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 voicing Pony and Jason Momoa as Bear, two wanted creatures 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 most recent in a string of schedule changes for the project, which has been rescheduled multiple times since originally being set for August 2025 through Columbia Pictures.
Release Date Shuffle and Studio Changes
Animal Friends has experienced a significant path through Warner Bros’ release schedule, having been shifted several times since its original announcement. The film was originally scheduled for August 15, 2025, when it was planned to debut through Columbia Pictures under Legendary’s partnership with Sony. However, following the end of that partnership, the project moved to Warner Bros., which later shifted it multiple times throughout 2025 and 2026, reflecting the studio’s persistent efforts to locate the ideal theatrical window for the blended comedy.
The January 2027 date now constitutes the fifth confirmed release slot for the project, reflecting the intricacies of managing major studio releases and managing competitive marketplace dynamics. By abandoning the June 5 slot, Warner Bros has cleared 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 head-to-head competition with these titles whilst possibly capitalizing on post-holiday cinema attendance patterns.
- Originally scheduled for August 15, 2025 through Columbia Pictures
- Transferred to Warner Bros following end of Legendary-Sony distribution agreement
- Previously rescheduled for 10 October, 1 May, and June 5
- Currently scheduled for 22 January 2027 theatrical release date
The Tale and Star-Studded Cast
Animal Friends assembles an notable collection of seasoned actors and up-and-coming performers for this mixed live-action and animated film. Ryan Reynolds lends his voice Pony, the titular small but self-absorbed animal character, whilst Jason Momoa voices Bear, his larger and considerably more conflict-averse counterpart. The cast members comprises critically praised performer Aubrey Plaza as a resolute DEA agent chasing the wanted pair, joined by Dan Levy playing a Fish and Wildlife ranger equally invested in their arrest.
The project enhances its cast credentials with the addition of social media personality and actress Addison Rae, comedian Lil Rey Howery providing voice work for a bird character, and British actress Ellie Bamber rounding out the ensemble. Directed by Peter Atencio, the screenplay was crafted by Kevin Burrows and Matt Mider, with production involving Legendary Entertainment, Maximum Effort and Prime Focus Studios. The mix of established comedic talent and fresh faces suggests Warner Bros has brought together a diverse team equipped to delivering the adult-oriented comedy the film aims to achieve.
Character Interactions
The central concept hinges on the contrasting temperaments of the animal pair of characters. Pony, notwithstanding his diminutive stature, embodies a self-absorbed nature that propels much of the humour, whilst Bear embodies the opposite temperament—a kindly behemoth who consciously steers clear of conflict. Together, this unlikely duo embarks on a long-distance expedition to find the homestead they once called home, all whilst eluding detention from the similarly unconventional law enforcement duo hunting them.
- Pony: small creature with distinct self-centred behavioural patterns
- Bear: substantial peace-loving animal friend to Pony
- Aubrey Plaza: determined DEA investigator hunting the fugitive animals
- Dan Levy: Wildlife and Fisheries ranger helping in the search
- Cross-country adventure searching for their old ranch property
Details of Production and Creative Team
“Animal Friends” constitutes a joint venture between three major 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 core concept of two fugitive animals on a urgent cross-country journey. Peter Atencio, an seasoned filmmaker known for his expertise in comedy and action genres, directs the film to realise the live action-animated hybrid concept to life with the necessary comedic timing and visual flair needed for an adult-targeted cross-country adventure.
The film’s production journey reflects the complexities of modern studio distribution arrangements. Originally scheduled 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 change necessitated a full rescheduling, with the project moving through several release dates—October 2025, May 2026, and June 2026—before finally settling on its January 2027 position, highlighting the complex scheduling difficulties facing 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 stays remarkably busy despite the delay to “Animal Friends.” The Canadian performer has the action comedy “Mayday” lined up for September 2026, keeping him in the public eye throughout the extended wait for the Warner Bros. film. Reynolds continues to balance his movie obligations with his various business ventures, including his production company Maximum Effort, which is working on “Animal Friends” itself. His involvement in both major studio films and smaller independent ventures showcases his standing as one of the film industry’s most sought-after leading men.
Jason Momoa, meanwhile, has sustained a similarly robust slate of projects throughout 2026. The actor starred in “The Wrecking Crew” in January and has two major films lined up for later in the year: the much-awaited “Street Fighter” adaptation and “Dune: Part Three,” the ultimate chapter of Denis Villeneuve’s grand science fiction series. These high-profile commitments highlight Momoa’s continued prominence in both action franchises and prestige cinema, positioning him as a major draw for audiences globally.
Upcoming Projects
- Reynolds: “Mayday” action comedy arriving September 2026
- Momoa: “The Wrecking Crew” debuting January 2026
- Momoa: “Street Fighter” film adaptation launching later in 2026
- Momoa: “Dune: Part Three” wrapping up the sprawling epic in 2026
