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 voicing 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 string of schedule changes for the project, which has been shuffled multiple times since originally being set for August 2025 through Columbia Pictures.
Release Date Changes and Studio Shifts
Animal Friends has experienced a remarkable path through Warner Bros’ distribution schedule, having been moved several times since its original announcement. The film was originally scheduled for August 15, 2025, when it was planned to debut through Columbia Pictures under Legendary’s distribution deal with Sony. However, after the termination of that partnership, the project went to Warner Bros., which then adjusted it multiple times throughout 2025 and 2026, reflecting the studio’s ongoing efforts to find the ideal release date for the comedy hybrid.
The January 2027 date now marks the fifth verified release window for the project, illustrating the intricacies of coordinating major studio releases and managing 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 sidestep direct competition with these titles whilst potentially capitalizing on post-holiday cinema attendance patterns.
- Initially planned for August 15, 2025 through Columbia Pictures
- Moved to Warner Bros following end of Legendary-Sony distribution deal
- Previously rescheduled for October 10, May 1, and 5 June
- Now set for January 22, 2027 theatrical release date
The Tale and Star-Studded Cast
Animal Friends brings together an strong lineup of well-known talent and up-and-coming performers for this live-action and animated film. Ryan Reynolds voices Pony, the main small and egocentric animal character, whilst Jason Momoa voices Bear, his bigger and notably more peace-loving counterpart. The ensemble features acclaimed actress Aubrey Plaza as a committed federal agent chasing the escaped pair, joined by Dan Levy portraying a Fish and Wildlife ranger similarly determined about their apprehension.
The project further strengthens 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 completing the ensemble. Helmed by Peter Atencio, the screenplay was penned by Kevin Burrows and Matt Mider, with production undertaken by Legendary Entertainment, Maximum Effort and Prime Focus Studios. The mix of seasoned comedy performers and fresh faces suggests Warner Bros has brought together a diverse team equipped to providing the adult-oriented comedy the film intends to accomplish.
Character Relationships
The fundamental premise hinges on the divergent character traits of the two animal protagonists. Pony, in spite of his diminutive stature, embodies a self-centred narcissism that fuels much of the comedy, whilst Bear embodies the opposite temperament—a benevolent colossus who actively avoids disagreement. Together, this disparate twosome undertakes a long-distance expedition to locate the ranch they once called their home, all whilst eluding capture from the similarly unconventional law enforcement duo pursuing them.
- Pony: small creature with marked self-centred behavioural patterns
- Bear: big peace-loving creature companion to Pony
- Aubrey Plaza: single-minded DEA agent pursuing the fugitive animals
- Dan Levy: Wildlife and Fisheries officer assisting in pursuit
- Journey across the country searching for their former ranch home
Details of Production and Production Team
“The Animal Friends Project” represents a joint venture between three leading production companies: Legendary Entertainment, Maximum Effort and Prime Focus Studios. The script was developed by Kevin Burrows and Matt Mider, who created the story around the central premise of two fugitive animals on a urgent cross-country journey. Peter Atencio, an seasoned filmmaker recognised for his expertise in comedy and action styles, directs the film to bring the live action-animated hybrid concept to life with the necessary comedic timing and stylistic flourish needed for an adult-oriented road trip adventure.
The film’s production journey reflects the intricacies of modern studio distribution arrangements. Originally scheduled for release through 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 film cycling 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’ schedule stays remarkably occupied despite the postponement to “Animal Friends.” The Canadian performer has the action comedy “Mayday” lined up for September 2026, maintaining him in the spotlight throughout the extended wait for the Warner Bros. release. Reynolds continues to balance his film commitments with his multiple commercial interests, including his production company Maximum Effort, which is working on “Animal Friends” itself. His involvement in both major studio films and smaller independent ventures demonstrates his position as one of the film industry’s most sought-after marquee actors.
Jason Momoa, meanwhile, 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 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 continued prominence in both action series and prestige cinema, cementing his status as a major attraction for audiences worldwide.
Pipeline Developments
- Reynolds: “Mayday” action comedy coming September 2026
- Momoa: “The Wrecking Crew” debuting January 2026
- Momoa: “Street Fighter” film adaptation releasing later in 2026
- Momoa: “Dune: Part Three” concluding the sprawling epic in 2026
