Lionsgate and Hasbro’s Allspark Pictures are developing a new “My Little Pony” movie, the companies announced Friday.
Tony- and Emmy Award-winning actress Kristin Chenoweth will voice a new character in the film, which is Hasbro’s first animated feature.
Meghan McCarthy, fan-favorite writer and producer on the “My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic” animated series, is penning the screenplay, which will be produced by Allspark. Lionsgate will distribute and market the film globally, except in China.
The “My Little Pony” brand began in 1983 as a toy line of colorful ponies with unique symbols, called “cutie marks.” It has since exploded into an international, multi-media, pop culture phenomena, grossing over $1 billion in retail sales in 2014.
In the movie, a new dark force threatens Ponyville, and the Mane 6 — Twilight Sparkle, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy and Rarity — embark on an unforgettable journey beyond Equestria where they meet new friends and challenges on a quest to use the magic of friendship and save their home.
The film will also feature all-new music with the Mane Six characters voiced by Tara Strong, Cathy Weseluck, Andrea Libman, Tabitha St. Germain and Ashleigh Ball. Jayson Theissen is directing. Brian Goldner and Stephen Davis are producing the film, with Meghan McCarthy and Michael Vogel co-executive producing.
Creative executives Jeyun Choi Munford and Kyle Benn will oversee the movie on behalf of Lionsgate, and Josh Feldman is overseeing development on behalf of Hasbro. The deal was negotiated by Jean Chi, executive vice president of business and legal affairs for Lionsgate, and Michael Eisner, senior vice president of business and legal affairs for Hasbro. This is the second film from Lionsgate and Hasbro, who are also producing a live-action film based on the iconic board game Monopoly.