Warner Bros has delayed 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 the voice of Pony and Jason Momoa as Bear, two fugitive animals undertaking a nationwide road trip adventure. The ensemble cast includes Aubrey Plaza as a DEA agent, Dan Levy as a Fish and Wildlife ranger, Addison Rae, Lil Rey Howery and Ellie Bamber. This marks the latest in a series of schedule changes for the project, which has been shuffled multiple times since initially scheduled for August 2025 through Columbia Pictures.
Launch Date Shuffle and Production Changes
Animal Friends has gone through a notable path through Warner Bros’ distribution schedule, after being moved several times since its initial announcement. The film was originally scheduled for August 15, 2025, when it was planned to debut through Columbia Pictures under Legendary’s distribution agreement with Sony. However, following the end of that partnership, the project moved to Warner Bros., which later adjusted it several times throughout 2025 and 2026, reflecting the studio’s ongoing efforts to find the ideal release date for the comedy hybrid.
The January 2027 date now marks the fifth confirmed release window for the project, illustrating the complexities of managing major studio releases and navigating intense marketplace dynamics. By vacating the June 5 slot, Warner Bros has freed space for other high-profile releases, including Amazon and MGM’s Masters of the Universe, Lionsgate’s Power Ballad starring Nick Jonas and Paul Rudd, and Paramount and Miramax’s Scary Movie reboot. The new January positioning allows Animal Friends to avoid direct competition with these titles whilst potentially capitalizing on post-festive cinema attendance patterns.
- Initially planned for 15 August 2025 through Columbia Pictures
- Moved to Warner Bros following end of Legendary-Sony distribution agreement
- Previously rescheduled for 10 October, May 1, and 5 June
- Currently scheduled for January 22, 2027 theatrical release date
The Story and Star-Filled Cast
Animal Friends assembles an strong lineup of well-known talent and emerging stars for this live action-animated hybrid adventure. Ryan Reynolds lends his voice Pony, the main small and egocentric animal protagonist, whilst Jason Momoa provides the vocal performance Bear, his bigger and notably more peace-loving companion. The supporting cast features acclaimed actress Aubrey Plaza as a determined DEA agent pursuing the wanted pair, alongside Dan Levy playing a Fish and Wildlife ranger just as committed to their capture.
The project further strengthens its cast credentials with the addition of social media personality and actress Addison Rae, comedian Lil Rey Howery voicing a bird character, and British actress Ellie Bamber rounding off the ensemble. Helmed by Peter Atencio, the screenplay was penned by Kevin Burrows and Matt Mider, with production undertaken by Legendary Entertainment, Maximum Effort and Prime Focus Studios. The combination of established comedic talent and fresh faces points to Warner Bros has gathered a diverse team able to producing the adult-targeted humour the film seeks to deliver.
Character Relationships
The central premise centres on the contrasting personalities of the animal pair of protagonists. Pony, in spite of his small size, embodies a narcissistic self-absorption that propels much of the humour, whilst Bear represents the opposite temperament—a gentle giant who deliberately shuns conflict. Together, this disparate twosome undertakes a long-distance expedition to find the ranch they formerly knew as their home, all whilst eluding capture from the equally eccentric enforcement officers hunting them.
- Pony: diminutive animal with pronounced self-centred behavioural patterns
- Bear: substantial non-confrontational animal companion to Pony
- Aubrey Plaza: single-minded DEA investigator hunting the wanted animals
- Dan Levy: Wildlife and Fisheries officer helping in pursuit
- Cross-country adventure attempting to locate their former ranch home
Production Information and Production Team
“Animal Friends” constitutes a collaborative effort between three leading studios: Legendary Entertainment, Maximum Effort and Prime Focus Studios. The screenplay was developed by Kevin Burrows and Matt Mider, who created the narrative around the central premise 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 realise the live action-animated hybrid concept to fruition with the necessary comedic timing and stylistic flourish required for an adult-oriented cross-country adventure.
The film’s development process reflects the intricacies of contemporary studio distribution models. Originally scheduled for release through Columbia Pictures in August 2025, “Animal Friends” transitioned to Warner Bros after the conclusion of Legendary Entertainment’s distribution deal with Sony. This change necessitated a full rescheduling, 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 complex scheduling difficulties 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 Comes Next for Reynolds and Momoa
Ryan Reynolds’ schedule remains remarkably busy despite the delay to “Animal Friends.” The Canadian actor has the action comedy “Mayday” scheduled for September 2026, keeping him in the spotlight throughout the prolonged anticipation for the Warner Bros. film. Reynolds continues to balance his film commitments with his multiple business ventures, including his film production outfit Maximum Effort, which is involved in developing “Animal Friends” itself. His involvement in both major studio films and smaller independent ventures showcases his standing as one of Hollywood’s highly coveted marquee actors.
Jason Momoa, meanwhile, has maintained an equally active slate of projects throughout 2026. The actor was featured 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 final instalment of Denis Villeneuve’s grand science fiction series. These high-profile commitments demonstrate Momoa’s continued prominence in both action franchises and prestige cinema, cementing his status as a major attraction for audiences around the world.
Upcoming Projects
- Reynolds: “Mayday” action comedy coming September 2026
- Momoa: “The Wrecking Crew” released January 2026
- Momoa: “Street Fighter” film adaptation releasing later in 2026
- Momoa: “Dune: Part Three” concluding the epic saga in 2026
