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This article is rated PG, meaning some material may not be suitable for children. |
My Little Pony is a 2024 American live-action/computer-animated comedy fantasy film based on the television series My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic. The film is directed by Elizabeth Banks, produced by Allspark Pictures and Entertainment One, and distributed by Columbia Pictures. The voice cast includes Kristen Bell, Miley Cyrus, Alison Brie, Tara Strong, Katie Crown, Ashleigh Ball, Reese Witherspoon, Tabitha St. Germain, Scarlett Johansson, Hynden Walch, Andrea Libman, Jack McBrayer, Cathy Weseluck and Zooey Deschanel with live-action include Neil Patrick Harris, Anna Kendrick, Brie Larson and Charlize Theron.
The film follows the peace-loving ponies of Equestria are chased out from their quiet world by Midnight Shadow as human and Mane 6 get end up transported to New York City. They must now look for a way to get back to their home.
| “ | "Friendship isn't always easy... but there's no doubt it's worth fighting for!" | „ |
| ~ Tagline Poster |
Synopsis[]
The film follows the peace-loving ponies of Equestria are chased out from their quiet world by Midnight Shadow as human and Mane 6 get end up transported to New York City. They must now look for a way to get back to their home.
Plot[]
The film begins in the picturesque land of Equestria, where the peace-loving ponies are enjoying their harmonious existence. However, their tranquility is shattered when the sinister Midnight Shadow, a powerful magician, threatens their home with dark magic. In a desperate attempt to escape, Twilight Sparkle and her friends, the Mane 6, find themselves unexpectedly transported to the bustling metropolis of New York City.
Confused and disoriented in this strange new world, Twilight and her friends must navigate the chaotic streets of New York while trying to find a way back home. Along the way, they encounter Jerry Stewer, the new VP of marketing at bookstore chain Barnes & Noble, and his wife Olivia, who befriend the ponies and offer to help them on their quest.
As they journey through the city, Twilight and her friends must contend with Midnight Shadow's relentless pursuit, as she sends her minions to capture them and bring them back to Equestria. Meanwhile, the ponies must also adapt to life as humans, facing challenges and obstacles they never imagined back in their own world.
Through a series of comedic misadventures and heartwarming moments, Twilight and her friends learn valuable lessons about friendship, courage, and the power of believing in oneself. With the help of their newfound human friends, they devise a plan to outsmart Midnight Shadow and find a way back home to Equestria.
In a climactic showdown atop the iconic skyscrapers of New York City, Twilight and her friends confront Midnight Shadow and her dark forces, using the magic of friendship to defeat her once and for all. With Midnight Shadow vanquished and peace restored to both worlds, Twilight's friends bid farewell to their human companions and to Twilight Sparkle, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash and Spike, then return home to Equestria, grateful for the unforgettable adventures that they shared together, while Rainbow Dash, Twilight Sparkle, Pinkie Pie and Spike will have even more great adventures and will always become inseparable with their human companions, and her friends will soon come back to America, and they will all live the rest of their lives in New York City, where they will all live happily ever after.
Cast[]
Voice Cast[]
- Miley Cyrus as Twilight Sparkle, an intelligent but over-obsessive unicorn with wings who is Equestria's Princess of Friendship, responsible for spreading friendship and harmony across the kingdom. She is the leader of the "Mane 6" ponies. Cyrus also performs Twilight's singing voice.
- Sia as Songbird Serenade, a pop star singer.
- Tara Strong as Applejack, an honest apple farmer pony. She's the one of the "Mane 6." Strong also performs Applejack's singing voice.
- Ashleigh Ball as Rainbow Dash, a sassy and loyal pegasus with a kind heart and a wild sense of humour. She's the one of the "Mane 6".
- Andrea Libman as Fluttershy, a shy but kindly pegasus who cares for animals. She's the one of the "Mane 6". Libman also performs Fluttershy's singing voice.
- Hynden Walch as Pinkie Pie, a party-obsessed pony filled with joy and laughter. She's the one of the "Mane 6". Walch also performs Pinkie's singing voice.
- Tabitha St. Germain as Rarity, a fussy but generous fashion designer unicorn and one of the "Mane 6". Tabitha also performs Rarity's singing voice.
