My Little Pony: A New Generation

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My Little Pony: A New Generation
My Little Pony A New Generation film poster.jpg
Official release poster
Directed by
  • Robert Cullen
  • José Ucha
  • Mark Fattibene
Screenplay by
Story by
  • Robert Cullen
  • José Ucha
  • Tim Sullivan
Based onMy Little Pony
by Bonnie Zacherle
Produced by
  • Cecil Kramer
  • Peter Lewis
Starring
CinematographyTodd Heapy
Edited byInbal Elazari
Music by
Production
companies
Distributed byNetflix[1]
Release date
  • September 24, 2021 (2021-09-24)
Running time
91 minutes[2]
Countries
  • Canada
  • United States
  • Ireland
LanguageEnglish
Box office$1.5 million (Russia and South Korea)[3]

My Little Pony: A New Generation is a 2021 computer-animated fantasy comedy film directed by Robert Cullen and José Ucha, co-directed by Mark Fattibene with Cecil Kramer and Peter Lewis as producers, and written by Gillian Berrow and Tim Sullivan from a story by Cullen, Ucha, and Sullivan. Based on Hasbro's My Little Pony franchise, the film marks the start of the fifth incarnation of the franchise, which is set in the same universe as the previous generations, a first for the franchise.

The film stars Vanessa Hudgens, Kimiko Glenn, James Marsden, Sofia Carson and Liza Koshy as the main characters. A New Generation is set many years after the events of My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic, in a magic-less era where the story of Twilight Sparkle and her friends has become a mere legend, and the three pony kinds – earth ponies, pegasi, and unicorns – have grown apart, living separated from one another in paranoia and prejudice.[4] The film follows Sunny Starscout, an earth pony who, after meeting the unicorn Izzy Moonbow, embarks on a quest to reunite all pony kinds and restore magic to the land.[5]

Originally set to be released theatrically by Paramount Pictures, the film was instead released in most countries on Netflix on September 24, 2021, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, while still being theatrically released in several Asian countries. The film received mostly positive reviews from critics for its message, though its pacing and writing received some criticism, and was the most-viewed film on Netflix in October 2021. A follow-up television series is currently in production by Atomic Cartoons and will debut on Netflix on September 26, 2022.

Plot[edit]

In the earth pony seaside town of Maretime Bay, Argyle Starshine teaches his daughter Sunny Starscout about tales of old Equestria when earth ponies, pegasi and unicorns lived in harmony. Although most earth ponies dismiss these ideas as myths and now live in fear of the other two pony races, Sunny hopes that all three races can someday make amends and live in harmony.

Years later, after Argyle's death,[6] Sunny continuously tries to change the minds of the other earth ponies, purposely disrupting a showcase of anti-pegasi and unicorn technology by factory owner Phyllis Cloverleaf. Hitch Trailblazer, Sunny's childhood friend and sheriff of Maretime Bay, pulls her away and prepares to send her back home when a unicorn suddenly wanders into the town. While most of the earth ponies flee, Sunny befriends the new unicorn, Izzy Moonbow, and quickly takes her to her home to hide from Hitch and his deputy Sprout, Phyllis' son. Learning from Izzy that unicorns have long since lost their magic and that the pegasi may be to blame, Sunny travels with her to the latter race's home in the mountaintop city of Zephyr Heights in order to ask for their help. The two elude Hitch and flee town, and Hitch leaves Sprout in charge while he pursues them. Sprout names himself sheriff, becoming a hostile dictator and inciting a riot among the citizens of Maretime Bay, and commandeers Phyllis' factory to construct a giant war machine so he can carry out an ethnic cleansing on the unicorns and pegasi.

