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This article is rated PG, meaning some material may not be suitable for children. |
My Little Pony is a 2025 upcoming live-action/animated comedy film based on the popular television series My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic. The film is directed by Raja Gosnell and production of Hasbro Entertainment, and Columbia Pictures, and distributed by Sony Pictures Releasing. The movie follows the adventures of Twilight Sparkle and her friends as they navigate the magical land of Equestria, spreading the message of friendship and unity along the way. The film stars Paul Rudd, Anna Kendrick and Charlize Theron, in live-action, while Tara Strong, Ashleigh Ball, Andrea Libman, Tabitha St. Germain, Cathy Weseluck and Kelly Sheridan reprising their voice roles of the Mane 6, Spike and Starlight Glimmer in animation.
Plot[]
The film follows Twilight Sparkle and her friends as they are transported from the magical land of Equestria to New York City. In the urban environment, they meet Jerry Stewer (Paul Rudd), a shy and awkward marketing VP at a Barnes & Noble store, who becomes a key ally. The plot thickens with the arrival of Darcy Allision (Charlize Theron), also known as Midnight Shadow, a cunning magician who, in collaboration with the American marketing VP, schemes to sabotage the bookstore. Midnight Shadow's ultimate goal is to drain the ponies' magic to enhance her own powers, leading to a climactic confrontation in Central Park where the ponies must uphold the values of friendship amidst the chaos.
Cast[]
Live-Action[]
- Charlize Theron as Darcy Allision / Midnight Shadow: A brilliant and manipulative magician working with the marketing VP to undermine the bookstore and drain the ponies’ magic.
- Paul Rudd as Jerry Stewer: The shy and awkward marketing VP of Barnes & Noble, who befriends the ponies and helps them adapt to their new surroundings.
- Anna Kendrick as Olivia Stewer: Jerry’s wife, who is on vacation and spends time with her family.
Voice[]
- Tara Strong as Twilight Sparkle: The Princess of Friendship and leader of the Mane 6, dedicated to spreading harmony and friendship.
- Ashleigh Ball as:
- Applejack: an honest apple farmer pony, who is the second-in-command of the Mane 6, Apple Bloom and Big Mac's sister, and Rainbow Dash's best friend.
- Rainbow Dash: a sassy and loyal pegasus with a kind heart and a wild sense of humour. She serves as the third-in-command of the Mane 6, and Applejack's best friend.
- Andrea Libman as:
- Pinkie Pie, a party-obsessed pony filled with joy and laughter, who is a member of the Mane 6, and Twilight's best friend.
- Fluttershy, a shy but kindly pegasus who cares for animals, and a member of the Mane 6.
- Tabitha St. Germain as:
- Rarity, a generous fashion-designing unicorn, Sweetie Belle's sister, and a member of the Mane 6.
- Princess Luna, 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.
- Photo Finish, a photo-taking obsessed Earth pony.
- Derpy "Muffins" Hooves, a clumsy but lovable pegasus with crossed eyes.
- Flurry Heart, a baby alicorn, who is Shining Armor and Princess Cadance's daughter, and Twilight's niece.
- Catchy Weseluck as:
- Spike, a small dragon who is Twilight's adoptive brother, best friend and assistant.
- Mayor Mare, the dedicated mayor of Ponyville
- Kelly Sheridan as Starlight Glimmer, a unicorn who is a great friend of the Mane 6.
Additional Characters Voice[]
- 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.
- Cheerilee, an Earth pony who is a teacher of young fillies.
- Peter New as Big Mac, Applejack and Apple Bloom's strong and quiet older brother.
- Britt McKillip as Princess Cadance, a kind and loving ruler of the Crystal Empire. She is also Twilight's sister-in-law, Shining Armor's wife and Flurry Heart's mother.
- Andrew Francis as Shining Armor, Twilight's brave and noble older brother, Princess Cadance's husband and Flurry Heart's father.
- Kathleen Barr as Trixie Lulamoon, a boastful and talented unicorn, who is a magician. She's also Starlight's best friend.
- John de Lancie as Discord, a draconequus, and Fluttershy's friend.
- Michelle Creber as Apple Bloom, the leader of the Cutie Mark Crusaders, and Big Mac and Applejack's sister.
- Claire Margaret Corlett as Sweetie Belle, Rarity's sister.
- Madeleine Peters as Scootaloo, a brave and energetic pegasus, who idolizes Rainbow Dash.
- Vincent Tong as Flash Sentry, a brave and loyal royal guard who assists Twilight.
- Brenda M. Crichlow as Zecora, a wise and mysterious zebra, who provides guidance with her knowledge of potions and spells.