- Cathy Weseluck as Spike the Dragon, a small purple dragon who is Twilight's assistant. Weseluck also performs Spike's singing voice.
- Corrie-Ann Shenigo as Nicole the Dragon, a small purple dragon who is also Twilight's assistant and Spike's long lost sister.
- Dolores Rogers as Shirley the Dragon, Spike's long lost mother and Nicole's mother.
- Lauren Jauregui as Ascia the Dragon, Spike the Dragon's love interest
- Kristen Bell as Twilight Velvet, Twilight Sparkle's mother
- Reese Witherspoon as Pear Butter, Applejack's mother
- Alison Brie as Bow Hothoof, Rainbow Dash's mother
- Zooey Deshanel as Mrs. Shy, Fluttershy's mother
- Katie Crown as Cloudy Quartz, Pinkie Pie's mother
- Scarlett Johansson as Cookie Crumbles, Rarity's mother
- Jack McBrayer as Sludge, Spike the Dragon's father
Live Action[]
- Neil Patrick Harris, as Jerry Stewer, the new VP of marketing at bookstore chain Barnes & Noble. He's befriend of Twilight and her friends to help find the way home.
- Anna Kendrick, as Olivia Stewer, Jerry's wife.
- Charlize Theron, as Midnight Shadow, a powerful wicked witch who becomes powerful to get rid of any obstacles in her way, including Twilight and her friends and Captain Marvel.
- Brie Larson as Captain Marvel, Twilight and her friends favorite icon of the Marvel series.
- Alanis Morissette as Angela Lewis.
- Miley Cyrus as Alexandra "Alex" Lewis.
- Taylor Swift as Alana Lewis.
- Sia as Nicole Lewis.
- Emma Stone as Eloise Lewis.
- Cheyenne Kimball as Chantel Lewis.
Additional Characters[]
- Dua Lipa as Forsythia, a plant designer purple unicorn who is also a pop-star singer.
- Nicole Oliver as Princess Celestia, a benevolent ruler of Equestria and Twilight's former mentor. She has ruled Equestria for over a thousand years and uses her magic to raise the sun.
- Aloma Steele as Princess Luna, a Princess Celestia's younger sister who serves as co-ruler of Equestria and uses her magic to raise the moon and safeguards her subjects' dreams during nighttime.
- Emily Blunt as Sunset Shimmer, a royal student of Canterlot High School.
- Andy Samberg and Bill Hader as Flim and Flam, The scheming brothers who are always looking for a quick profit.
- Meryl Streep as Mayor Mare, The dedicated mayor of Ponyville.
- Bebe Rexha as Lovestruck, a pink valentine pony.
- Chris Hemsworth as Big McIntosh, Applejack's strong and quiet older brother.
- Emma Stone as Princess Cadance, The kind and loving ruler of the Crystal Empire.
- Chris Pratt as Shining Armor, Twilight's brave and noble older brother.
- Aubrey Plaza as Trixie Lulamoon, A boastful and talented magician.
- Zendaya as Starlight Glimmer, A powerful unicorn with a complicated past.
- Johnny Depp as Discord, The mischievous spirit of chaos and disharmony.
- Mckenna Grace as Apple Bloom, Applejack's adventurous and resourceful younger sister.
- Millie Bobby Brown as Sweetie Belle, Rarity's sweet and creative younger sister.
- Marsai Martin as Scootaloo, A brave and energetic pegasus who idolizes Rainbow Dash.
- John Boyega as Flash Sentry, A brave and loyal royal guard who assists Twilight Sparkle.
- Jason Momoa as Iron Hoof, A strong and dependable royal guard protecting Princess Celestia and Princess Luna.
- Kristen Wiig as Derpy Hooves: A clumsy but lovable pegasus with crossed eyes.
- Tiffany Haddish as Zecora, A wise and mysterious zebra who provides guidance with her knowledge of potions and spells.
- Hugh Jackman as Cheese Sandwich: A fun-loving and energetic party planner who shares a special bond with Pinkie Pie.
- Jenna Ortega as Gabby: An optimistic and helpful griffon who dreams of earning a cutie mark.
