Warner Bros has pushed back 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 setting off on a nationwide road trip adventure. The supporting 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 most recent 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 Changes and Production Changes
Animal Friends has undergone a remarkable path through Warner Bros’ release schedule, after being rescheduled multiple times since its original 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, after the conclusion of that partnership, the project moved to Warner Bros., which later shifted it multiple times throughout 2025 and 2026, showing the studio’s persistent efforts to find the optimal theatrical window for the blended comedy.
The January 2027 date now represents the fifth confirmed release slot for the project, demonstrating the intricacies of coordinating major studio releases and navigating competitive 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 revised January positioning allows Animal Friends to avoid head-to-head competition with these titles whilst possibly capitalizing on post-holiday cinema attendance patterns.
- Initially planned for August 15, 2025 through Columbia Pictures
- Transferred to Warner Bros after conclusion of Legendary-Sony distribution agreement
- Earlier postponed for October 10, May 1, and 5 June
- Currently scheduled for January 22, 2027 theatrical release date
The Story and Star-Studded Cast
Animal Friends assembles an impressive ensemble of seasoned actors and up-and-coming performers for this live action-animated hybrid film. Ryan Reynolds lends his voice Pony, the title character who is small yet self-absorbed animal protagonist, whilst Jason Momoa provides the vocal performance Bear, his bigger and notably more peace-loving companion. The cast members comprises critically praised performer Aubrey Plaza as a resolute DEA agent pursuing the wanted pair, with Dan Levy portraying a Fish and Wildlife ranger similarly determined about their arrest.
The project bolsters its cast credentials with the inclusion 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. Helmed by Peter Atencio, the screenplay was written by Kevin Burrows and Matt Mider, with production involving Legendary Entertainment, Maximum Effort and Prime Focus Studios. The mix of seasoned comedy performers and fresh faces points to Warner Bros has assembled a diverse team capable of delivering the adult-oriented comedy the film seeks to deliver.
Character Relationships
The central idea hinges on the divergent character traits of the two animal protagonists. Pony, despite his diminutive stature, embodies a self-absorbed nature that fuels much of the humour, whilst Bear represents the contrasting disposition—a gentle giant who consciously steers clear of disagreement. In combination, this unlikely duo undertakes a transcontinental trip to find the homestead they previously called their home, all whilst eluding detention from the similarly unconventional police pair chasing them.
- Pony: diminutive creature with pronounced narcissistic personality traits
- Bear: large conflict-averse animal companion to Pony
- Aubrey Plaza: single-minded DEA investigator tracking the wanted animals
- Dan Levy: Fish and Wildlife ranger helping in the hunt
- Cross-country adventure seeking their old ranch property
Details of Production and Creative Staff
“The Animal Friends Project” represents a joint venture between three major production companies: Legendary Entertainment, Maximum Effort and Prime Focus Studios. The script was developed by Kevin Burrows and Matt Mider, who constructed the story around the core concept of two fugitive animals on a desperate cross-country mission. Peter Atencio, an experienced director known for his work in action and comedy genres, directs the film to realise the live action-animated hybrid concept to fruition with the necessary comedic timing and visual flair required for an adult-targeted road trip adventure.
The film’s production journey reflects the complexities of modern studio distribution arrangements. Initially planned for distribution via Columbia Pictures in August 2025, “Animal Friends” transitioned to Warner Bros following the end of Legendary Entertainment’s distribution partnership with Sony. This shift 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, 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’ agenda stays remarkably occupied despite the delay to “Animal Friends.” The Canadian actor has the action comedy “Mayday” lined up for September 2026, maintaining him in the public eye throughout the extended wait for the Warner Bros. film. Reynolds manages to juggle his film commitments with his multiple business ventures, including his production company Maximum Effort, which is involved in developing “Animal Friends” itself. His involvement in both demonstrates his position as one of Hollywood’s highly coveted marquee actors.
Jason Momoa, in the meantime, has kept up an equally busy 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 highly anticipated “Street Fighter” adaptation and “Dune: Part Three,” the concluding chapter of Denis Villeneuve’s grand science fiction series. These high-profile commitments demonstrate Momoa’s continued prominence in both action-driven franchises and prestige filmmaking, cementing his status as a major attraction for audiences around the world.
Pipeline Developments
- 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 sprawling epic in 2026