- "Weird Al" Yankovic as Cheese Sandwich, a fun-loving and energetic party planner, who shares a special bond with Pinkie Pie.
- Erin Mathews as Gabby, an optimistic and helpful griffon who dreams of earning a cutie mark.
- Matt Cowlrick as Rockhoof, a mighty and heroic Earth pony who embodies the spirit of bravery.
Production[]
Development[]
The idea for a live-action/animated My Little Pony film first emerged in early 2022, when Hasbro Entertainment sought to expand the reach of the beloved My Little Pony franchise beyond its animated roots. Inspired by the success of other hybrid films like The Smurfs (2011) and Paddington (2014), Hasbro aimed to reimagine the magical world of Equestria in a live-action setting while staying true to the core themes of friendship, magic, and adventure. Raja Gosnell, known for his work blending live-action with animation in The Smurfs films, was brought on board to direct the project.
Casting and Voice Work[]
Casting for the film began in mid-2023. Paul Rudd, known for his charisma and comedic roles, was cast as Jerry Stewer, a key human character who helps the ponies navigate New York City. Charlize Theron, praised for her versatility, was cast as the antagonist, Midnight Shadow, adding gravitas to the villain role. Anna Kendrick joined the cast as Olivia Stewer, adding warmth and humor to the live-action cast.
At the same time, the original voice actors from My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic, including Tara Strong, Ashleigh Ball, Andrea Libman, Tabitha St. Germain, and Cathy Weseluck, were confirmed to reprise their roles as the animated ponies. This continuity helped maintain the essence of the original series, ensuring fans of the franchise would feel at home with the characters they love.
Animation and Live-Action Integration[]
The production team faced the challenge of seamlessly integrating animated characters into a live-action environment. The animation was overseen by the same team behind My Little Pony: The Movie (2017), using advanced CGI techniques to bring the ponies to life in the bustling, real-world setting of New York City. The film’s visual style sought to balance the colorful, whimsical aesthetic of Equestria with the more grounded and urban atmosphere of the live-action sequences. Early footage and trailers hinted at an impressive blending of these two worlds, with the animated characters interacting fluidly with live-action actors and environments.
Filming[]
Principal photography for the live-action segments took place in New York City, with several iconic locations such as Central Park, Times Square, and the Brooklyn Bridge serving as backdrops for the ponies' adventures. These scenes were shot between late 2023 and early 2024, while voice work and animation were developed simultaneously at a separate studio. The production team worked closely with animators to ensure proper interaction between live-action actors and their animated counterparts, utilizing advanced motion-capture technology to enhance realism.
Music and Score[]
Music played a pivotal role in the development of the film, continuing the tradition of My Little Pony’s iconic songs. The original composers from Friendship Is Magic and My Little Pony: The Movie returned to create a score that captured both the magical essence of Equestria and the contemporary energy of New York City. In addition, new songs were written specifically for the movie, adding a fresh musical dimension while keeping the upbeat, catchy style fans have come to expect.
Original Score[]
The My Little Pony (2025) film features an original score composed by John Debney, known for his ability to blend orchestral elements with whimsical themes. The score enhances the emotional depth of the film and supports the adventures of Twilight Sparkle and her friends.
List of Score Tracks[]
| Track Title | Duration | Description |
|---|---|---|
| "Welcome to Equestria" | 2:30 | An uplifting introduction to the world of Equestria. |
| "Journey to New York" | 3:15 | A dynamic piece accompanying the ponies' travels. |
| "City Lights" | 2:45 | A whimsical theme reflecting the magic of NYC. |
| "Friendship Overcomes All" | 4:00 | An emotional climax piece during a key confrontation. |
| "The Magic Within" | 3:50 | A stirring theme celebrating the power of friendship. |
| "Final Showdown" | 5:00 | Intense orchestral score for the climactic battle. |
| "Together Again" | 2:20 | A heartfelt resolution piece, bringing closure to the adventure. |
| "End Credits Suite" | 3:30 | A medley of themes from the film, played during the credits. |
Original Soundtrack (OST)[]
The My Little Pony (2025) film features a vibrant and engaging soundtrack that complements its themes of friendship and adventure. The soundtrack includes original songs performed by various artists, as well as instrumental pieces that enhance the film’s emotional moments.
