Viva Kids has officially announced the upcoming release of two new family-oriented animated films: Tom and Jerry: Forbidden Compass and The Last Whale Singer. The announcement, made during CinemaCon in April 2026, confirms that both titles are set to debut in theaters later this year, continuing Viva Kids’ strategy of delivering globally accessible animated entertainment rooted in beloved characters and original storytelling.
The news arrives as part of a broader push by the studio to expand its slate of PG-rated features that balance humor, adventure and emotional depth. While Tom and Jerry: Forbidden Compass revisits the iconic cat-and-mouse duo in a high-stakes adventure through time and myth, The Last Whale Singer introduces an entirely original narrative centered on marine conservation and intergenerational connection. Together, the films represent a dual commitment to legacy franchises and innovative storytelling.
According to verified reports from ComingSoon.net and Animation Magazine, Tom and Jerry: Forbidden Compass will have its theatrical debut in the United States on September 9, 2026, following an earlier release in China in August 2025. The film is written and directed by Gang Zhang, with production oversight from Chen Bofei, Ruoqing Fu, Jasmine Gao, Shaojing Yang, and Huixia Zhang. Warner Bros. China appointed Blossoms Entertainment to manage sales and distribution for the project, which runs for 94 minutes and carries a PG rating from the Motion Picture Association.
The official synopsis describes the plot as a chaotic yet heartfelt journey: when Tom and Jerry’s infamous chase erupts inside New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art, they accidentally activate a mythical compass that opens a vortex, transporting them to an ancient, forgotten city. There, Jerry is recruited by a cunning crime lord, while Tom is mistaken for a divine messenger—forcing the rivals to set aside their differences and cooperate to discover their way home.
While details about The Last Whale Singer remain more limited, Animation Magazine confirmed the film’s inclusion in Viva Kids’ 2026 lineup during the same CinemaCon presentation. The title suggests a story focused on a solitary whale whose song may hold the key to saving its species—a theme increasingly resonant in global conversations about ocean health and biodiversity loss. No director, cast, or release date has been publicly verified for this project as of April 16, 2026.
Industry analysts note that Viva Kids’ decision to pair a established franchise film with an original environmental fable reflects a calculated approach to audience engagement. By leveraging the global recognition of Tom and Jerry—characters originally created by William Hanna and Joseph Barbera for Hanna-Barbera in 1940—the studio aims to draw families into theaters, while using the platform to introduce newer, message-driven content like The Last Whale Singer.
The September 9, 2026 U.S. Release date places Tom and Jerry: Forbidden Compass in a competitive but not overly saturated window. It will debut alongside other fall 2026 releases such as Alan Ritchson’s Runner, Sandra Bullock’s Practical Magic 2, Zach Cregger’s Resident Evil reboot, Aardman Animation’s new Shaun the Sheep film, and Universal Pictures’ Forgotten Island. However, Viva Kids has emphasized that the film faces no direct competition in the family animated segment during its opening weekend.
For parents and educators seeking age-appropriate content that encourages both laughter and reflection, the dual release offers a unique opportunity. Tom and Jerry: Forbidden Compass delivers slapstick humor and visual spectacle grounded in a timeless rivalry, while The Last Whale Singer promises a quieter, more contemplative experience aimed at fostering empathy toward marine life. Neither film has been linked to controversy or sensitive themes requiring content warnings beyond standard PG guidelines.
As of now, no official sequel announcements, streaming plans, or merchandise partnerships have been confirmed for either title. Viva Kids has not released box office projections, though the studio’s prior releases have typically performed strongly in international markets, particularly in Asia and Latin America.
Those interested in updates are encouraged to monitor Viva Kids’ official website and social media channels, where trailers, behind-the-scenes featurettes, and release date confirmations are typically shared first. The studio has also indicated that additional information about The Last Whale Singer may be unveiled at upcoming industry events later in 2026.
What are your thoughts on the return of Tom and Jerry to the huge screen, or the potential of original stories like The Last Whale Singer to inspire young audiences? Share your views in the comments below and spread the word by sharing this article with fellow animation enthusiasts.