Sunny and Izzy are caught in Zephyr Heights and taken to meet Queen Haven and her two daughters, Pipp Petals and Zipp Storm. When Sunny starts asking about magic, Haven has them imprisoned in a dungeon. Zipp secretly visits them there and tells them that the pegasi have also lost their magic and cannot fly; the royal family uses wires to give the illusion of flight. She helps them escape and takes them to an abandoned transit station that Sunny realizes was used by all three pony races in the past. Sunny finds a set of stained glass windows depicting two crystals – one of which is set in Haven's crown – that may fit together and bring back the magic. The three concoct a plan to steal the crown during Pipp's performance that night. Hitch's arrival triggers a series of mishaps that reveal the royals' inability to fly; Haven is arrested, and the sisters are forced to flee the city with Sunny, Hitch, and Izzy. Hitch gradually overcomes his own prejudices and offers to help Sunny in her effort to reunite the pony races.

Izzy escorts the group to her home in the forest village of Bridlewood and disguises them as unicorns before leading them to Alphabittle, a tea shop owner who holds the unicorn crystal. Sunny wins it from him in a dance competition, but loses her disguise as she celebrates. As the group flees with the two crystals, they come across Haven, who has also escaped. Sunny and Izzy try to put the two crystals together, but they have no effect. Dejected, Sunny gives back the crystals and returns to Maretime Bay with Hitch.

While packing up her childhood toys, Sunny finds a third crystal intended to join with the other two, built into a lamp Argyle had made for her. As she races to tell Hitch, they discover that Sprout has turned the entire town to his side and is piloting his war machine in preparation for an attack on the other pony races. Sunny and Hitch hurry back to her home as Izzy, Pipp, Zipp, Haven, and Alphabittle arrive. Gathering the crystals, Sunny, Izzy, and Pipp try to put them together while Hitch and Zipp hold off Sprout's machine. Phyllis orders Sprout to stop, but he swerves around her and crashes into Sunny's home, destroying it and the frame in which the crystals must be set. Phyllis, Haven, Alphabittle, and Sunny's friends put aside their differences and come together to comfort her amid the rubble. In response, the crystals begin to glow and lift Sunny into the air, transforming her into an alicorn and restoring magic across the land. Sunny and her friends celebrate as ponies of all three races cooperate to fix the damage done by Sprout and a new era of peace begins.

Voice cast[edit]

  • Vanessa Hudgens as Sunny Starscout,[7] an adventurous and virtuous earth pony-turned-alicorn who enjoys roller skating and wants all pony kinds to get along, and tries to return magic to the world in order to unite the three types of ponies as equals[8]
  • Kimiko Glenn as Izzy Moonbow,[7] an energetic and curious unicorn from the Bridlewood Forest that loves crafting, who is the first non-earth pony Sunny befriended[8]
  • James Marsden as Hitch Trailblazer,[7] an earth pony who is the kind and hard-working sheriff at Maretime Bay and Sunny's childhood friend[8]
  • Sofia Carson as Pipp Petals,[7] a Pegasus princess from Zephyr Heights who is a talented pop icon and loves to be a good influence on others and entertain other ponies with her music[8]
  • Liza Koshy as Zephyrina "Zipp" Storm,[7] Pipp's older sister and a rebellious Pegasus princess from Zephyr Heights who enjoys athletics and science[8]
  • Elizabeth Perkins as Phyllis Cloverleaf, an earth pony who owns Canterlogic, a company specializing in products to keep earth ponies "safe and stylish"[9][10]
  • Jane Krakowski as Queen Haven,[9] a pegasus who is the mother of Pipp and Zipp and the monarch of Zephyr Heights[5]
  • Ken Jeong as Sprout Cloverleaf,[9][6] an earth pony stallion, Phyillis' son, and deputy sheriff to Hitch at Maretime Bay[5]
    • Alan Schmuckler provides Sprout's singing voice.
  • Phil LaMarr as Alphabittle,[9] a unicorn stallion from the Bridlewood Forest[5]
  • Michael McKean as Argyle Starshine,[9] Sunny's father who tells her stories about Twilight Sparkle and her friends[5]

Additionally, Arturo Hernández voices Jasper, Thunder, and Toots; Brooke Goldner voices Sweets; Gillian Berrow voices Zoom; Heather Langenkamp Anderson voices Dazzle Feather and Mayflower; Will Friedle voices Comet Tail, Glitter Cupcake, and Skye Silver; and director Robert Cullen voices Sparkle Chaser, Rob the Pony, and Wings. The voice actresses from My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic television series – Tara Strong as Twilight Sparkle, Ashleigh Ball as Applejack and Rainbow Dash, Andrea Libman as Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie, and Tabitha St. Germain as Rarity – briefly reprise their roles in the film's opening scene.

