“Tom & Jerry” Is the Biggest Box Office Hit of 2021
The live-action-animated hybrid film was the cat’s meow at theaters over the weekend. Learn all about the film – and its success – below!
The revival of the beloved cat-and-mouse cartoon hit theaters over the weekend with an estimated $13.7 million in earnings – the best domestic opening so far this year. While the film did premiere in theaters, it also was released on HBO Max for subscribers to stream for a month before it is available exclusively in theaters.
“With half of the theaters still closed, the pandemic still a threat, and ‘Tom & Jerry’ available at home, this is a very good opening,” shared David A. Gross, head of the movie consulting firm Franchise Entertainment Research, to the Associated Press. “Under normal circumstances, this weekend would comfortably be above $35 million – a positive sign for the business and for theatrical’s pull over home entertainment.”
Internationally the film made $25.1 million, for a worldwide total of $38.8 million. The film was directed by Tim Story and based on the characters created by William Hanna and Joseph Barbera. It received an 84 percent audience approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
“’Tom & Jerry’ maintains the spirit of its franchise in this absolutely bonkers film about staying true to yourself and bringing people together.” Geeks of Color
The film is a live-action-animated hybrid style film, with only the animals appearing rendered in classic hand-drawn style. But the cartoon imagery isn’t the only callback to the original television show. Once again, the original and iconic frenemy duo perpetually fight their way through New York City. The film’s storyline primarily takes place in a luxe hotel where Chloe Grace Moretz’s character hoodwinked her way into the position of event manager right before a high-profile wedding. So when a rodent, aka Jerry, is found inside the hotel – risking the event altogether - Chloe’s character hires Tom to track it down before the big day.
Along with all the classic and new cartoon characters, the film also stars Michael Peña, Colin Jost, Rob Delaney and Ken Jeong.
“Tom & Jerry” is now playing in theaters and will be available for licensing from Swank soon.