- Henry Cavill as Rockhoof: A mighty and heroic earth pony who embodies the spirit of bravery.
Characters from My Little Pony[]
Mane Six[]
Production[]
Development[]
The development of My Little Pony began in early 2022 when Allspark Pictures and Entertainment One decided to bring the beloved characters of My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic to the big screen in a live-action/computer-animated hybrid format. Elizabeth Banks was brought on board as the director, given her successful track record with both live-action and animated films. The production aimed to create a family-friendly film that would appeal to both long-time fans of the series and new audiences.
Casting[]
Casting for the film started in mid-2022. Kristen Bell was the first to join the project as the voice of Twilight Sparkle, bringing her charismatic and intelligent persona to the character. Soon after, Reese Witherspoon, Alison Brie, Zooey Deschanel, Katie Crown, and Scarlett Johansson were cast as the other members of the "Mane 6." Jack McBrayer was selected to voice Spike, adding a humorous and loyal sidekick to the ensemble.
For the live-action roles, Paul Rudd, Anna Kendrick, and Charlize Theron were cast. Rudd plays Jerry Stewer, a marketing VP who befriends the ponies, while Kendrick plays his supportive wife, Olivia. Theron took on the role of the antagonist, Darcy Allison (aka Midnight Shadow), bringing a blend of charm and menace to the character. The casting announcements were officially made on January 15, 2023, generating significant buzz and anticipation among fans and media outlets.
Filming and Animation[]
Filming for the live-action segments took place in New York City from November 2022 to February 2023. The production faced several challenges, including blending live-action and CGI elements seamlessly. Elizabeth Banks and her team worked closely with the visual effects department to ensure that the animated ponies interacted naturally with the live-action environment.
The animation was handled by a team of experienced animators who worked on creating realistic and expressive versions of the beloved pony characters. The animation process began in parallel with filming and continued for several months after live-action filming wrapped. This meticulous approach ensured that the final product maintained the charm and personality of the original animated series while fitting seamlessly into the live-action world.
Soundtrack[]
My Little Pony (2024 film)/soundtrack
Original Motion Picture Soundtrack[]
- Equestria's Harmony (Opening Theme)
- A joyful and uplifting orchestral piece that sets the tone for the film's adventure and harmony.
- Elements of Harmony Theme (Epic and Comedic Theme)
- A blend of epic orchestral music with light-hearted, comedic undertones representing the Mane 6's quirky unity.
- Midnight Shadow Theme (Evil Theme)
- A dark and menacing tune with heavy strings and eerie sound effects, capturing Midnight Shadow's sinister presence.
- Equestria Destroy (Dramatic Theme)
- A powerful and dramatic score with intense orchestral arrangements, depicting the threat to Equestria.
- Vortex Portal (Dramatic Theme)
- A mysterious and dramatic piece with swirling melodies, reflecting the uncertainty and danger of the vortex portal.
- New York City (Comedic Theme)
- A lively and humorous tune that captures the bustling and chaotic energy of New York City from the ponies' perspective.
- Cross the Street (Comedic and Drama Theme)
- A playful yet tense piece that combines light-hearted elements with dramatic undertones as the ponies navigate city streets.
- Barnes & Noble (Calm Theme)
- A soothing and calm melody, providing a moment of respite as the ponies find refuge in the bookstore.
- Escape from Midnight Shadow (Comedic Theme)
- A whimsical and fast-paced tune, underscoring the ponies' comedic attempts to escape Midnight Shadow.
- Midnight Shadow's Plan (Comedic and Evil Theme)
- A blend of dark, scheming music with humorous twists, highlighting the comical aspects of Midnight Shadow's plan.
- Jerry Meets Mane 6 (Comedic Theme)
- A cheerful and quirky piece that captures the humorous and heartwarming first encounter between Jerry and the Mane 6.
- Spike's Quest (Comedic Theme)
- An adventurous and playful tune following Spike's comedic and daring journey.
- Midnight Shadow's Machine (Evil Theme)
- A mechanical and ominous score, emphasizing the menacing nature of Midnight Shadow's contraption.
- Mane 6 Follows Jerry (Epic Theme)
- An epic and uplifting orchestral piece, illustrating the Mane 6's determination as they follow Jerry.
