Warner Bros has delayed the release of Animal Friends, its animated live-action 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 nationwide 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 most recent in a string 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 Production Changes
Animal Friends has undergone a remarkable journey through Warner Bros’ distribution schedule, after being rescheduled several times since its original announcement. The film was originally slated for August 15, 2025, when it was set to release through Columbia Pictures under Legendary’s distribution deal with Sony. However, following the end of that partnership, the project moved to Warner Bros., which subsequently adjusted it multiple times throughout 2025 and 2026, reflecting the studio’s persistent attempts to identify the ideal release window for the hybrid comedy.
The January 2027 date now represents the fifth verified release window for the project, illustrating the complexities of managing major studio releases and navigating intense marketplace dynamics. By vacating 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 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 through Columbia Pictures
- Transferred to Warner Bros after conclusion of Legendary-Sony distribution agreement
- Previously rescheduled for October 10, 1 May, and 5 June
- Now set for 22 January 2027 theatrical release date
The Story and Star-Studded Cast
Animal Friends brings together an impressive ensemble of seasoned actors and rising talent for this mixed live-action and animated film. 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 partner. The supporting cast features critically praised performer Aubrey Plaza as a determined DEA agent hunting the escaped pair, with Dan Levy playing a Fish and Wildlife ranger equally invested in their capture.
The project enhances its cast credentials with the presence 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 off the ensemble. Helmed by Peter Atencio, the screenplay was penned 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 brought together a diverse team equipped to providing the adult-oriented comedy the film seeks to deliver.
Dynamics Between Characters
The core premise hinges on the contrasting character traits of the two animal leads. Pony, in spite of his tiny frame, exemplifies a narcissistic self-absorption that propels much of the comedy, whilst Bear embodies the contrasting disposition—a benevolent colossus who actively avoids disagreement. In combination, this unlikely duo undertakes a cross-country journey to discover the ranch they formerly knew as home, all whilst evading capture from the similarly unconventional enforcement officers hunting them.
- Pony: small creature with pronounced narcissistic personality traits
- Bear: substantial non-confrontational animal companion to Pony
- Aubrey Plaza: resolute DEA agent hunting the fugitive animals
- Dan Levy: Wildlife and Fisheries ranger helping in pursuit
- Journey across the country searching for their old ranch property
Production Details and Creative Staff
“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 narrative around the core concept of a pair of escaped creatures on a desperate cross-country mission. Peter Atencio, an experienced director known for his work in comedy and action genres, helms the project to bring the hybrid live-action animated vision to life with the required comic timing and visual flair needed for an adult-targeted cross-country adventure.
The film’s production journey illustrates the complexities of contemporary studio distribution models. Initially planned for distribution via Columbia Pictures in August 2025, “Animal Friends” transitioned to Warner Bros following the conclusion of Legendary Entertainment’s distribution deal with Sony. This change necessitated a full rescheduling, with the film moving through several 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’s Next for Reynolds and Momoa
Ryan Reynolds’ timetable remains remarkably occupied despite the postponement to “Animal Friends.” The Canadian actor has the comedic action film “Mayday” lined up for September 2026, maintaining him in the public eye throughout the extended wait for the Warner Bros. release. 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 involvement in both showcases his standing as one of Hollywood’s highly coveted marquee actors.
Jason Momoa, meanwhile, has sustained a similarly robust 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 eagerly awaited “Street Fighter” adaptation and “Dune: Part Three,” the ultimate chapter of Denis Villeneuve’s grand science fiction series. These high-profile commitments demonstrate Momoa’s continued prominence in both action series and high-calibre filmmaking, positioning him as a major draw for audiences worldwide.
Forthcoming Initiatives
- Reynolds: “Mayday” action comedy arriving September 2026
- Momoa: “The Wrecking Crew” released January 2026
- Momoa: “Street Fighter” film adaptation releasing later in 2026
- Momoa: “Dune: Part Three” concluding the epic saga in 2026
