Warner Bros has pushed back 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 the voice of Pony and Jason Momoa as Bear, two fugitive animals setting off on a cross-country journey adventure. The ensemble cast includes Aubrey Plaza as a federal agent, Dan Levy as a 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 moved around multiple times since originally being set for August 2025 through Columbia Pictures.
Release Date Shuffle and Production Changes
Animal Friends has experienced a significant journey through Warner Bros’ release schedule, having been shifted several times since its initial announcement. The film was originally slated for August 15, 2025, when it was planned to debut through Columbia Pictures under Legendary’s partnership with Sony. However, following the conclusion of that deal, the project went to Warner Bros., which then adjusted it several times throughout 2025 and 2026, demonstrating the studio’s persistent efforts to identify the optimal release window for the hybrid comedy.
The January 2027 date now marks the fifth verified release window for the project, illustrating the intricacies of coordinating major studio releases and navigating intense 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 direct 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 following end of Legendary-Sony distribution agreement
- Previously rescheduled for 10 October, 1 May, and 5 June
- Now set for January 22, 2027 cinema release date
The Story and Star-Filled Cast
Animal Friends assembles an strong lineup of seasoned actors and up-and-coming performers for this live action-animated hybrid adventure. Ryan Reynolds provides the voice Pony, the main small and egocentric animal character, whilst Jason Momoa lends his voice Bear, his larger and substantially more conflict-avoiding partner. The cast members comprises critically praised performer Aubrey Plaza as a resolute DEA agent pursuing the fugitive duo, with Dan Levy playing a Fish and Wildlife ranger just as committed to 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 off the ensemble. Directed by Peter Atencio, the screenplay was crafted 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 suggests Warner Bros has gathered a diverse team able to producing the adult-targeted humour the film intends to accomplish.
Character Interactions
The central premise centres on the contrasting temperaments of the animal pair of characters. Pony, in spite of his tiny frame, exemplifies a self-centred narcissism that fuels much of the comedy, whilst Bear represents the opposite temperament—a gentle giant who consciously steers clear of confrontation. Together, this mismatched pair undertakes a cross-country journey to find the ranch they formerly knew as home, all whilst eluding capture from the equally eccentric enforcement officers chasing them.
- Pony: diminutive creature with distinct self-centred behavioural patterns
- Bear: substantial peace-loving animal friend to Pony
- Aubrey Plaza: determined DEA agent pursuing the escaped creatures
- Dan Levy: Wildlife and Fisheries ranger assisting in pursuit
- Journey across the country searching for their former ranch home
Production Details and Creative Staff
“Animal Friends” constitutes a joint venture between three major studios: Legendary Entertainment, Maximum Effort and Prime Focus Studios. The screenplay was crafted by Kevin Burrows and Matt Mider, who created the narrative around the core concept of a pair of escaped creatures on a urgent cross-country journey. Peter Atencio, an seasoned filmmaker recognised for his work in action and comedy styles, directs the film to realise the live action-animated hybrid concept to fruition with the necessary comedic timing and stylistic flourish required for an adult-targeted cross-country adventure.
The film’s development process reflects the complexities of modern studio distribution arrangements. Initially planned for release through Columbia Pictures in August 2025, “Animal Friends” moved to Warner Bros following the end of Legendary Entertainment’s distribution deal with Sony. This change necessitated a complete reschedule, with the project moving through several release dates—October 2025, May 2026, and June 2026—before ultimately landing on its January 2027 position, demonstrating 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’s Next for Reynolds and Momoa
Ryan Reynolds’ timetable remains remarkably occupied despite the postponement to “Animal Friends.” The Canadian actor has the action comedy “Mayday” scheduled for September 2026, maintaining him in the public eye during the extended wait for the Warner Bros. release. Reynolds continues to balance his movie obligations with his various business ventures, such as his production company Maximum Effort, which is involved in developing “Animal Friends” itself. His involvement in both major studio films and smaller independent ventures showcases his position as one of Hollywood’s highly coveted marquee actors.
Jason Momoa, meanwhile, has maintained an equally active slate of projects throughout 2026. The actor recently appeared 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 concluding chapter of Denis Villeneuve’s grand science fiction series. These prominent projects highlight Momoa’s sustained prominence in both action-driven franchises and prestige cinema, positioning him as a major attraction for audiences worldwide.
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” wrapping up the epic saga in 2026
