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 undertaking 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 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 experienced a notable journey through Warner Bros’ release schedule, having been shifted multiple times since its initial 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, following the end of that deal, the project transitioned to Warner Bros., which later shifted it multiple times throughout 2025 and 2026, reflecting the studio’s continued efforts to locate the ideal release window for the hybrid comedy.
The January 2027 date now marks the fifth confirmed release slot for the project, illustrating the complexities of coordinating major studio releases and managing 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 new January positioning allows Animal Friends to sidestep direct competition with these titles whilst potentially capitalizing on post-festive cinema attendance patterns.
- Initially planned for 15 August 2025 through Columbia Pictures
- Transferred to Warner Bros following end of Legendary-Sony distribution deal
- Previously rescheduled for October 10, 1 May, and June 5
- Currently scheduled for January 22, 2027 cinema release date
The Story and Star-Studded Cast
Animal Friends assembles an strong lineup of established performers and rising talent for this mixed live-action and animated adventure. Ryan Reynolds voices Pony, the main small and egocentric creature lead, whilst Jason Momoa provides the vocal performance Bear, his bigger and notably more peace-loving companion. The ensemble comprises acclaimed actress Aubrey Plaza as a committed federal agent hunting the wanted pair, alongside Dan Levy portraying a Fish and Wildlife ranger similarly determined about their capture.
The project bolsters its cast credentials with the presence of social media personality and actress Addison Rae, comedian Lil Rey Howery voicing a bird character, and British actress Ellie Bamber completing the ensemble. Directed by Peter Atencio, the screenplay was written by Kevin Burrows and Matt Mider, with production featuring Legendary Entertainment, Maximum Effort and Prime Focus Studios. The mix of established comedic talent and fresh faces suggests Warner Bros has brought together a diverse team able to producing the adult-oriented comedy the film intends to accomplish.
Character Dynamics
The core premise centres on the contrasting temperaments of the two animal characters. Pony, despite his small size, embodies a self-absorbed nature that fuels much of the comedic elements, whilst Bear exemplifies the inverse nature—a gentle giant who actively avoids disagreement. As a pair, this unlikely duo sets out on a transcontinental trip to discover the property they formerly knew as their home, all whilst evading apprehension from the similarly unconventional police pair chasing them.
- Pony: tiny creature with marked self-centred behavioural patterns
- Bear: large non-confrontational animal companion to Pony
- Aubrey Plaza: resolute DEA officer hunting the escaped creatures
- Dan Levy: Wildlife and Fisheries warden helping in the search
- Cross-country adventure searching for their former ranch home
Production Details 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 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 known for his work in comedy and action genres, helms the film to bring 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 reflects the complexities of modern studio distribution arrangements. Initially planned for release through Columbia Pictures in August 2025, “Animal Friends” transitioned to Warner Bros after the end of Legendary Entertainment’s distribution partnership with Sony. This shift required a complete reschedule, with the film cycling through multiple release dates—October 2025, May 2026, and June 2026—before finally settling on its January 2027 slot, demonstrating 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 occupied despite the postponement to “Animal Friends.” The Canadian performer has the comedic action film “Mayday” lined up for September 2026, keeping him in the public eye during the prolonged wait 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 working on “Animal Friends” itself. His involvement in major studio productions and independent projects showcases his position as one of the film industry’s highly coveted marquee actors.
Jason Momoa, in the meantime, has sustained a similarly robust slate of projects throughout 2026. The actor was featured in “The Wrecking Crew” in January and has two major films lined up for the remainder of 2026: the eagerly awaited “Street Fighter” adaptation and “Dune: Part Three,” the final instalment of Denis Villeneuve’s grand science fiction series. These major undertakings highlight Momoa’s sustained prominence in both action series and high-calibre filmmaking, cementing his status as a major attraction for audiences worldwide.
Forthcoming Initiatives
- Reynolds: “Mayday” action comedy coming September 2026
- Momoa: “The Wrecking Crew” debuting January 2026
- Momoa: “Street Fighter” adaptation releasing later in 2026
- Momoa: “Dune: Part Three” concluding the epic saga in 2026