- Work Scene (Comedic Theme)
- A light-hearted and humorous tune that adds a fun element to the mundane work environment.
- Toy Store (Comedic Theme)
- A whimsical and playful score, capturing the Mane 6's delight and curiosity in a toy store.
- Toy Store Chase (Dramatic Theme)
- A thrilling and fast-paced piece that underscores the excitement and danger of the chase through the toy store.
- Luna Lullaby (Heartwarming Theme)
- A gentle and soothing melody, perfect for Princess Luna's comforting lullaby.
- Good Night Mane 6 (Heartwarming Theme)
- A tender and heartfelt tune, providing a warm ending to the day for the Mane 6.
- Friendship is Magic (Heartwarming Theme)
- An inspiring and uplifting piece that celebrates the power of friendship and unity.
- Spike Rides the Bird (Comedic Theme)
- A fun and whimsical tune accompanying Spike's adventurous ride on a bird.
- Ponies are Family (Heartwarming Theme)
- A sentimental and emotional piece, emphasizing the bond and love among the ponies.
- Mane 6 Quest (Comedic Theme)
- A playful and adventurous score, capturing the Mane 6's journey and humorous antics.
- Twilight Captured by Midnight Shadow (Comedic and Dramatic Theme)
- A mix of tension and humor, reflecting the dramatic yet light-hearted capture of Twilight.
- Rescue Twilight (Sad and Epic Theme)
- An emotional and heroic piece, underscoring the Mane 6's brave efforts to rescue Twilight.
- New Machine (Evil Theme)
- A dark and foreboding tune, highlighting the unveiling of Midnight Shadow's new machine.
- Get Ready (Epic Theme)
- A powerful and motivational score, building anticipation and excitement as the characters prepare for the final showdown.
- Last Magic (Dramatic and Epic Theme)
- An intense and epic orchestral piece, capturing the climactic battle with high stakes.
- Victory (Happy Ending Theme)
- A triumphant and joyful tune, celebrating the victory and success of the heroes.
- Goodbye Friend (Sad and Happy Theme)
- A bittersweet and emotional piece, reflecting the mixed emotions of farewell and gratitude.
- Return to Equestria (Happy End Theme)
- A joyous and celebratory melody, marking the return of the ponies to their beloved home in Equestria
My Little Pony (2024): Music from and Inspired By[]
In addition to the original score, the soundtrack for My Little Pony (2024) features music from various artists, adding depth and emotion to the film's narrative. Here are some of the featured tracks:
- "Magic of Friendship" by Britney Spears x Katy Perry (ft Twilight Sparkle)
- A catchy and uplifting song celebrating the power of friendship, performed by the main voice cast.
- "City Lights" by Owl City
- A whimsical and enchanting song capturing the wonder of exploring a new city, perfect for the Mane 6's adventures in New York City.
- "Rainbow in the Dark" by Dio
- A classic rock anthem that embodies the spirit of courage and hope, fitting for the Mane 6's journey to defeat Midnight Shadow.
- "Brave Heart" by BØRNS
- An inspiring and uplifting track that echoes the bravery and determination of the Mane 6 as they face challenges in the human world.
- "Fly Away" by Lenny Kravitz
- A soulful and introspective song that captures the longing and determination of the ponies to return to Equestria.
- "Light Up the Sky" by Yellowcard
- A high-energy and optimistic song that mirrors the Mane 6's resilience and optimism in the face of adversity.
- "Stars Align" by Lindsey Stirling
- An enchanting instrumental piece that reflects the magic and wonder of Equestria, serving as a reminder of home for the ponies.
- "Dream Big" by Janelle Monáe
- An empowering and uplifting anthem that encourages the Mane 6 to believe in themselves and their ability to overcome obstacles.
- "Adventure of a Lifetime" by Coldplay
- A vibrant and upbeat track that embodies the spirit of adventure and discovery, perfect for the Mane 6's journey in the human world.
- "Homecoming" by Josh Groban
- A heartfelt and emotional ballad that captures the joy and relief of the ponies' return to Equestria.
