Ryan Reynolds and Jason Momoa’s ‘Animal Friends’ delayed to January 2027

Warner Bros delays Ryan Reynolds and Jason Momoa’s animated-adventure ‘Animal Friends’ to Jan. 22, 2027

Warner Bros has announced that the live action-animated hybrid film Animal Friends, featuring Ryan Reynolds and Jason Momoa, has been pushed back to January 22, 2027. Originally slated for June 5, the film’s release has moved multiple times over the past two years, reflecting a long shuffle in scheduling.

The adult-targeted road trip adventure is directed by Peter Atencio and follows two fugitive animals, Pony and Bear, who set out on a journey across America to return to the ranch they once called home. Reynolds voices the narcissistic Pony while Momoa plays the conflict-averse Bear. The pair are pursued by a quirky duo consisting of a DEA agent, voiced by Aubrey Plaza, and a Fish and Wildlife ranger, played by Dan Levy. Lil Rey Howery and Ellie Bamber round out the cast, providing voices for other animal characters in the story.

The screenplay, written by Kevin Burrows and Matt Mider, is produced through a collaboration between Legendary, Maximum Effort, and Prime Focus Studios. This project has undergone multiple studio changes and date adjustments, initially set for August 15, 2025 under Columbia before Warner Bros acquired distribution following the end of Legendary’s deal with Sony. Subsequent release dates included October 10, May 1, and June 5 before landing on the new January 2027 slot.

While fans of Reynolds and Momoa have several projects to anticipate in 2026, Reynolds with the action comedy ‘Mayday’ in September and Momoa with ‘Street Fighter’ and ‘Dune: Part Three’, the delay ensures that Animal Friends will debut in a less crowded post-holiday window, potentially giving it a stronger opening and more visibility.

The film’s premise mixes comedy and adventure with adult-oriented humor, leaning into the dynamic personalities of its animal protagonists. Fans are already reacting online, noting the charm of the casting pairing and the potential for a fresh take on animated hybrids for adult audiences.

With its January release, Warner Bros aims to give Animal Friends a clear runway for box office success while keeping viewers eagerly awaiting the antics of Pony and Bear.