Ryan Reynolds posing at the 2025 Toronto Film Festival
Ryan Reynolds and Jason Momoa’s upcoming R-rated comedy Animal Friends has been hit with yet another delay. The live-action-animation hybrid film, directed by Peter Atencio, is described as a road trip adventure centered on two animal fugitives who embark on an adventure across America to find the ranch that was once their home, healing their friendship while pursued by an equally odd-couple DEA agent and Fish and Wildlife ranger with something to prove.
As reported by Deadline, Animal Friends has now been pushed back once again, this time by roughly eight months. The film was previously scheduled to hit theaters this June, but will now debut on January 22, 2027. This marks the latest in a series of release date changes, with the project previously shifting from August 15, 2025, to October 10, 2025; later to May 1, 2026; and ultimately to June 5, 2026, before landing on its new winter 2027 slot. The reason for the latest delay is that the film’s talent will be available to do press during the new release time slot. Originally announced in 2023, Animal Friends stars Reynolds and Momoa, alongside an ensemble cast featuring Aubrey Plaza, Dan Levy, Lil Rel Howery, Addison Rae, and Ellie Bamber. Apparently, Warner Bros. already had January 22 next year on hold for a title. Animal Friends is currently the only major studio title on that date, joining Bleecker Street’s The Third Parent and Cineverse’s Air Bud Returns. While repeated delays can be concerning, the move to early 2027 could ultimately work in the film’s favor. January has increasingly become a strategic release window for counterprogramming, especially for comedies that could struggle to stand out during the crowded summer blockbuster season. By shifting out of June, Animal Friends avoids direct competition with Amazon, MGM Studios’ Masters of the Universe, Lionsgate’s Nick Jonas and Paul Rudd film Power Ballad, and Paramount/Miramax’s Scary Movie 6. Its new release date allows Animal Friends to gain a clearer runway to attract audiences looking for something lighter and more unconventional at the start of the year. Additionally, the timing may also benefit from the busy schedules of its leading stars. Reynolds is coming off major successes like Deadpool & Wolverine and remains involved in multiple projects under his Maximum Effort banner and is slated to appear as Deadpool in Avengers: Doomsday, releasing December 18, 2026. Similarly, Momoa is set to star in Dune: Part Three, also releasing on the same date as Doomsday. Beyond scheduling, the delay could be beneficial for post-production on the film’s hybrid format. Combining live-action performances with animated characters often requires extensive VFX work, and giving the creative team additional time could ensure the final product meets audience expectations, especially for an R-rated comedy that will likely rely heavily on both visual gags and character-driven humor. Subscribe to our newsletter for film release context Curious how studio shuffles like the Animal Friends delay reshape release strategies? Subscribe to the newsletter for sharp analysis of film release decisions, casting impacts, and what it means for star-driven comedies and industry trends. Get Updates By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime. Ultimately, Animal Friends remains an intriguing project thanks to its original premise and the comedic pairing of Reynolds and Momoa, whose screen personas could be a major draw for audiences. The new release date may give the film the space it needs to succeed, positioning it as a standout comedy in a less crowded box office window. Animal Friends Like Follow Followed R Adventure Animation Comedy Release Date May 1, 2026 Director Peter Atencio Writers Kevin Burrows, Matt Mider Producers Ryan Reynolds, Cale Boyter, Matthew Jenkins, George Dewey Cast See All
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