Warner Bros has delayed the release of Animal Friends, its live-action animated 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 wanted creatures embarking on 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 series 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 Changes and Studio Changes
Animal Friends has experienced a notable path through Warner Bros’ distribution schedule, having been rescheduled several times since its initial announcement. The film was initially scheduled for August 15, 2025, when it was scheduled to arrive through Columbia Pictures under Legendary’s distribution agreement with Sony. However, following the termination of that partnership, the project went to Warner Bros., which subsequently shifted it several times throughout 2025 and 2026, reflecting the studio’s continued efforts to locate the ideal theatrical window for the blended comedy.
The January 2027 date now marks the fifth verified release window for the project, demonstrating the intricacies of managing major studio releases and navigating intense marketplace dynamics. By vacating the June 5 slot, Warner Bros has cleared 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 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 via Columbia Pictures
- Moved to Warner Bros after end of Legendary-Sony distribution agreement
- Earlier postponed for October 10, 1 May, and 5 June
- Now set for 22 January 2027 cinema release date
The Tale and Star-Studded Cast
Animal Friends brings together an impressive ensemble of seasoned actors and rising talent for this live action-animated hybrid adventure. Ryan Reynolds voices Pony, the title character who is small yet self-absorbed animal protagonist, whilst Jason Momoa voices Bear, his larger and substantially more conflict-avoiding counterpart. The ensemble features award-winning actress Aubrey Plaza as a committed federal agent chasing the escaped pair, joined by Dan Levy playing a Fish and Wildlife ranger just as committed to their apprehension.
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. 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 seasoned comedy performers and fresh faces indicates Warner Bros has gathered a diverse team able to delivering the adult-targeted humour the film intends to accomplish.
Character Dynamics
The core idea hinges on the contrasting temperaments of the two animal protagonists. Pony, despite his small size, embodies a self-absorbed nature that fuels much of the comedy, whilst Bear represents the inverse nature—a benevolent colossus who deliberately shuns confrontation. As a pair, this disparate twosome undertakes a transcontinental trip to locate the property they formerly knew as their home, all whilst eluding capture from the equally eccentric police pair hunting them.
- Pony: tiny animal with marked narcissistic personality traits
- Bear: large peace-loving animal friend to Pony
- Aubrey Plaza: determined DEA investigator pursuing the fugitive animals
- Dan Levy: Fish and Wildlife officer assisting in the hunt
- Journey across the country seeking their former ranch home
Production Information and Production 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 created the narrative around the central premise of two fugitive animals on a desperate cross-country mission. Peter Atencio, an experienced director known for his expertise in action and comedy genres, directs the film to bring the live action-animated hybrid concept to life with the required comic timing and stylistic flourish needed for an adult-targeted 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 necessitated a full rescheduling, with the project moving 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 Comes Next for Reynolds and Momoa
Ryan Reynolds’ agenda remains remarkably busy in spite of the delay to “Animal Friends.” The Canadian performer has the action comedy “Mayday” scheduled for September 2026, keeping him in the spotlight throughout the extended anticipation for the Warner Bros. film. Reynolds continues to balance his film commitments with his multiple commercial interests, including his film production outfit Maximum Effort, which is involved in developing “Animal Friends” itself. His participation in both demonstrates his position as one of the film industry’s highly coveted leading men.
Jason Momoa, on the other hand, has maintained an equally active slate of projects throughout 2026. The actor starred in “The Wrecking Crew” in January and has a pair of substantial projects lined up for the remainder of 2026: the eagerly awaited “Street Fighter” adaptation and “Dune: Part Three,” the ultimate chapter of Denis Villeneuve’s epic science fiction saga. These high-profile commitments showcase Momoa’s sustained prominence in both action franchises and prestige cinema, establishing him as a significant draw for audiences around the world.
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
