Warner Bros has delayed the release of Animal Friends, its animated live-action hybrid comedy, from June 5 to January 22, 2027. The film, helmed by Peter Atencio, stars Ryan Reynolds as voicing Pony and Jason Momoa as Bear, two wanted creatures undertaking a cross-country journey adventure. The supporting cast includes Aubrey Plaza as a DEA agent, Dan Levy as a wildlife ranger, Addison Rae, Lil Rey Howery and Ellie Bamber. This marks the most recent in a series 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 Production Changes
Animal Friends has experienced a notable path through Warner Bros’ distribution schedule, having been shifted multiple times since its initial announcement. The film was initially scheduled for August 15, 2025, when it was set to release through Columbia Pictures under Legendary’s distribution deal with Sony. However, following the end of that partnership, the project transitioned to Warner Bros., which later rescheduled it multiple times throughout 2025 and 2026, reflecting the studio’s ongoing attempts to locate the best release date for the hybrid comedy.
The January 2027 date now represents the fifth verified release window for the project, demonstrating the intricacies of managing major studio releases and managing competitive 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 revised January positioning allows Animal Friends to sidestep head-to-head competition with these titles whilst potentially capitalizing on post-festive cinema attendance patterns.
- Initially planned for 15 August 2025 via Columbia Pictures
- Moved to Warner Bros after end of Legendary-Sony distribution agreement
- Previously rescheduled for 10 October, May 1, and 5 June
- Now set for January 22, 2027 cinema release date
The Tale and Star-Filled Cast
Animal Friends combines an strong lineup of seasoned actors and rising talent for this mixed live-action and animated production. Ryan Reynolds voices Pony, the main small and egocentric animal protagonist, whilst Jason Momoa lends his voice Bear, his larger and substantially more conflict-avoiding partner. The supporting cast comprises critically praised performer Aubrey Plaza as a resolute DEA agent chasing the wanted pair, joined by Dan Levy taking on the role of a Fish and Wildlife ranger similarly determined about their capture.
The project enhances 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 out the ensemble. Directed 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 blend of established comedic talent and fresh faces indicates Warner Bros has assembled a diverse team able to delivering the adult-oriented comedy the film aims to achieve.
Character Interactions
The central concept hinges on the divergent temperaments of the duo of animal leads. Pony, in spite of his diminutive stature, represents a self-centred narcissism that fuels much of the humour, whilst Bear represents the opposite temperament—a gentle giant who deliberately shuns conflict. Together, this unlikely duo undertakes a cross-country journey to find the homestead they once called home, all whilst eluding detention from the similarly unconventional law enforcement duo chasing them.
- Pony: small animal with distinct narcissistic personality traits
- Bear: big conflict-averse animal friend to Pony
- Aubrey Plaza: determined DEA officer hunting the fugitive animals
- Dan Levy: Fish and Wildlife ranger aiding in pursuit
- Journey across the country searching for their previous ranch residence
Details of Production and Creative Team
“Animal Friends” constitutes a joint venture between three major production companies: Legendary Entertainment, Maximum Effort and Prime Focus Studios. The screenplay was crafted by Kevin Burrows and Matt Mider, who constructed the narrative around the central premise of a pair of escaped creatures on a desperate cross-country mission. Peter Atencio, an experienced director recognised for his work in action and comedy genres, directs the project to bring the hybrid live-action animated concept to fruition with the required comic timing and visual flair required for an adult-oriented cross-country adventure.
The film’s production journey reflects the complexities of contemporary studio distribution models. Originally scheduled for distribution via Columbia Pictures in August 2025, “Animal Friends” moved to Warner Bros following the conclusion of Legendary Entertainment’s distribution deal with Sony. This change required a complete reschedule, with the project cycling through several release dates—October 2025, May 2026, and June 2026—before finally settling on its January 2027 slot, highlighting 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’s Next for Reynolds and Momoa
Ryan Reynolds’ agenda remains remarkably busy despite the delay to “Animal Friends.” The Canadian actor has the comedic action film “Mayday” scheduled for September 2026, keeping him in the spotlight throughout the prolonged wait for the Warner Bros. release. Reynolds continues to balance his movie obligations with his various commercial interests, such as 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 Hollywood’s highly coveted leading men.
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 two major films lined up for the latter half of the year: the eagerly 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-driven franchises and high-calibre filmmaking, cementing his status as a major draw for audiences worldwide.
Upcoming Projects
- Reynolds: “Mayday” comedic action film coming September 2026
- Momoa: “The Wrecking Crew” released January 2026
- Momoa: “Street Fighter” film adaptation releasing later in 2026
- Momoa: “Dune: Part Three” wrapping up the epic saga in 2026
