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 setting off 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 most recent in a string of schedule changes for the project, which has been moved around multiple times since initially scheduled for August 2025 through Columbia Pictures.
Release Date Changes and Studio Changes
Animal Friends has experienced a remarkable journey through Warner Bros’ release schedule, having been rescheduled several times since its initial announcement. The film was initially slated for August 15, 2025, when it was set to release through Columbia Pictures under Legendary’s partnership with Sony. However, following the end of that partnership, the project moved to Warner Bros., which then adjusted it several times throughout 2025 and 2026, demonstrating the studio’s persistent efforts to identify the ideal release date for the blended comedy.
The January 2027 date now marks the fifth confirmed release slot 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 cleared 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 avoid 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
- Transferred to Warner Bros after end of Legendary-Sony distribution agreement
- Previously rescheduled for 10 October, May 1, and 5 June
- Currently scheduled for 22 January 2027 cinema release date
The Tale and Star-Filled Cast
Animal Friends brings together an impressive ensemble of established performers and up-and-coming performers for this live-action and animated film. Ryan Reynolds voices 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 supporting cast includes award-winning actress Aubrey Plaza as a determined DEA agent chasing the escaped pair, joined by Dan Levy playing a Fish and Wildlife ranger just as committed to their apprehension.
The project enhances 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 rounding out the ensemble. Helmed by Peter Atencio, the screenplay was penned by Kevin Burrows and Matt Mider, with production involving Legendary Entertainment, Maximum Effort and Prime Focus Studios. The combination of established comedic talent and fresh faces suggests Warner Bros has gathered a diverse team able to delivering the adult-oriented comedy the film seeks to deliver.
Character Relationships
The central idea hinges on the divergent character traits of the animal pair of characters. Pony, in spite of his small size, embodies a self-centred narcissism that fuels much of the comedic elements, whilst Bear embodies the opposite temperament—a gentle giant who consciously steers clear of confrontation. Together, this mismatched pair undertakes a cross-country journey to find the ranch they once called home, all whilst avoiding capture from the equally eccentric law enforcement duo hunting them.
- Pony: diminutive creature with marked self-centred behavioural patterns
- Bear: substantial conflict-averse animal friend to Pony
- Aubrey Plaza: determined DEA investigator tracking the escaped creatures
- Dan Levy: Fish and Wildlife officer aiding in the search
- Journey across the country attempting to locate their former ranch home
Details of Production and Creative Staff
“Animal Friends” represents a joint venture between three major studios: Legendary Entertainment, Maximum Effort and Prime Focus Studios. The screenplay was crafted by Kevin Burrows and Matt Mider, who created the story around the core concept of a pair of escaped creatures on a desperate cross-country mission. Peter Atencio, an seasoned filmmaker recognised for his expertise in action and comedy styles, directs the film to bring the hybrid live-action animated concept to fruition with the necessary comedic timing and visual flair required for an adult-targeted road trip adventure.
The film’s production journey illustrates the intricacies of contemporary studio distribution models. Initially planned for distribution via Columbia Pictures in August 2025, “Animal Friends” moved to Warner Bros after the end of Legendary Entertainment’s distribution partnership with Sony. This change necessitated 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, 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’s Next for Reynolds and Momoa
Ryan Reynolds’ timetable stays remarkably occupied despite the delay to “Animal Friends.” The Canadian actor has the action comedy “Mayday” lined up for September 2026, maintaining him in the public eye during the extended anticipation for the Warner Bros. film. Reynolds continues to balance his film commitments with his various commercial interests, such as his production company Maximum Effort, which is involved in developing “Animal Friends” itself. His participation in both showcases his position as one of Hollywood’s most sought-after marquee actors.
Jason Momoa, in the meantime, has kept up an equally busy slate of projects throughout 2026. The actor starred in “The Wrecking Crew” in January and has two major films 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 demonstrate Momoa’s continued prominence in both action franchises and prestige filmmaking, cementing his status as a major attraction for audiences worldwide.
Pipeline Developments
- Reynolds: “Mayday” action comedy coming September 2026
- Momoa: “The Wrecking Crew” released January 2026
- Momoa: “Street Fighter” adaptation launching later in 2026
- Momoa: “Dune: Part Three” wrapping up the epic saga in 2026
