The release of Animal Friends, the upcoming R-rated live-action/animated hybrid comedy starring Ryan Reynolds, has been postponed. Originally scheduled for October 10, 2025, Warner Bros. has now set the film’s theatrical debut for May 1, 2026, marking a nearly seven-month delay .
Described as an “R-rated road trip adventure,” Animal Friends features a star-studded cast including Jason Momoa, Aubrey Plaza, Addison Rae, Dan Levy, Lil Rel Howery, Ellie Bamber, Vince Vaughn, and Eric André . Directed by Peter Atencio, known for Keanu and The Machine, the film is penned by Kevin Burrows and Matt Mider, the duo behind The Package and Gentlemen Lobsters.
The production, a collaboration between Legendary Pictures, Ryan Reynolds’ Maximum Effort, and Prime Focus Studios, began in June 2023 and concluded in April 2024 . DNEG, renowned for their work on Nimona and Dune: Part Two, is handling the animation and visual effects
This isn’t the first scheduling change for Animal Friends. Initially set for August 15, 2025, under Sony Pictures, the distribution rights later moved to Warner Bros., which rescheduled the release to October 10, 2025, before the latest shift to May 2026 .
The new release date positions Animal Friends at the start of the summer box office season, potentially increasing its visibility and audience reach. However, it will now compete with other major releases, including The Devil Wears Prada 2, slated for the same day .
Fans eagerly awaiting this comedic adventure will need to mark their calendars for May 1, 2026, when Animal Friends is set to hit theaters nationwide.
