The latest Tom & Jerry film, Forbidden Compass, debuts with a 0% score on Rotten Tomatoes, marking a controversial release for Warner Bros.
Warner Bros. has announced the release of Tom & Jerry: Forbidden Compass, a new addition to the beloved animated series. This film recently debuted with a surprising 0% score on Rotten Tomatoes, tying for the lowest score ever. Confirmed by ComicBook.com on September 11, 2026, the film is the first all-CG installment in the Tom & Jerry franchise.
Directed by Gang Zhang, Forbidden Compass originally premiered over a year ago in China, where it was produced with the intention of appealing to the Asian market. The film is subtitled Mâo Hé Lâoshâ: Xîng Pán Qí Yuán and features Tom and Jerry in a unique adventure involving Chinese gods and spirits. The iconic duo is mostly relegated to onlooker status throughout the film, causing confusion and criticism among early reviewers.
Despite its intriguing premise, the reception has been overwhelmingly negative. Critics have expressed bewilderment regarding the plot, with Variety's Caspar Salmon noting that the film represents a "casual use of deeply American IP" in service of a distinctly Chinese property. This significant departure from traditional Tom & Jerry antics, where the characters usually engage in chaotic situations, has left audiences disappointed and confused.
Peter Sobczynski, a critic on Substack, lamented the challenges parents might face in explaining the film's convoluted storyline to children. The official trailer, featuring English narrations, has not clarified the film's plot, further deepening the confusion.
This release follows two direct-to-video movies in 2022—Tom and Jerry: Cowboy Up! and Tom and Jerry: Snowman’s Land—where the duo ultimately finds camaraderie. The contrast between these films and Forbidden Compass, which lacks the fighting and humor traditional to the franchise, has bewildered fans and critics alike.
Interestingly, Warner Bros. did not screen Forbidden Compass for reviewers before its U.S. debut, which is unusual for a film of this franchise's stature. Many fans remain unaware of this latest entry, heightening its surprise and criticism.
The challenges faced by Tom & Jerry: Forbidden Compass raise questions about the future direction of the beloved franchise. Although the film promised a visually innovative experience as the first fully CG film in the series, its critical reception indicates a disconnect from fan expectations and established themes of the Tom & Jerry legacy. As the film ties a historical low score, the future of this franchise may depend on how audiences engage with and how Warner Bros. adapts to this feedback in upcoming projects.
The dismal reception of Tom & Jerry: Forbidden Compass suggests a significant risk for Warner Bros. as they explore new creative directions for established franchises. The stark difference in style and storytelling could alienate longtime fans while failing to captivate new ones. Future projects will need to consider audience expectations more carefully to resonate positively. To learn more about what’s happening in the world of animation and film, check out our latest articles on Tubi's new movie recommendation method and the upcoming Legend of Zelda movie announcement at EpisodeBreakdown.
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