Production[edit]

Development[edit]

In February 2019, it was reported that Hasbro was developing a computer-animated My Little Pony feature film.[11][better source needed] Reports later said that the film would mark the beginning of the franchise's fifth-generation,[12][better source needed] which was confirmed on September 17, 2020;[13][better source needed] My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic creator Lauren Faust first hinted that Hasbro was working on the fifth incarnation in 2018, when she denied any involvement on the franchise's next incarnation.[14] On October 8, 2020, it was reported that the fifth incarnation, including the film, would center on a new set of characters, though with the possibility of characters from the previous incarnation appearing.[13]

On January 29, 2021, Emily Thompson, Entertainment One's VP of global brand management, revealed that the film would be set in the same world as the fourth incarnation of the franchise, while still serving as the first entry in the fifth incarnation, being set years after the events depicted in the previous incarnation.[15] Thompson explained that her decision was made because the producers felt it would have "felt wrong" to not to further explore the lore and worldbuilding established by the fourth incarnation.[15]

On February 12, 2021, it was reported that the founder of Boulder Media, Robert Cullen, along with José Ucha would serve as directors, with Mark Fattibene set to co-direct the film.[16] Cecil Kramer and Peter Lewis were also announced as producers for the film.[16] Executive producers include former Friendship is Magic co-showrunner and writer Meghan McCarthy and Allspark Animation president Stephen Davis.[6]

Voice cast and recording[edit]

On June 30, 2021, Vanessa Hudgens, Kimiko Glenn, James Marsden, Sofia Carson, Liza Koshy, Jane Krakowski, Ken Jeong, Phil LaMarr, and Michael McKean were revealed to be the film's main cast.[7] Part of the film's recording sessions had to be done remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic; Koshy felt that working during the pandemic encompassed with the film's message about "not leaning into the fear".[17] Koshy was encouraged by Glenn to ad-lib lines during recording.[18]

While Tara Strong, voice actress for Twilight Sparkle, said that she would not reprise her role in the fifth incarnation in April 2020 (due to reprising her role in My Little Pony: Pony Life),[19] she ultimately reprised her role alongside fellow Friendship Is Magic cast members Andrea Libman, Ashleigh Ball, and Tabitha St. Germain for the film's prologue.

Animation[edit]

The film's animation services were provided by Hasbro-owned Irish animation studio Boulder Media.[4] Unlike previous My Little Pony media, the film was animated entirely through computer-animation.[4] Although, the brief introductory flashback, which features the "Mane Six" from My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic, was done with traditional animation in the style of the series. 48 animators worked on the film remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[20] According to animation supervisor Graham Grallagher, the filmmakers were inspired by several My Little Pony series for the ponies' anthropomorphic design.[20]

Music[edit]

Songwriters Alan Schmuckler and Michael Mahler composed songs for the film.[21] Director Robert Cullen said the filmmakers wanted the soundtracks to "have an eclectic range of genres in the songs", in order to make it "as unpredictable as [they] can" in hopes of defying the audiences' expectations regarding the soundtrack.[20] On September 2, 2021, the song "Glowin' Up", performed by Sofia Carson and written by Jenna Andrews, Bryan Fryzel, and Taylor Upsahl, was released as a single.[22] The second single, "It's Alright" by Johnny Orlando, was released on September 17, 2021.[23] In November 2021, "Fit Right In" was also released as the third single.[24] Heitor Pereira did the original score for the film.[25]

The film's soundtrack was released alongside the film on September 24, 2021.[26]

