Tom & Jerryare returning in a big way, as a new theatrical feature film is in development. Created by Hanna-Barbera in 1941, the slapstick duo has starred in over 166 animated shorts and several additional spin-offs. TwotheatricalTom & Jerrymovieshave been developed, including an animated feature in 1992 titledTom and Jerry: The Movie, and a live-action/animation hybrid released in 2021.
As reported byDeadline,Warner Bros. Pictures Animation has begun development on a newTom & Jerrymovie. Though no director has been announced, it has been confirmed that Rashida Jones will write alongside Will McCormack and Michael Govier. Jones and McCormack previously contributed to the story ofToy Story 4and share a production banner, Le Train Train. Additionally, McCormack and Govier both directed and wrote the emotionalIf Anything Happens I Love You, which was the recipient of the Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film in 2021.
What Tom & Jerry’s Writing Team Could Mean For Their Big-Screen Return
The Writers Have Worked On Several Emotional Features
While 2021’sTom & Jerrymay not have been the box office success that it aspired to be, that does not mean that audiences will not be eager to see another team of filmmakers try their hand at developing a big-screen adventure for the pair. As seen by the widespread support thatthe canceledCoyote vs. Acmereceived in its battle with Warner Bros. management over its fate, it is clear thatviewers are willing to give classic animated icons a chance to stand outin their own feature.
Tom & Jerry was releasedat a time when theaters were just reopening after the COVID-19 pandemic, and Warner Bros. released it day-and-date on HBO Max.
Furthermore, with Jones, McCormack, and Govier, there is the potential forthe upcoming feature to dive deeper than what the pair’s typical slapstick can offer. The trio’s credits span a variety of genres, from comedy to thriller, and Jones and McCormack’s work with PixaronToy Story 4demonstrates they have experience with compelling, emotional animated features. This presents an enticing picture of what depth they can add to the cat-and-mouse duo.
Our Thoughts On Tom & Jerry’s New Adventure
Tom and Jerry are two enduring pop culture icons. Reruns ensured their shorts would be constantly introduced to new audiences over the years, while the advent of online culture and memes has seen select moments take on a new meaning and usage. As such,the animated pair has a cross-generational appealthat few other characters hold. With this level of recognition, aTom & Jerrymovie developed by the right hands could find its audience easily. However, with neither a director nor a tentative release date, it may be some time until audiences get to see this potentially thrilling project.
Source:Deadline
Tom and Jerry
Tom & Jerry is an iconic American animated media franchise centered around the comedic rivalry between a domestic cat named Tom and an intelligent mouse named Jerry. The series is known for its slapstick comedy, often involving elaborate and violent contraptions used by Tom in his futile attempts to capture Jerry.
