AceShowbiz - Viva Kids has announced the theatrical release dates for two upcoming animated films during CinemaCon, with Tom and Jerry: Forbidden Compass arriving in theaters nationwide on September 9 and The Last Whale Singer hitting screens on June 5.

The latest installment featuring the iconic cat and mouse duo takes Tom and Jerry on a time-traveling adventure through an ancient metropolis. When the legendary rivals collide during a high-speed chase through New York's Metropolitan Museum, they unleash a mythical compass that opens a vortex, hurling them into a dazzling world lost in time.

In this dangerous new environment, Jerry finds himself pulled into the orbit of a cunning crime lord while Tom is mistaken for a divine messenger. To survive and return home, the eternal enemies must outsmart their adversaries and finally work together.

Tom and Jerry: Forbidden Compass is written and directed by Gang Zhang and carries a PG rating with a runtime of 94 minutes. The film is based on the iconic characters from Hanna-Barbera, now part of the Warner Bros. legacy. Warner Bros. China appointed Beijing-based Blossoms Entertainment to develop and oversee sales for the film, which Viva Kids acquired earlier this year.

The second film, The Last Whale Singer, presents a coming-of-age story about a young whale who must overcome self-doubt and find his voice to protect the ocean he calls home. The animated feature is written and directed by Reza Memari, with co-direction by Steven Majaury and Pavel Hrubos.

The Last Whale Singer also carries a PG rating and runs for 90 minutes. The film represents another addition to Viva Kids' growing portfolio of family-friendly animated content designed to captivate audiences of all ages.

Viva Kids has established itself as a leading independent film production animation studio and distributor, with recent successes including films that have performed well at both film festivals and in wide theatrical releases. The company has demonstrated its commitment to delivering world-class entertainment to global audiences through its diverse portfolio of animated and original films.

The announcement at CinemaCon reflects the company's continued expansion in the animated film market, with both releases targeting family audiences during key moviegoing periods. Tom and Jerry: Forbidden Compass will arrive during the back-to-school season, while The Last Whale Singer is positioned for the early summer family film market.

Both films represent significant investments in original animated content, with Tom and Jerry: Forbidden Compass marking a return to theaters for the beloved characters in a new adventure that promises to blend classic chase comedy with fantasy elements. The time-travel premise offers fresh storytelling opportunities while maintaining the core dynamic that has made Tom and Jerry enduring entertainment icons.

The dual release strategy positions Viva Kids to capture different seasonal audiences, with the whale-themed story arriving during the traditional summer family film season and the Tom and Jerry adventure launching as families return from summer vacations and seek new entertainment options.