No.TitlePerformer(s)Length
1."Glowin' Up"Sofia Carson3:11
2."Gonna Be My Day"Vanessa Hudgens2:38
3."I'm Looking Out For You"
2:04
4."Danger, Danger[a]"Alan Schmuckler2:11
5."Fit Right In"
2:50
6."Together"Callie Twisselman3:15
7."It's Alright"Johnny Orlando3:13
Total length:19:25

Release[edit]

My Little Pony: A New Generation was released on September 24, 2021, by Netflix.[16][27] The film was originally slated to be released theatrically on the same day by Paramount Pictures.[28] However, eOne sold the distribution rights to Netflix in February 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, while retaining them in China.[16] In some regions, the film was released theatrically as well as on Netflix. In Russia, the film was distributed by Central Partnership and released theatrically on September 23, 2021;[29] early premiere screenings were held in multiple locations on September 18.[30] In Hong Kong, the film is being distributed by Intercontinental Group and was released theatrically in Cantonese and English on September 22, 2021.[31][non-primary source needed] In South Korea, the film is being distributed by BoXoo Entertainment and was also released theatrically on September 22.[32][non-primary source needed][33] In Singapore and Taiwan, the film was distributed by Encore Films and GaragePlay respectively, and was released theatrically on September 24, 2021.[34][35]

Reception[edit]

As of October 20, 2021, the film has grossed $1.5 million internationally, including $1.4 million in Russia and $36,788 in South Korea across 1694 theaters. A New Generation opened in 1677 theaters in Russia and South Korea, and grossed $726,619 in the former and $16,304 in the latter on the opening weekend.[3]

On Rotten Tomatoes, the film has a rating of 91% based on 11 reviews with an average rating of 7.30/10.[36] Courtney Howard from Variety gave the film a mostly positive review. She praised the film for "[retaining] its predecessors' lively, spirited drive centered on friendship, empowerment and magic," though was critical of some plot aspects.[6] Beatrice Loayza of The New York Times gave an overall mixed review of the film, mainly criticizing the switch from traditional animation to "creepily-anthropomorphized, digitally-animated brethren"; she compared some plot points to Raya and the Last Dragon, which was released earlier in the year. But overall, Loayza said, "...the film's messaging about unity and the need for a new generation to band together against misinformation and rabble rousing isn't the worst thing."[37]

Three days after its release, A New Generation became the second-most popular film on Netflix,[38] and stayed in the top three for the rest of the week.[39] It was the most-viewed film of October 2021 on Netflix;[40] A New Generation was also the twenty-first most-watched film of 2021.[41]

Awards and nominations[edit]

Year Award Category Nominee Result Ref.
2021 Ursa Major Awards Best Motion Picture My Little Pony: A New Generation Nominated [42]

Follow-ups[edit]

Following the cancellation of the film's theatrical release, Hasbro and Netflix later announced that a computer-animated streaming television series My Little Pony: Make Your Mark would also be released on the streaming service, following the film.[43][44] It is set to debut on May 26, 2022, with the first special,[44] and will be produced by Atomic Cartoons.[45][46] A 2D animated made-for-YouTube series, titled My Little Pony: Tell Your Tale, is set to be released on April 7, 2022. A Christmas-themed Make Your Mark special, My Little Pony: Winter Wishday, is set to premiere on November 21.[44]

Notes[edit]

  1. ^ Also known as "Angry Mob"

References[edit]

