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, directed by Peter Atencio, stars Ryan Reynolds as the voice of Pony and Jason Momoa as Bear, two wanted creatures embarking on a cross-country road trip 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 latest in a series of schedule changes for the project, which has been shuffled multiple times since originally being set for August 2025 through Columbia Pictures.
Release Date Shuffle and Production Changes
Animal Friends has undergone a significant journey through Warner Bros’ distribution schedule, after being rescheduled multiple times since its initial announcement. The film was initially slated for August 15, 2025, when it was planned to debut through Columbia Pictures under Legendary’s distribution agreement with Sony. However, after the conclusion of that partnership, the project transitioned to Warner Bros., which later shifted it multiple times throughout 2025 and 2026, demonstrating the studio’s continued efforts to find the optimal theatrical window for the comedy hybrid.
The January 2027 date now represents the fifth verified release slot for the project, demonstrating the intricacies of managing major studio releases and navigating intense marketplace dynamics. By abandoning 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 featuring 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 possibly capitalizing on post-festive cinema attendance patterns.
- Initially planned for August 15, 2025 via Columbia Pictures
- Moved to Warner Bros following end of Legendary-Sony distribution agreement
- Previously rescheduled for October 10, May 1, and 5 June
- Now set for 22 January 2027 theatrical release date
The Story and Star-Filled Cast
Animal Friends combines an notable collection of established performers and rising talent for this live action-animated hybrid adventure. Ryan Reynolds voices Pony, the titular small but self-absorbed creature lead, whilst Jason Momoa lends his voice Bear, his larger and considerably more conflict-averse companion. The supporting cast comprises critically praised performer Aubrey Plaza as a committed federal agent chasing the fugitive duo, alongside Dan Levy playing a Fish and Wildlife ranger similarly determined about their apprehension.
The project further strengthens 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 completing the ensemble. Helmed 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 combination of seasoned comedy performers and fresh faces points to Warner Bros has gathered a diverse team able to producing the adult-oriented comedy the film aims to achieve.
Character Relationships
The central premise centres on the contrasting temperaments of the two animal characters. Pony, notwithstanding his diminutive stature, embodies a self-absorbed nature that fuels much of the comedy, whilst Bear embodies the contrasting disposition—a gentle giant who consciously steers clear of conflict. In combination, this disparate twosome sets out on a transcontinental trip to locate the homestead they once called home, all whilst avoiding apprehension from the similarly unconventional police pair chasing them.
- Pony: small creature with distinct self-centred behavioural patterns
- Bear: substantial conflict-averse animal companion to Pony
- Aubrey Plaza: single-minded DEA investigator hunting the fugitive animals
- Dan Levy: Wildlife and Fisheries ranger aiding in the hunt
- Cross-country trek attempting to locate their former ranch home
Production Information and Creative Team
“Animal Friends” represents a collaborative effort between three major studios: Legendary Entertainment, Maximum Effort and Prime Focus Studios. The script was developed by Kevin Burrows and Matt Mider, who created the story around the core concept of two fugitive animals on a urgent cross-country journey. Peter Atencio, an experienced director recognised for his work in action and comedy genres, helms the project 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 illustrates the intricacies of contemporary studio distribution models. Initially planned for release through Columbia Pictures in August 2025, “Animal Friends” moved to Warner Bros following the end of Legendary Entertainment’s distribution partnership with Sony. This shift necessitated a complete reschedule, with the project moving through several release dates—October 2025, May 2026, and June 2026—before finally settling on its January 2027 slot, demonstrating 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. |
The Future for Reynolds and Momoa
Ryan Reynolds’ agenda remains remarkably busy despite the postponement 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 anticipation for the Warner Bros. release. Reynolds continues to balance his film commitments with his various business ventures, such as his film production outfit Maximum Effort, which is involved in developing “Animal Friends” itself. His involvement in both showcases his position as one of the film industry’s most sought-after leading men.
Jason Momoa, on the other hand, has kept up an equally busy slate of projects throughout 2026. The actor recently appeared in “The Wrecking Crew” in January and has two major films lined up for later in the year: the highly anticipated “Street Fighter” adaptation and “Dune: Part Three,” the concluding chapter of Denis Villeneuve’s epic science fiction saga. These prominent projects demonstrate Momoa’s ongoing prominence in both action series and prestige cinema, cementing his status 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” adaptation launching later in 2026
- Momoa: “Dune: Part Three” concluding the epic saga in 2026
