Animal Friends(2026)

R
Rated R for language throughout, sexual/crude material and some violent content/bloody images.

Release Date: Jun 5, 2026 | Limited

Two unlikely animal fugitives hit the road across America after escaping captivity, chased by a mismatched DEA agent and a Fish & Wildlife ranger with something to prove. Along the way, they form an odd-couple bond and find themselves in chaotic, hilarious, and heartfelt situations that test their wits, courage, and friendship.

Releases

Original Release | Jun 5, 2026

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(U.S. Only)

Director & Top Cast

Peter Atencio
Director

Jakey Schiff
Actor

Emilio Iannucci
Thad

Kexin Wang
Cool Teen

Ryan Reynolds
Pony

Jason Momoa
Bear

Aubrey Plaza

Actor

Dan Levy

Actor

Addison Rae

Actor

Lil Rel Howery

Actor

Ellie Bamber

Actor

Joaquim de Almeida

Actor

JR Esposito

TSA Chief

John Harpley

Animal Rights Protester

Luke Busey

Foal #1

Donald Sage Mackay

John Fitzgerald

Brian Caspe

News Anchor

Euan Macnaughton

Pilot

Other Details

Country of Origin: United States

Language: English

Summaries

Plot Summary

Animal Friends is an upcoming 2026 American live-action/animated road adventure comedy directed by Peter Atencio and written by Kevin Burrows and Matt Mider. The film features an ensemble star cast with Ryan Reynolds voicing Pony and Jason Momoa voicing Bear, joined by Vince Vaughn, Aubrey Plaza, Dan Levy, Addison Rae, Eric André, Lil Rel Howery, and Ellie Bamber in major roles. Produced by Legendary Entertainment, Maximum Effort, and Prime Focus Studios, and distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, Animal Friends blends live-action performances with animated characters in a high-energy road trip format. The story follows two fugitive animals whose adventures spiral into chaotic pursuit and growing camaraderie as they evade capture and learn to trust one another. The project was announced in 2023, with principal photography and animation completed in 2024, and post-production following. The movie is slated for wide theatrical release in the United States on June 5, 2026, positioning it as a lively summer family comedy with crossover appeal for adults thanks to its action and humor. Designed for audiences who enjoy animated road adventures with heart, Animal Friends mixes slapstick comedy, unexpected thrills, and buddy dynamics in a uniquely fun package.

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Fun Facts

Surprisingly, Animal Friends was listed in major film databases long before any official marketing materials were released, indicating early development registration rather than a publicity-driven rollout.