Release and Reception[]
The film is slated for a premiere release on September 20, 2024. As the release date approaches, trailers and promotional material are expected to generate excitement among fans and general audiences alike. Early reception from test screenings has been overwhelmingly positive, with particular praise for the performances of both the voice and live-action cast, as well as the seamless integration of animation and live-action elements.
Release Date[]
Announcement Date:
On March 1, 2024, Allspark Pictures and Entertainment One officially announced the release date for the highly anticipated My Little Pony film. The film is set to premiere on September 20, 2024, in theaters worldwide. The announcement was made through a press release and accompanied by the unveiling of the first official trailer, which quickly went viral across social media platforms.
Strategic Release Timing:
The release date of September 20, 2024, was strategically chosen to capitalize on the family-friendly fall movie season. Positioned between the summer blockbuster period and the start of the holiday season, the date allows My Little Pony to maximize its audience reach without competing directly with other major franchise releases.
Premiere Event:
A grand premiere event is scheduled for September 18, 2024, at the AMC Lincoln Square 13 in New York City. The event will feature a red carpet with appearances by the voice and live-action cast, including Kristen Bell, Reese Witherspoon, Paul Rudd, Anna Kendrick, and Charlize Theron. Fans and media outlets from around the world are expected to attend, generating significant buzz ahead of the film's wide release.
Marketing and Promotion:
The announcement of the release date was accompanied by a comprehensive marketing campaign. In addition to the official trailer, the campaign includes TV spots, social media promotions, tie-in merchandise, and interactive online content. Special preview screenings and partnerships with popular retail chains are also planned to engage fans and build anticipation.
Audience Anticipation:
Fans of the My Little Pony franchise have eagerly awaited this film, and the release date announcement has only heightened their excitement. The film promises to deliver a blend of live-action and computer-animated storytelling, featuring beloved characters from the My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic series. The star-studded cast and the involvement of director Elizabeth Banks have further fueled anticipation.
Early Reactions:
Following the release of the first official trailer, early reactions from fans and critics have been overwhelmingly positive. The trailer showcases stunning visual effects, heartfelt moments, and a mix of humor and adventure that appeals to both children and adults. Social media platforms have been abuzz with discussions, fan art, and theories about the film's plot and character dynamics.
Box Office[]
Opening Weekend[]
My Little Pony premiered on September 20, 2024, to enthusiastic audiences. The film opened in 4,200 theaters nationwide, including premium formats such as IMAX and 3D. In its opening weekend, the film grossed an impressive $75 million domestically, surpassing expectations and securing the top spot at the box office. The strong debut was attributed to the film's broad appeal, attracting both long-time fans of the franchise and new viewers, including families and young adults.
Domestic Performance[]
Throughout its theatrical run, My Little Pony continued to perform strongly, benefiting from positive word-of-mouth and favorable reviews. By the end of its domestic run, the film had grossed $250 million, making it one of the highest-grossing animated films of the year. The movie's blend of live-action and animation, combined with a star-studded cast, helped maintain its momentum at the box office.
International Performance[]
My Little Pony also performed exceptionally well internationally. The film was released in over 80 countries, with particularly strong performances in markets such as the United Kingdom, Canada, China, and Japan. In its international run, the film grossed an additional $400 million, bringing its global box office total to $650 million. The film's universal themes of friendship and adventure resonated with audiences worldwide, contributing to its international success.
Critical and Audience Reception[]
Critically, My Little Pony received generally positive reviews. Critics praised the film's heartwarming story, the seamless integration of live-action and animated elements, and the performances of both the voice and live-action cast. The film holds a solid 85% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a score of 75 on Metacritic. Audiences gave the film an A- CinemaScore, indicating strong word-of-mouth and repeat viewings.
Merchandising and Ancillary Revenue[]
In addition to its box office success, My Little Pony generated significant revenue from merchandise sales. Toys, apparel, and other tie-in products were highly popular, contributing to the film's overall profitability. The film also saw strong performance in home media sales and digital downloads, further boosting its financial success.
Conclusion[]
My Little Pony (2024) proved to be a major hit both domestically and internationally. Its successful blend of live-action and animation, combined with a strong cast and a heartwarming story, made it a favorite among audiences of all ages. The film's box office performance, coupled with its merchandise and ancillary revenue, cemented its place as one of the standout animated films of the year.