Tom and Jerry Get a Fresh Start with Star-Studded Writing Team
The iconic cat and mouse duo, Tom and Jerry, are set to return to the big screen in a brand new animated adventure. Rashida Jones, Will McCormack, and Michael Govier have signed on to write the feature film, which will be produced under Warner Bros Pictures Animation.
A Fresh Take on a Classic
This new iteration of the timeless rivalry promises a fresh perspective on Tom and Jerry’s mischievous antics. Created in 1940 by William Hanna and Joseph Barbera at MGM, the duo have captivated audiences for generations with their slapstick humor and enduring charm. Over the years, they starred in 114 shorts that earned seven Oscars, solidifying their place as one of animation’s most beloved duos.
Later iterations of the cartoons, helmed by animators like Gene Deitch and Chuck Jones, continued the legacy. Most recently, the characters headlined a 2021 hybrid film, “Tom & Jerry.” While endlessly entertaining, the franchise has occasionally been criticized for the sometimes violent ways Tom attempts to catch Jerry, paying the price for his schemes. Despite this, the franchise has left an indelible mark on animation history, inspiring many popular cartoon series, including “The Simpsons.”
A Powerhouse Writing Team
Jones, McCormack, and Govier, a formidable writing trio operating under their production banner, Le Train Train, bring a wealth of experience and a diverse range of talents to the project. Their collaborative portfolio boasts impressive credits, including “Celeste and Jesse Forever,” “Toy Story 4,” and “The Invite”- the latter currently in production under the direction of Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris and featuring a star-studded cast that includes Amy Adams, Paul Rudd, and Tessa Thompson.
Govier’s collaboration with McCormack extends beyond “The Invite”. The two teamed up to write and direct the Oscar-winning animated short film “If Anything Happens I Love You,” released on Netflix in 2020. This poignant and moving story further demonstrates the depth of their creative abilities.
Jones’s filmmaking ventures extend beyond writing. She co-directed the Grammy-winning documentary “Quincy,” a heartfelt tribute to her iconic father, the legendary musician Quincy Jones. More recently, she and McCormack collaborated on “A Swim Lesson,” a 20-minute documentary focusing on swim coach Bill Marsh and his work empowering youths by replacing fear with confidence and safety. This emotionally resonant film premiered at the Telluride Film Festival.
