Warner Bros Pictures and Legendary Entertainment have officially moved the release of their much-anticipated live-action animated hybrid film ‘Animal Friends’ to May 1, 2026. Originally slated to release on October 10, 2025, the film will now debut at the start of the summer 2026 box office season, bringing a star-studded adventure to kick things off.

According to an ANI report, ‘Animal Friends’ has seen multiple changes in its release calendar. The film was first scheduled for August 15 under Sony Pictures. After Warner Bros acquired the title, the release was shifted to October 10, 2025. Now, with the new May 1, 2026 date locked, the project takes a strategic slot as an early summer release — a move that signals Warner Bros’ confidence in the film’s box office appeal.

Directed by Peter Atencio, ‘Animal Friends’ features an ensemble cast led by Ryan Reynolds, Jason Momoa, Aubrey Plaza, Addison Rae, Dan Levy, Lil Rel Howery, and Ellie Bamber. The screenplay is penned by Kevin Burrows and Matt Mider. The film is being produced by Legendary, Maximum Effort — Ryan Reynolds’ banner — and Prime Focus Studios, blending live-action storytelling with animation in a unique cinematic experience.

With its new release date, ‘Animal Friends’ will now enter the summer fray alongside some big titles, including 20th Century Studios’ The Devil Wears Prada 2. Disney and Lucasfilm’s The Mandalorian & Grogu is scheduled to release later in the month on May 22, setting up a packed and competitive summer slate.

Meanwhile, the October 10, 2025 weekend — the date ‘Animal Friends’ has now vacated — remains stacked with heavyweight releases. ‘Disney’s Tron: Ares’, Paramount/Miramax’s ‘Roofman’ starring Channing Tatum, Roadside Attractions and Lionsgate’s ‘Kiss of the Spider Woman’, and Sony’s ‘Soul on Fire’ are all still eyeing that window, making it one of the most crowded weekends in the fall calendar.

As anticipation builds for ‘Animal Friends’, fans can expect a quirky, comedic, and visually rich film led by a stellar cast and backed by powerhouse production houses. With a summer 2026 release on the cards, the film is expected to generate major buzz as the season’s opener.