Warner Bros. has officially rescheduled its upcoming hybrid feature Animal Friends, with the film now set to release in theaters on January 22, 2027. The project was previously slated for a June 5, 2026 release, marking the latest in a series of date changes since the film was first announced.
Animal Friends is an R-rated live-action and animated hybrid road trip comedy directed by Peter Atencio. The screenplay is written by Kevin Burrows and Matt Mider. The film is produced by Legendary Pictures, Maximum Effort, and Prime Focus Studios, with distribution handled by Warner Bros. Pictures.
The film combines live-action performances with animated characters and follows a road trip narrative centered on two fugitive animals. The story revolves around Pony and Bear, who set out on a cross-country journey with the goal of returning to their former home. Along the way, they are pursued by authorities, including both law enforcement and wildlife officials.
Ryan Reynolds voices the character of Pony, while Jason Momoa lends his voice to Bear. The project brings together a mix of voice and live-action performances, forming a large ensemble cast. Aubrey Plaza appears as a DEA agent involved in the pursuit, while Dan Levy plays a Fish and Wildlife ranger. The cast also includes Addison Rae and Ellie Bamber in supporting roles, along with Lil Rel Howery, who provides the voice of a bird character.
Additional cast members attached to the project include Vince Vaughn, Eric André, Rob Delaney, and Joaquim de Almeida, further expanding the film’s ensemble.
The project was first announced in 2023, with principal photography beginning in June of that year. Filming continued over several months before wrapping in April 2024. Following the completion of principal photography, the film entered post-production, where work is ongoing. The visual effects for the project are being handled by DNEG, a studio known for its work on large-scale productions that integrate visual effects with live-action storytelling.
Animal Friends has undergone multiple release date adjustments throughout its development. It was initially scheduled for release in August 2025 before being moved to October 2025. The film was later shifted again to May 2026, followed by another move to June 5, 2026. The latest update places the film in a January 2027 release window.
The film’s hybrid format combines animated animal characters with live-action environments and performances, placing it within a category of projects that rely heavily on visual effects and post-production work. The R-rated classification also positions it within a specific segment of the market, distinguishing it from family-oriented animated features.
The January 22, 2027 release date places Animal Friends in an early-year theatrical window. With production completed and post-production ongoing, the film continues to move toward its updated release schedule under Warner Bros.
Animal Friends is currently set to arrive in theaters on January 22, 2027.
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