Sony Pictures Animation is pushing back the release of its upcoming original comedy Buds from spring of next year to Christmas.
The mystery project had been set to unfurl in theaters on March 12, 2027. It will now open over the lucrative year-end holiday corridor on Dec. 22, 2027. While no filmmaker or cast have been announced, it is expected to focus on talking plants.
The news comes just days after Sony Animation continued its winning streak with the successful box office debut of GOAT. The family pic exceeded industry expectations in earning $35.1 million over the long Valentine’s Day/Presidents Day weekend, the best showing for an original animated film since Elemental three years ago and not far behind the overall holiday winner, Wuthering Heights.
GOAT even topped the box office charts on Sunday and Monday ahead of Wuthering Heights, grossing a $8.3 million and $7.9 million, respectively. And, as of Tuesday (Feb. 17), the film has grossed $38 million domestically and $22.8 million internationally for a worldwide tally of $60.8 million.
Sony Pictures Animation – home of the groundbreaking animated Spider-Verse series — also made KPop Demon Hunters, which was released on Netflix as part of a larger deal with parent studio Sony. KPop, which shattered viewership records, is also among the films nominated for best animated feature after getting a qualifying theatrical run (later, Sony and Netflix also released a sing-along version of the film in cinemas.)
Kristine Belson and Damien de Froberville, who head up Sony Animation, recently spoke with The Hollywood Reporter about why their reputation for making radical creative choices that work.
