Picture this: a pony and a bear, fugitives on the run, barreling across America with chaos trailing every step. Animal Friends isn’t just another animated feature—it’s a wild, hilarious road adventure packed with star power and larger-than-life antics.
The story follows two mismatched animals who spark mayhem, all while being pursued by an equally quirky DEA agent and a determined Fish & Wildlife ranger. Add Ryan Reynolds’ signature snark, Jason Momoa’s booming charm, and Aubrey Plaza’s dry wit, and you’ve got a recipe for comedy gold. Fans are already buzzing about the energy this ensemble cast brings to the screen.
Mark Your Calendar: Animal Friends Release Date
The animal friends release date is set for June 5, 2026, when Warner Bros. Pictures will bring this live-action animated adventure to theaters in the U.S. Originally slated for multiple previous dates, the final schedule promises a summer kickoff perfect for family audiences and animation lovers alike.
Plot: Chaos, Comedy, and a Cross-Country Chase
At its heart, Animal Friends is a story of misfits on the run. Pony (voiced by Ryan Reynolds) and Bear (Jason Momoa) form an unlikely duo, escaping into a series of escalating misadventures. Meanwhile, DEA agent Billie (Aubrey Plaza) and a Fish & Wildlife ranger (Dan Levy) trail them, each motivated by their own odd sense of justice.
Expect comedic showdowns, over-the-top stunts, and heartfelt moments that explore friendship, loyalty, and survival in the wild. From small-town shenanigans to cinematic chase sequences, this is a film that promises humor and heart in equal measure.
Star-Studded Cast
- Ryan Reynolds as Pony
- Jason Momoa as Bear
- Aubrey Plaza as DEA agent Billie
- Dan Levy as the Fish & Wildlife ranger
- Addison Rae, Eric André, Vince Vaughn, Lil Rel Howery, Ellie Bamber, Rob Delaney, Joaquim De Almeida
The ensemble ensures a mix of comedy, charm, and edge, elevating the animated antics with star performances and voice acting skill.
Behind the Scenes: Production Notes
Directed by Peter Atencio and written by Kevin Burrows and Matt Mider, Animal Friends began production in June 2023 with animation work by DNEG and principal filming in Bulgaria. After multiple distribution shifts—from Sony/Columbia to Warner Bros.—the project finally landed on its June 2026 release.
Composer Joseph Trapanese provides a lively score, enhancing the humor and energy of this cross-country chase, while cinematographer Magdalena Górka captures the live-action sequences that blend seamlessly with animation.
Fan Reactions: Excited for the Chaos
The online chatter reflects both curiosity and frustration over the film’s journey:
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Fans are intrigued by the studio switch and how Warner Bros. will handle the animation compared to Sony’s original vision. Despite the delays, anticipation remains high, with many excited to see how the story, humor, and star-studded cast—especially Ryan Reynolds and Jason Momoa—will come together on the big screen.
Final Thoughts: A Summer Comedy Adventure
Animal Friends is shaping up to be one of the most entertaining animated comedies of 2026. With a star-studded cast, cross-country chaos, and a perfect balance of humor and heart, it promises a family-friendly, laugh-out-loud adventure.
Fans of Reynolds, Momoa, and Plaza will find plenty to cheer for, while the broader audience can enjoy a cleverly crafted story about friendship, mischief, and the wild unpredictability of life on the run.
Get ready to buckle up—these animal friends are about to take you on one unforgettable ride.
FAQ
When is the animal friends release date?
June 5, 2026, in U.S. theaters via Warner Bros. Pictures.
Who voices the main characters?
Ryan Reynolds voices Pony, Jason Momoa voices Bear, and Aubrey Plaza plays DEA agent Billie.
Who directs and wrote the film?
Directed by Peter Atencio, written by Kevin Burrows and Matt Mider.
Was this film delayed?
Yes, it went through multiple release date changes and a studio switch before landing on June 5, 2026.
Is it fully animated?
It’s a live-action animated hybrid, combining real-world locations with animated animal characters.
