animated.
The film features two distinct voice casts across different versions, including its original Chinese release and the English dub.
For the original version, the cast includes Zhang Wenjie, Tu Xiongfei, Li Baixin, and Jiang Wen, among others, voicing key characters in the film’s fantasy setting.
For the English dub, a wider ensemble of well-known voice actors has been confirmed. Eric Bauza and Benjamin Diskin take on the roles of Tom and Jerry respectively. Supporting roles include Travis Willingham, Janice Kawaye, Matthew Yang King, and Roger Craig Smith, alongside a broader ensemble cast contributing additional voices.
This dual-cast structure reflects the film’s international production strategy, allowing it to appeal to both regional and global audiences.
Tom and Jerry: Forbidden Compass first premiered at the Shanghai International Film Festival in June 2025 before receiving a theatrical release in China in August of the same year.
Rather than launching simultaneously worldwide, the film is following a staggered global rollout. Its U.S. theatrical release is set for September 9, 2026, with other regions expected to follow based on distribution plans.
