Tom and Jerry’s classic cat-and-mouse chase has taken a giant leap through time—and geography. At a star-studded gala in Beijing, fans gathered to celebrate the premiere of “Tom and Jerry: Forbidden Compass,” the latest animated feature that transports the duo back to ancient China. Co-produced by iconic Western studios and creative teams on the Chinese mainland, the film weaves together slapstick humor, breathtaking CG landscapes, and a fresh East-meets-West storyline.
With an 85-year legacy of laughter, Tom and Jerry have evolved from black-and-white shorts to full-blown blockbusters. “Forbidden Compass” leans into local myths—think imperial palaces, legendary guardians and mystical inventions—while staying true to the duo’s mischievous roots. The result? A global romp that feels both nostalgic and brand new.
Fans at the Beijing premiere shared why the franchise still resonates: it’s universal, non-verbal comedy, and the new setting sparks curiosity about Chinese history and culture. For young global citizens and digital nomads, it’s a journey into immersive storytelling; for business and tech enthusiasts, it’s proof of cross-border creative collaboration at scale.
CGTN joined the red-carpet celebrations, capturing scenes of excited chatter in Mandarin, English and beyond. Early reactions hint at strong cultural crossover potential: viewers praise the film’s vibrant animation style and nods to traditional Chinese art and architecture.
“Tom and Jerry: Forbidden Compass” is slated for release outside of the Chinese mainland in late 2025, promising audiences across G20 nations a fresh spin on an 85-year-old rivalry. Whether you’re a long-time fan, a thought leader tracking global media trends, or simply in search of feel-good entertainment, this animated adventure is set to deliver—and maybe even teach a few history lessons along the way.
As the world becomes ever more connected, this time-traveling cat-and-mouse pair prove that cross-cultural stories still pack a punch—no matter where (or when) they’re chasing each other next.
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Tom and Jerry's time-hopping antics go global in East-meets-West romp
cgtn.com
