Warner Bros has postponed the release of Animal Friends, its live-action animated hybrid comedy, from June 5 to January 22, 2027. The film, directed by Peter Atencio, stars Ryan Reynolds as the voice of Pony and Jason Momoa as Bear, two wanted creatures embarking on a cross-country road trip adventure. The ensemble 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 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 Shuffle and Studio Changes
Animal Friends has undergone a significant journey through Warner Bros’ distribution schedule, having been rescheduled multiple times since its original announcement. The film was initially slated for August 15, 2025, when it was set to release through Columbia Pictures under Legendary’s distribution agreement with Sony. However, following the termination of that partnership, the project went to Warner Bros., which later shifted it several times throughout 2025 and 2026, reflecting the studio’s continued attempts to identify the optimal release window for the hybrid comedy.
The January 2027 date now constitutes the fifth verified release window for the project, reflecting the complexities of managing major studio releases and managing competitive marketplace dynamics. By abandoning 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 starring Nick Jonas and Paul Rudd, and Paramount and Miramax’s Scary Movie reboot. The new January positioning allows Animal Friends to sidestep head-to-head competition with these titles whilst possibly capitalizing on post-holiday cinema attendance patterns.
- Originally scheduled for 15 August 2025 via Columbia Pictures
- Moved to Warner Bros after end of Legendary-Sony distribution deal
- Previously rescheduled for October 10, 1 May, and June 5
- Now set for 22 January 2027 theatrical release date
The Tale and Star-Filled Cast
Animal Friends brings together an notable collection of seasoned actors and up-and-coming performers for this mixed live-action and animated film. Ryan Reynolds voices Pony, the main small and egocentric animal character, whilst Jason Momoa lends his voice Bear, his bigger and notably more peace-loving companion. The ensemble comprises award-winning actress Aubrey Plaza as a committed federal agent pursuing the escaped pair, alongside Dan Levy taking on the role of a Fish and Wildlife ranger just as committed to their apprehension.
The project further strengthens 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 off the ensemble. Directed 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 combination of established comedic talent and fresh faces indicates Warner Bros has gathered a diverse team able to providing the adult-oriented comedy the film intends to accomplish.
Character Dynamics
The core concept hinges on the contrasting personalities of the two animal protagonists. Pony, despite his small size, exemplifies a self-centred narcissism that fuels much of the comedy, whilst Bear embodies the inverse nature—a kindly behemoth who deliberately shuns confrontation. As a pair, this mismatched pair sets out on a long-distance expedition to find the ranch they formerly knew as home, all whilst avoiding detention from the comparably quirky police pair pursuing them.
- Pony: tiny creature with pronounced narcissistic personality traits
- Bear: large conflict-averse animal friend to Pony
- Aubrey Plaza: single-minded DEA officer hunting the escaped creatures
- Dan Levy: Wildlife and Fisheries ranger aiding in the hunt
- Cross-country trek attempting to locate their former ranch home
Production Details and Production Team
“The Animal Friends Project” constitutes 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 created the narrative around the core concept of a pair of escaped creatures on a desperate cross-country mission. Peter Atencio, an seasoned filmmaker known for his work in action and comedy genres, directs the film to realise the live action-animated hybrid vision to life with the necessary comedic timing and visual flair required for an adult-oriented cross-country adventure.
The film’s development process illustrates the complexities of contemporary studio distribution models. Initially planned for distribution via Columbia Pictures in August 2025, “Animal Friends” moved to Warner Bros following the conclusion of Legendary Entertainment’s distribution partnership with Sony. This shift necessitated a complete reschedule, with the film cycling through several release dates—October 2025, May 2026, and June 2026—before finally settling on its January 2027 slot, demonstrating the complex scheduling difficulties facing 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 despite the postponement to “Animal Friends.” The Canadian performer has the action comedy “Mayday” scheduled for September 2026, keeping him in the spotlight throughout the extended wait for the Warner Bros. film. Reynolds manages to juggle his film commitments with his various business ventures, such as his film production outfit Maximum Effort, which is working on “Animal Friends” itself. His participation in major studio productions and independent projects showcases his standing as one of the film industry’s most sought-after leading men.
Jason Momoa, in the meantime, has sustained a similarly robust slate of projects throughout 2026. The actor recently appeared in “The Wrecking Crew” in January and has two major films lined up for later in the year: the highly anticipated “Street Fighter” adaptation and “Dune: Part Three,” the final instalment of Denis Villeneuve’s sprawling sci-fi epic. These high-profile commitments demonstrate Momoa’s ongoing prominence in both action franchises and prestige filmmaking, establishing him as a significant draw for audiences around the world.
Forthcoming Initiatives
- 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” wrapping up the epic saga in 2026
