Warner Bros has postponed 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 voicing Pony and Jason Momoa as Bear, two wanted creatures setting off on a cross-country 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 Shuffle and Studio Changes
Animal Friends has gone through a remarkable path through Warner Bros’ release schedule, having been shifted multiple times since its initial announcement. The film was initially scheduled for August 15, 2025, when it was set to release through Columbia Pictures under Legendary’s partnership with Sony. However, following the termination of that arrangement, the project transitioned to Warner Bros., which subsequently adjusted it several times throughout 2025 and 2026, reflecting the studio’s continued attempts to identify the best theatrical window for the blended comedy.
The January 2027 date now constitutes the fifth verified release slot for the project, illustrating the complexities of managing major studio releases and managing competitive marketplace dynamics. By abandoning 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 starring Nick Jonas and Paul Rudd, and Paramount and Miramax’s Scary Movie reboot. The revised January positioning allows Animal Friends to sidestep 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 conclusion of Legendary-Sony distribution agreement
- Earlier postponed for October 10, May 1, and 5 June
- Currently scheduled for 22 January 2027 cinema release date
The Story and Star-Studded Cast
Animal Friends assembles an strong lineup of seasoned actors and emerging stars for this mixed live-action and animated adventure. Ryan Reynolds lends his voice Pony, the title character who is small yet self-absorbed creature lead, whilst Jason Momoa voices Bear, his bigger and notably more peace-loving counterpart. The ensemble features award-winning actress Aubrey Plaza as a resolute DEA agent chasing the wanted pair, alongside Dan Levy playing a Fish and Wildlife ranger equally invested in their capture.
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. Directed by Peter Atencio, the screenplay was written by Kevin Burrows and Matt Mider, with production undertaken by Legendary Entertainment, Maximum Effort and Prime Focus Studios. The blend of established comedic talent and fresh faces suggests Warner Bros has assembled a diverse team able to providing the adult-oriented comedy the film intends to accomplish.
Character Relationships
The core premise hinges on the opposing temperaments of the animal pair of leads. Pony, notwithstanding his small size, represents a self-absorbed nature that propels much of the humour, whilst Bear represents the opposite temperament—a kindly behemoth who actively avoids conflict. As a pair, this unlikely duo undertakes a transcontinental trip to find the ranch they formerly knew as home, all whilst evading apprehension from the similarly unconventional law enforcement duo pursuing them.
- Pony: small animal with marked self-centred behavioural patterns
- Bear: big conflict-averse creature companion to Pony
- Aubrey Plaza: resolute DEA agent hunting the escaped creatures
- Dan Levy: Fish and Wildlife warden assisting in the hunt
- Cross-country trek attempting to locate their previous ranch residence
Details of Production and Creative Team
“The Animal Friends Project” represents a collaborative effort between three leading studios: Legendary Entertainment, Maximum Effort and Prime Focus Studios. The script was developed by Kevin Burrows and Matt Mider, who constructed the narrative around the core concept 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 realise the hybrid live-action animated concept to life with the required comic timing and stylistic flourish required for an adult-targeted cross-country adventure.
The film’s development process reflects the intricacies of modern studio distribution arrangements. Originally scheduled for distribution via Columbia Pictures in August 2025, “Animal Friends” moved to Warner Bros following the end of Legendary Entertainment’s distribution deal with Sony. This shift required a full rescheduling, with the film cycling through several release dates—October 2025, May 2026, and June 2026—before ultimately landing 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’s Next for Reynolds and Momoa
Ryan Reynolds’ agenda remains remarkably busy despite the delay to “Animal Friends.” The Canadian actor has the action comedy “Mayday” scheduled for September 2026, maintaining him in the public eye during the prolonged anticipation for the Warner Bros. film. Reynolds continues to balance his film commitments with his multiple business ventures, such as his film production outfit Maximum Effort, which is involved in developing “Animal Friends” itself. His participation in both major studio films and smaller independent ventures demonstrates his position as one of the film industry’s highly coveted marquee actors.
Jason Momoa, in the meantime, has kept up an equally busy 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 final instalment of Denis Villeneuve’s grand science fiction series. These high-profile commitments showcase Momoa’s continued prominence in both action series and high-calibre filmmaking, positioning him as a major attraction for audiences around the world.
Upcoming Projects
- Reynolds: “Mayday” action comedy arriving September 2026
- Momoa: “The Wrecking Crew” released January 2026
- Momoa: “Street Fighter” adaptation releasing later in 2026
- Momoa: “Dune: Part Three” concluding the epic saga in 2026
