The original American cartoon heroes Tom and Jerry in ancient China? If you want to see that, you’ll have to wait a few more months in this country. Until then, you can watch the trailer for “Tom & Jerry: Forbidden Compass”:
“Tom & Jerry” is one of the longest-running animated franchises from the USA. Created in 1940 by cartoon pioneers William Hanna and Joseph Barbera (“The Flintstones,” “Scooby-Doo,” etc.), the cat-and-mouse duo has been loved by fans for generations, but they can also be critical. The studio Warner Bros., which owns the rights, was most recently heavily criticized by its own fans in 2021 for the meek live-action film/animation hybrid “Tom & Jerry”, which degraded the title characters to supporting characters.
And there is also great dissatisfaction with the new “Tom & Jerry: Forbidden Compass”, especially in the States, before it even has a launch date there. The very unusual look of the slapstick permanent opponents, softened with 3D CGI technology, is causing anger on social media, as is the fact that the content of the whole thing is apparently far removed from what we have been used to for decades. The work directed by director Zhang Gang is obviously a fantasy and time travel adventure set largely in ancient China.
The film, produced by Warner Bros. in cooperation with the China Film Group Corporation (run by the propaganda department of the ruling Chinese Communist Party), was primarily made for the Chinese or Asian market. CGFC also produced the mega blockbusters “The Wandering Earth” and played a key role in Hollywood films such as the “Fast & Furious” actioners, “Meg 1+2” and “The Great Wall”.
In China, “Tom & Jerry: Forbidden Compass” debuted on big screens nationwide in August 2025. Since then, the title has also been launched in Spain, Greece and Bulgaria, among others. “Tom & Jerry: Forbidden Compass” is scheduled to open in cinemas in Germany on April 30, 2026.
Tom & Jerry: “Forbidden Compass”: That’s the story
The clever little mouse Jerry wants to sneak into the New York Ethnological Museum, but is repeatedly stopped by Tom the cat, who is guarding the entrance door. Finally, Jerry manages to outsmart his adversary and get past him.
During a turbulent chase through exhibits from ancient China, the two come across a magical compass that unexpectedly transports them to a strange world. As they search for a way back to their present, they encounter a series of new friends and enemies. In addition, a mysterious force stands in their way and forces them to face it in a major showdown.
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