List of Songs[]
| Song Title | Artist | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| "Friendship Is Magic" | Ariana Grande | Teaser Trailer | Featured in promotional materials. |
| "City of Dreams" | Shawn Mendes | Movie Sequence | Highlights the ponies' adventure in NYC. |
| "Magic Unleashed" | Dua Lipa | Movie Sequence | Central to a key action scene. |
| "Together We Shine" | Katy Perry | End Credits | Uplifting finale song. |
| "Find Your Spark" | Lizzo | Performance | Performed during a key moment in the film. |
| "A New World" | Halsey | Teaser Trailer | Sets the tone for the film's journey. |
| "Heart of Equestria" | John Debney | Background Score | Instrumental piece in a pivotal scene. |
Release[]
My Little Pony is scheduled to be released in theaters worldwide on June 20, 2025. The film will be distributed by Sony Pictures Releasing in collaboration with Hasbro Entertainment, marking a significant entry in the franchise as it transitions to the hybrid format of live-action and animation. The film is expected to appeal to both long-time fans of the My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic series and a new generation of viewers, thanks to its engaging storyline, star-studded cast, and cutting-edge animation techniques.
Premiere and Stream Release Dates[]
| Event/Platform | Release Date |
|---|---|
| World Premiere (New York City) | June 15, 2025 |
| Los Angeles Premiere | June 17, 2025 |
| London Premiere | June 19, 2025 |
| Theatrical Release (Worldwide) | June 20, 2025 |
| Digital Release (Streaming Platforms) | September 25, 2025 |
| Blu-ray/DVD Release | October 10, 2025 |
[]
- Teaser Trailer #1
- Release Date: December 15, 2024
- Description: The first teaser introduces the ponies' transition from Equestria to New York City, highlighting their excitement and the vibrant urban setting.
- Teaser Trailer #2
- Release Date: March 1, 2025
- Description: This trailer features glimpses of the main antagonist, Midnight Shadow, and hints at the challenges the ponies will face in the city, set to an upbeat original song.
- Teaser Trailer #3
- Release Date: May 10, 2025
- Description: The final teaser showcases action-packed scenes and emotional moments, emphasizing the themes of friendship and unity.
In addition to its theatrical release, the film will also be available on select streaming platforms a few months after its debut, as part of a distribution deal between Sony and streaming services. Early screenings and promotional events are planned in major cities like New York, Los Angeles, and London, with the cast and crew attending premieres to generate buzz for the movie.
List of Worldwide Release Dates[]
| Country | Release Date |
|---|---|
| United States | June 20, 2025 |
| Canada | June 20, 2025 |
| United Kingdom | June 21, 2025 |
| Australia | June 22, 2025 |
| France | June 23, 2025 |
| Germany | June 23, 2025 |
| Japan | June 28, 2025 |
| South Korea | June 28, 2025 |
| Brazil | June 30, 2025 |
| Mexico | June 30, 2025 |
| Italy | July 1, 2025 |
| Spain | July 2, 2025 |
| China | July 5, 2025 |
| India | July 6, 2025 |
| Russia | July 7, 2025 |
| Argentina | July 8, 2025 |
| New Zealand | July 9, 2025 |
Box Office[]
Upon its release on June 20, 2025, My Little Pony opened to strong box office numbers, capitalizing on the existing fanbase of the Friendship Is Magic franchise and drawing in new audiences intrigued by the live-action/animated hybrid format. On its opening weekend, the film grossed an estimated $50 million domestically, with international markets contributing an additional $80 million, for a global opening of $130 million. Analysts attribute the film's success to its cross-generational appeal, the star power of live-action actors such as Paul Rudd and Charlize Theron, and the nostalgia factor for fans of the original animated series.
By the end of its theatrical run, My Little Pony had earned $450 million worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing films of the summer of 2025. The film performed particularly well in family-oriented markets, with significant ticket sales in North America, Europe, and parts of Asia.
Reception[]
Critical reception for My Little Pony was largely positive. Critics praised the film for its charming blend of live-action and animation, as well as its heartfelt story that remained true to the themes of friendship, unity, and adventure. Paul Rudd’s performance as Jerry Stewer was highlighted for its sincerity and comedic timing, while Charlize Theron’s portrayal of Midnight Shadow was lauded for bringing depth to the film's villain. The seamless integration of animated ponies into real-world settings was also commended, with many noting the impressive visual effects.
On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a 78% approval rating, with an average rating of 7.2/10, based on 150 reviews. The site's consensus reads: "With its mix of heartfelt messages, lighthearted humor, and enchanting animation, My Little Pony delivers an entertaining adventure for fans and newcomers alike." On Metacritic, the film has a score of 65/100, indicating "generally favorable reviews."
Audiences responded enthusiastically, with the film receiving an A- CinemaScore from moviegoers. Fans of the My Little Pony franchise praised the film's faithfulness to the original series and the inclusion of beloved voice actors like Tara Strong, Ashleigh Ball, and Andrea Libman. Newer viewers appreciated the humor and emotional resonance, particularly in the film's climactic scenes set in Central Park.
External Links[]
- Official website
- My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic on IMDb
- Hasbro Entertainment