Warner Bros has delayed the release of Animal Friends, its live-action animated 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 wanted creatures undertaking a cross-country journey adventure. The ensemble 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 rescheduled multiple times since initially scheduled for August 2025 through Columbia Pictures.
Release Date Shuffle and Studio Changes
Animal Friends has undergone a significant path through Warner Bros’ release schedule, after being rescheduled multiple times since its initial announcement. The film was originally scheduled for August 15, 2025, when it was scheduled to arrive through Columbia Pictures under Legendary’s distribution agreement with Sony. However, following the conclusion of that partnership, the project went to Warner Bros., which then adjusted it several times throughout 2025 and 2026, showing the studio’s continued attempts to identify the best release date for the blended comedy.
The January 2027 date now marks the fifth confirmed release slot for the project, illustrating the complexities of managing major studio releases and navigating competitive marketplace dynamics. By vacating 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 starring Nick Jonas and Paul Rudd, and Paramount and Miramax’s Scary Movie reboot. The new January positioning allows Animal Friends to avoid head-to-head competition with these titles whilst potentially capitalizing on post-holiday cinema attendance patterns.
- Initially planned for 15 August 2025 through Columbia Pictures
- Transferred to Warner Bros following conclusion of Legendary-Sony distribution deal
- Earlier postponed for October 10, May 1, and June 5
- Now set for 22 January 2027 theatrical release date
The Tale and Star-Studded Cast
Animal Friends combines an notable collection of established performers and up-and-coming performers for this mixed live-action and animated adventure. Ryan Reynolds provides the voice Pony, the title character who is small yet self-absorbed creature lead, whilst Jason Momoa voices Bear, his larger and substantially more conflict-avoiding partner. The cast members features award-winning actress Aubrey Plaza as a determined DEA agent chasing the wanted pair, alongside Dan Levy portraying a Fish and Wildlife ranger just as committed to their arrest.
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 rounding out the ensemble. Helmed by Peter Atencio, the screenplay was penned by Kevin Burrows and Matt Mider, with production involving Legendary Entertainment, Maximum Effort and Prime Focus Studios. The blend of established comedic talent and fresh faces points to Warner Bros has brought together a diverse team equipped to providing the adult-oriented comedy the film seeks to deliver.
Character Relationships
The central idea centres on the opposing personalities of the two animal leads. Pony, in spite of his small size, embodies a self-centred narcissism that fuels much of the comedic elements, whilst Bear represents the opposite temperament—a kindly behemoth who consciously steers clear of conflict. As a pair, this unlikely duo sets out on a cross-country journey to discover the homestead they once called home, all whilst avoiding apprehension from the equally eccentric law enforcement duo chasing them.
- Pony: diminutive creature with distinct narcissistic personality traits
- Bear: big conflict-averse animal friend to Pony
- Aubrey Plaza: determined DEA investigator hunting the wanted animals
- Dan Levy: Fish and Wildlife warden aiding in the search
- Cross-country trek searching for their former ranch home
Details of Production and Creative Team
“The Animal Friends Project” constitutes a collaborative effort between three major production companies: Legendary Entertainment, Maximum Effort and Prime Focus Studios. The script 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 seasoned filmmaker known for his expertise in action and comedy genres, helms the project to bring the hybrid live-action animated concept to fruition 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 contemporary studio distribution models. Initially planned for distribution via Columbia Pictures in August 2025, “Animal Friends” moved to Warner Bros after the end of Legendary Entertainment’s distribution deal with Sony. This shift necessitated 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, highlighting 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 Comes Next for Reynolds and Momoa
Ryan Reynolds’ schedule stays remarkably busy in spite of the delay to “Animal Friends.” The Canadian actor has the action comedy “Mayday” lined up for September 2026, keeping him in the public eye throughout the extended wait for the Warner Bros. release. Reynolds continues to balance his movie obligations with his various commercial interests, including his film production outfit Maximum Effort, which is involved in developing “Animal Friends” itself. His participation in major studio productions and independent projects demonstrates his position as one of the film industry’s highly coveted leading men.
Jason Momoa, in the meantime, has maintained an equally active slate of projects throughout 2026. The actor recently appeared in “The Wrecking Crew” in January and has two significant releases lined up for later in the year: the much-awaited “Street Fighter” adaptation and “Dune: Part Three,” the concluding chapter of Denis Villeneuve’s epic science fiction saga. These major undertakings demonstrate Momoa’s sustained prominence in both action-driven franchises and high-calibre filmmaking, positioning him as a significant draw for audiences around the world.
Pipeline Developments
- Reynolds: “Mayday” action comedy coming September 2026
- Momoa: “The Wrecking Crew” debuting January 2026
- Momoa: “Street Fighter” film adaptation releasing later in 2026
- Momoa: “Dune: Part Three” wrapping up the sprawling epic in 2026
