Warner Bros’ upcoming animated film Animal Friends, starring Ryan Reynolds, has officially extended its release date. The live-action film was scheduled to premiere this year on October 10, but has now extended its release to May 1, 2026.
Directed by Peter Atencio, the reason for the abrupt change is yet to be disclosed by the officials. The project, produced by Legendary Entertainment, Prime Focus Studios and Maximum Effort, is set to blend animation and live-action, featuring visual effects by award-winning company DNEG.
The film was initially set up at Sony Pictures but later was acquired by Warner Bros because of the studio’s partnership with Legendary.
Legendary Entertainment’s recent catalogue includes hits such as Minecraft, Dune 2, Brothers, Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, Enola Holmes 2 and many more, leading to much anticipation around the film.
Written by Peter Atencio, Kevin Burrows, and Matt Mider, the film’s cast includes Aubrey Plaza, Vince Vaughn, and Jason Momoa. The film also marks the fourth film of influencer-turned actor Addison Rae. Other members of the cast include Ellie Bamber, Lil Rel Howery, Joaquim de Almeida, Jimmy Smagula and more.
Reynolds was on a brief break after the success of Deadpool & Wolverine. "I'm just trying to create a little bit more space for my family," he was reported as saying by IMDb.
Momoa was last seen in Warner Bros’ film A Minecraft Movie alongside Andy Samberg and Jack Black. Meanwhile, Screen Actors Guild Award-winning actor Plaza is set to star in the Ethan Coen directed Honey Don’t!
Fan favourite The Devil Wears Prada 2 is also scheduled to be released on May 11 and is speculated to be a potential competition to Atencio’s movie.