Ryan Reynolds’ “Animal Friends” will release in theaters on May 1, 2026. Directed by Peter Atencio and written by Kevin Burrows & Matt Mider, “Animal Friends” was originally set to release in theaters on October 10, 2025. The film stars Ryan Reynolds, Jason Momoa, Aubrey Plaza, Addison Rae, Dan Levy, Lil Rel Howery and Ellie Bamber.
Details of the plot are unknown, but the film will be a “live-action hybrid road trip adventure.” The film will be distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Entertainment, and produced by Legendary, Maximum Effort, and Prime Focus Pictures.
Reynolds recently starred in Marvel’s “Deadpool & Wolverine,” which grossed $1.3 billion in the international box office. Momoa, who starred in this year’s “A Minecraft Movie” grossed $948 million worldwide. Rae, who starred in last year’s “Thanksgiving,” was a hit at the box office, grossing $46.6 million internationally. Levy is most known for creating CBC Television’s “Schitt’s Creek,” and has starred in films such as “Happiest Season” and “Haunted Mansion.”
Howery is most known for playing Robert Carmichael in NBC’s “The Carmichael Show,” and Jordan Peele’s “Get Out.” Bamber has previously had roles in Disney’s “Willow” reboot, and Prime Video’s “Red, White & Royal Blue.” Plaza recently starred in Marvel’s “Agatha All Along,” starring alongside Kathryn Hahn.
Tuesday, June 3
Abramorama Acquires North American Rights To Frank Sanza’s ‘The Short Game’
Abramorama has acquired the North American distribution rights to Frank Sanza’s “The Short Game.”
The film centers on Ben Krieger as Jeremy Avery, a teenage golf prodigy competing for a college golf scholarship at the State Championship, but struggles to focus on his game due to family pressures and the responsibility of caring for his autistic younger brother. These challenges force Avery to reconsider his priorities and make a life-altering decision between choosing his family or his future.
Karol Martesko-Fenster, Abramorama CEO, said in a statement, “‘The Short Game’ transcends the boundaries of sports cinema to reveal a profoundly human story of resilience, brotherhood and the remarkable strength that emerges from life’s most unexpected corners.” He added,”Rooted in the unwavering belief in second chances, this film illuminates the transformative power of hope against all odds. At Abramorama, we are honored to share this moving film with audiences throughout North America, amplifying its powerful testament to inclusion, compassion, faith and the transformative bonds of family.”
Owen Himfar, Mackenzie Astin, Katherine Cunningham, Glenn Morshower, Tyler Lofton, Emma Parks and Adyn Alexander also star. Sanza also wrote the project alongside E. Joren Christensen, Larry Boatright, and Florrie Laurence and David Parks. Parks also produced the project.
The film is due to be released on July 25 in select theaters across North America before expanding to additional markets on August 1.
Janus Films Acquires Lav Diaz Historical Epic ‘Magellan’ Starring Gael García Bernal
Written and directed by Diaz, “Magellan” stars García Bernal as the eponymous 16th-century Portuguese explorer as he “persuades the Spanish Crown to fund his bold expedition to the fabled lands of the East,” according to an official synopsis. “Upon reaching the islands of the Malayan Archipelago, he becomes obsessed with conquest and conversion, which sparks violent uprisings beyond his control.”
“Magellan” is produced by Rosa Filmes and co-produced by Andergraun Films, Black Cap Pictures, Ten 17P, El Viaje Filmes, Volos Films, Lib Films and AKP21.
“We are thrilled that Lav Diaz’s work will reach a wider North American audience than ever before through his mesmerizing ‘Magellan,’” Janus Films said in a statement. “[The film is] a unique collaboration between the modern master of Filipino filmmaking and one of the finest, most soulful actors of his generation. A vivid slice of vital history rendered on a grand scale, ‘Magellan’ is visually ravishing and profoundly moving.”
Monday, June 2
‘Good Burger,’ ‘Hairspray’ and ‘Rear Window’ Among Vidiots Summer Matinee Series
Movie Den, a teen-centric matinee repertory series held in the MUBI microcinema, will run June 16 through August 27 at Vidiots. With programming focused on “Engaging, delighting, and inspiring the next generation of film lovers,” screenings offered as part of the series include “Rear Window,” “Good Burger,” “The Half of It” and “Hairspray” (1988).
“As a Mom to teens, and a member of a community that has been through so much this year, it was important to me and our team, that we try to make what we know will be a hard Summer for so many a little easier by expanding programming with an intention to get us out of the house, off devices, and reconnected,” said Maggie Mackay, executive director of Vidiots. “When I was a teenager, the movies were my sanctuary, and our kids (and their grown-ups) need that now more than ever. We can’t wait to welcome you all to Movie Den.”
Movie Den screenings will be offered Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons at 1PM, with tickets priced at $2 and free popcorn. Parallel programming offering teens “Expanded opportunities to learn about Vidiots” will be offered before and after screenings. Movie Den is supported by Vidiots Founding Members MUBI and Golden Globe Foundation.
A full schedule and ticketing information can be found at https://vidiotsfoundation.org/film-series/movieden/
Gianna Toboni’s ‘Just Kids’ Receives Grant From Subject Matter at Tribeca
Gianna Toboni’s film “Just Kids” has been selected to receive a $25,000 grant from Subject Matter at the 2025 Tribeca Festival.
Subject Matter has provided funds and resources for documentary films that highlight social issues and support nonprofits tackling featured projects since its launch in 2022. The nonprofit has awarded $484,000 in grants to twelve social issue documentaries, with “Just Kids” being its latest project added to its roster.
“Just Kids” is a film that examines the nationwide bans on gender-affirming healthcare for transgender individuals. The film follows three families navigating the bans and illustrates how the laws and rhetoric surrounding the social issue have become politicized by targeting marginalized communities. Subject Matter will also award a corresponding $25,000 grant to the Campaign for Southern Equality’s Trans Youth Emergency Project.
The Campaign for Southern Equality provides logistical and financial support, as well as individual patient navigation services to identify unimpacted healthcare providers and emergency grants for travel expenses through their Trans Youth Emergency Project. Additionally, Subject Matter will further support their initiatives by collaborating with the Tribeca Film Festival to raise additional funding for the LGBTQ+ organization.
Subject Matter will be onsite at the Tribeca Film Festival screenings for “Just Kids,” rallying audiences to join them in donating to the Campaign for Southern Equality’s Trans Youth Emergency Project. The non-profit organization will match donations up to $5,000.
variety.com
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