Warner Bros has pushed back the release of Animal Friends, its animated live-action hybrid comedy, from June 5 to January 22, 2027. The film, directed by Peter Atencio, stars Ryan Reynolds as voicing Pony and Jason Momoa as Bear, two fugitive animals undertaking a cross-country road trip adventure. The supporting cast includes Aubrey Plaza as a federal agent, Dan Levy as a Fish and Wildlife ranger, Addison Rae, Lil Rey Howery and Ellie Bamber. This marks the latest in a string of schedule changes for the project, which has been moved around multiple times since originally being set for August 2025 through Columbia Pictures.
Launch Date Changes and Studio Changes
Animal Friends has gone through a significant path through Warner Bros’ release schedule, having been shifted several times since its original announcement. The film was initially slated for August 15, 2025, when it was scheduled to arrive through Columbia Pictures under Legendary’s distribution agreement with Sony. However, following the termination of that partnership, the project transitioned to Warner Bros., which subsequently shifted it several times throughout 2025 and 2026, reflecting the studio’s ongoing efforts to identify the optimal theatrical window for the blended comedy.
The January 2027 date now constitutes the fifth confirmed release window for the project, demonstrating the intricacies of managing major studio releases and navigating intense marketplace dynamics. By abandoning the June 5 slot, Warner Bros has freed space for other prominent releases, including Amazon and MGM’s Masters of the Universe, Lionsgate’s Power Ballad featuring Nick Jonas and Paul Rudd, and Paramount and Miramax’s Scary Movie reboot. The new January positioning allows Animal Friends to sidestep direct competition with these titles whilst possibly capitalizing on post-festive cinema attendance patterns.
- Initially planned for 15 August 2025 via Columbia Pictures
- Moved to Warner Bros following end of Legendary-Sony distribution deal
- Previously rescheduled for October 10, May 1, and 5 June
- Now set for January 22, 2027 theatrical release date
The Narrative and Star-Studded Cast
Animal Friends assembles an strong lineup of established performers and rising talent for this live action-animated hybrid film. Ryan Reynolds lends his voice Pony, the titular small but self-absorbed animal protagonist, whilst Jason Momoa provides the vocal performance Bear, his bigger and notably more peace-loving counterpart. The cast members includes award-winning actress Aubrey Plaza as a committed federal agent chasing the escaped pair, with Dan Levy taking on the role of a Fish and Wildlife ranger just as committed to their capture.
The project bolsters its cast credentials with the inclusion of social media personality and actress Addison Rae, comedian Lil Rey Howery providing voice work for a bird character, and British actress Ellie Bamber completing the ensemble. Helmed by Peter Atencio, the screenplay was penned by Kevin Burrows and Matt Mider, with production featuring Legendary Entertainment, Maximum Effort and Prime Focus Studios. The combination of seasoned comedy performers and fresh faces points to Warner Bros has gathered a diverse team equipped to providing the adult-oriented comedy the film aims to achieve.
Character Relationships
The fundamental concept centres on the opposing personalities of the two animal characters. Pony, in spite of his diminutive stature, represents a self-absorbed nature that propels much of the comedy, whilst Bear exemplifies the inverse nature—a benevolent colossus who consciously steers clear of confrontation. Together, this disparate twosome embarks on a long-distance expedition to locate the ranch they formerly knew as their home, all whilst eluding detention from the similarly unconventional enforcement officers hunting them.
- Pony: diminutive animal with pronounced narcissistic personality traits
- Bear: large conflict-averse animal friend to Pony
- Aubrey Plaza: single-minded DEA officer hunting the escaped creatures
- Dan Levy: Wildlife and Fisheries ranger helping in the search
- Cross-country trek attempting to locate their previous ranch residence
Production Details and Production Team
“Animal Friends” constitutes a joint venture between three leading studios: Legendary Entertainment, Maximum Effort and Prime Focus Studios. The screenplay was crafted by Kevin Burrows and Matt Mider, who constructed the narrative around the core concept of two fugitive animals on a urgent cross-country journey. Peter Atencio, an experienced director recognised for his work in comedy and action genres, helms the project to bring the live action-animated hybrid vision to fruition with the required comic timing and stylistic flourish required for an adult-targeted cross-country adventure.
The film’s production journey illustrates the complexities of modern studio distribution arrangements. Initially planned for distribution via Columbia Pictures in August 2025, “Animal Friends” transitioned to Warner Bros after the end of Legendary Entertainment’s distribution deal with Sony. This shift required a complete reschedule, with the project moving through multiple release dates—October 2025, May 2026, and June 2026—before ultimately landing on its January 2027 position, demonstrating the intricate scheduling challenges confronting major studio releases.
| Role | Name |
|---|---|
| Director | Peter Atencio |
| Screenplay Writers | Kevin Burrows and Matt Mider |
| Production Companies | Legendary Entertainment, Maximum Effort, Prime Focus Studios |
| Distributor | Warner Bros. |
What’s Next for Reynolds and Momoa
Ryan Reynolds’ agenda remains remarkably busy despite the delay to “Animal Friends.” The Canadian actor has the action comedy “Mayday” lined up for September 2026, maintaining him in the spotlight throughout the extended wait for the Warner Bros. film. Reynolds continues to balance his film commitments with his multiple commercial interests, including his production company Maximum Effort, which is involved in developing “Animal Friends” itself. His participation in major studio productions and independent projects showcases his standing as one of the film industry’s most sought-after marquee actors.
Jason Momoa, meanwhile, has kept up an equally busy slate of projects throughout 2026. The actor starred in “The Wrecking Crew” in January and has a pair of substantial projects lined up for the remainder of 2026: the much-awaited “Street Fighter” adaptation and “Dune: Part Three,” the concluding chapter of Denis Villeneuve’s sprawling sci-fi epic. These high-profile commitments highlight Momoa’s ongoing prominence in both action-driven franchises and prestige filmmaking, positioning him as a major attraction for audiences around the world.
Upcoming Projects
- Reynolds: “Mayday” comedic action film coming September 2026
- Momoa: “The Wrecking Crew” released January 2026
- Momoa: “Street Fighter” adaptation releasing later in 2026
- Momoa: “Dune: Part Three” wrapping up the sprawling epic in 2026
