Ryan Reynolds stars in delayed Animal Friends movie, which has now been rescheduled for a new release date after previous postponements and a switch in studio distribution. The road trip adventure, featuring a high-profile cast and a mix of live-action and animation, will now debut in US theaters on May 1, 2026.
Animal Friends rescheduled as Warner Bros. sets new release date
Animal Friends, a film led by Ryan Reynolds and Jason Momoa, was originally planned for an October 10, 2025 launch but will now be released nearly seven months later on May 1, 2026. The movie, combining live-action with animated elements, also stars Aubrey Plaza, Addison Rae, Dan Levy, Lil Rel Howery, and Ellie Bamber. The feature is directed by Peter Atencio, working from a script written by Kevin Burrows and Matt Mider, and is produced by Legendary, Maximum Effort, and Prime Focus Studios.
Changes in studio and shifting release plans
Animal Friends was initially under the Sony Pictures banner, with an even earlier release date of August 15, 2025. Following a distribution rights acquisition by Warner Bros., the premiere was first moved to October before settling on the current date in May 2026. This adjustment marks the latest in a series of delays for the project, as the studios adjusted scheduling and deals.
Production timeline and creative team background
The film was originally announced in April 2023 and described as an R-rated road trip adventure, according to Deadline. Principal photography reportedly got underway in June 2023 and wrapped up in April 2024, affording a substantial production period for the team. Maximum Effort, the production company co-founded by Reynolds, is one of the key producers behind Animal Friends, with a track record including Deadpool 2, Free Guy, Shotgun Wedding, and the upcoming Deadpool & Wolverine.
Animation and creative contributions
Renowned visual effects studio DNEG, which previously worked on Nimona and Dune: Part Two, is providing the animation and visual effects for Animal Friends. Director Peter Atencio brings prior experience from action comedies such as Keanu and The Machine. Writers Kevin Burrows and Matt Mider are recognized as the creators of the GQ animated series Gentlemen Lobsters and co-writers for the teen comedy The Package.
Significance of the delay and what to expect
The postponement of Animal Friends places its release well past its initial schedule, positioning it as a major theatrical arrival for the summer of 2026. With an ensemble cast featuring names like Ryan Reynolds, Jason Momoa, Aubrey Plaza, and more, and with Warner Bros. overseeing its distribution, anticipation will likely continue to build. The combination of experienced filmmakers, an accomplished team at Maximum Effort, and leading visual effects expertise from DNEG suggests the project will remain on the radar for fans of adventure comedies until its debut in theaters.
