Ryan Reynolds’ ‘Animal Friends’ Delayed to 2026
Ryan Reynolds fans will have to wait a bit longer for the release of Animal Friends, as Warner Bros. and Legendary Pictures have postponed the film’s theatrical debut. Originally set for an October 2025 release, the movie will now hit theaters on May 1, 2026. Directed by Peter Atencio and written by Kevin Burrows and Matt Mider, the film is a live-action/CGI hybrid starring Reynolds, Jason Momoa, Aubrey Plaza, Addison Rae, Dan Levy, Lil Rel Howery, and Ellie Bamber. The film centers on a road trip adventure and is produced by Legendary, Maximum Effort, and Prime Focus Pictures.
The delay comes despite the box-office potential of the star-studded cast. Reynolds’ recent success with Deadpool & Wolverine, which grossed $1.3 billion globally, and Momoa’s A Minecraft Movie, which has earned $948 million worldwide, only add to the film’s anticipated success.
‘The Short Game’ Tackles Family, Resilience in Sports Drama
The Short Game, an upcoming film from Abramorama, tells the story of Jeremy Avery, a teenage golf prodigy facing the pressure of competing for a college scholarship while caring for his autistic younger brother. The film highlights the emotional journey of balancing family responsibilities and personal ambition.
CEO of Abramorama Karol Martesko-Fenster described the film as a “profoundly human story of resilience” and “brotherhood.” The film features a strong ensemble cast, including Owen Himfar, Mackenzie Astin, and Glenn Morshower, and will premiere in select theaters across North America on July 25, with an expanded release on August 1.
Janus Films Acquires Lav Diaz’s ‘Magellan’ Starring Gael García Bernal
Janus Films has acquired Magellan, a historical epic directed by Lav Diaz and starring Gael García Bernal as the famed 16th-century explorer. The film explores the journey of Ferdinand Magellan as he leads an expedition to the East Indies, which leads to violent uprisings and challenges his obsession with conquest.
Janus Films expressed excitement over the film’s potential to reach a wider North American audience, describing it as a “vivid slice of vital history” and a collaboration between Diaz and the “soulful” García Bernal. Magellan promises to be a visually stunning and moving portrayal of a pivotal moment in history.
Vidiots Summer Matinee Series Features Classic Films
Vidiots will host its annual Movie Den teen matinee series from June 16 to August 27. The series aims to engage the next generation of film lovers with screenings of iconic films like Rear Window, Good Burger, The Half of It, and Hairspray (1988). Tickets are priced at $2 with free popcorn, and the screenings will take place on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday afternoons.
Maggie Mackay, executive director of Vidiots, emphasized the importance of offering a safe and inspiring space for teens, saying, “The movies were my sanctuary as a teen, and our kids need that now more than ever.”
Gianna Toboni’s ‘Just Kids’ Receives $25K Grant at Tribeca
Just Kids, a documentary by Gianna Toboni, has been awarded a $25,000 grant from Subject Matter at the 2025 Tribeca Film Festival. The film focuses on the national bans on gender-affirming healthcare for transgender individuals, following three families navigating these legal challenges. The grant is part of Subject Matter’s ongoing effort to support social issue documentaries and the nonprofits featured in them.
In addition, the Campaign for Southern Equality’s Trans Youth Emergency Project will receive a matching $25,000 grant. This project provides critical support to transgender youth and their families, including financial assistance for travel and emergency healthcare needs. The Tribeca Film Festival will further aid fundraising efforts for the LGBTQ+ organization.
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