  1. ^ Maglio, Tony (February 12, 2021). "'My Little Pony' Heads to Netflix for Streaming-First Debut". The Wrap. Retrieved February 12, 2021.
  2. ^ "My Little Pony: A New Generation". British Board of Film Classification. Retrieved October 24, 2021.
  3. ^ a b "My Little Pony: A New Generation (2021) - Financial Information". The Numbers. Retrieved October 21, 2021.
  4. ^ a b c Adams, Tim (February 25, 2021). "My Little Pony Lands New Series, 'Theatrical-Quality' CG Animated Movie at Netflix". Comic Book Resources.
  5. ^ a b c d e Pearce, Chloe (August 17, 2021). My Little Pony: A New Adventure (First ed.). New York City, United States: HarperCollins. ISBN 9780063037656.
  6. ^ a b c d Howard, Courtney (September 21, 2021). "'My Little Pony: A New Generation' Review: Franchise Re-shoe Offers a Galloping Good Time". Variety. Retrieved September 21, 2021.
  7. ^ a b c d e f Verhoeven, Beatrice (June 30, 2021). "Vanessa Hudgens, James Marsden, Kimiko Glenn Cast in 'My Little Pony: A New Generation'". The Wrap. Retrieved June 30, 2021.
  8. ^ a b c d e "Meet the New Generation, Meet the New Ponies". My Little Pony. Hasbro. July 1, 2021. Retrieved August 22, 2021.
  9. ^ a b c d e Bonaime, Ross (June 30, 2021). "'My Little Pony: A New Generation' Netflix Film Reveals Release Date and Cast". Collider. Retrieved June 30, 2021.
  10. ^ How to Protect Yourself from a Unicorn Attack | My Little Pony: A New Generation | Netflix Futures. Netflix Futures. September 18, 2021. Retrieved September 18, 2021 – via YouTube.
  11. ^ Gameleon (February 15, 2019). "New My Little Pony Movie Announced! Planned For Release in 2021". Equestria Daily.
  12. ^ Sethisto (February 13, 2020). "My Little Pony Movie 2 (Generation 5) - UK, Netherlands, and Turkey Release Dates Revealed". Equestria Daily.
  13. ^ a b Sethisto (October 8, 2020). "My Little Pony G5 News Continues from Hasbro's Panel at the Festival of Licensing". Equestria Daily.
  14. ^ Lauren Faust [@fyre_flye] (April 25, 2018). "For anyone asking - I'm afraid I'm not involved in MLP G5. But I am heading up a reboot of DC Super Hero Girls I hope you like just as much!" (Tweet). Retrieved April 25, 2018 – via Twitter.
  15. ^ a b Foster, Elizabeth (January 29, 2021). "My Little Pony rides high with new CP". Kidscreen.
  16. ^ a b c d Rubin, Rebecca (February 12, 2021). "'My Little Pony' Movie Skipping Theaters to Debut on Netflix (EXCLUSIVE)".
  17. ^ "Kimiko Glenn & Liza Koshy Interview: My Little Pony A New Generation". ScreenRant. September 23, 2021.
  18. ^ Thomas, Fahnia (September 21, 2021). "Liza Koshy: 'My Little Pony A New Gen' Will Enjoy Your Ears, Eyes, Heart & Spirit!' | Watch".
  19. ^ Tara Strong [@tarastrong] (April 12, 2020). Livestream – via Instagram.
  20. ^ a b c "Animation Magazine Special Pixelatl Issue - Sep/Oct #313". Issuu.
  21. ^ "bio". AlanSchmuckler.com. Retrieved June 28, 2021.
  22. ^ "Sofia Carson's Original Song 'Glowin' Up' from Netflix's 'My Little Pony: A New Generation' Released". Film Music Reporter. September 2, 2021. Retrieved September 16, 2021.
  23. ^ @JohnnyOrlando (September 16, 2021). "very excited to have the opportunity to perform one of the lead singles on @netflix's new my little pony film! "it's alright" is out friday on all platforms" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  24. ^ My Little Pony [@mylittlepony] (November 4, 2021). "Fit Right in Lyric Video The lyric video for @kimikoglenn 's new single #FitRightIn from the #MyLittlePonyANewGen soundtrack is out now! 🎵✨ Listen and then watch the movie on @Netflix. 💖🦄 #MyLittlePonyANewGen". Retrieved November 5, 2021 – via Instagram.
  25. ^ "Heitor Pereira Scoring Netflix's 'My Little Pony: A New Generation'". Film Music Reporter. September 20, 2021. Retrieved September 20, 2021.
  26. ^ "'My Little Pony: A New Generation' Soundtrack Album Details". Film Music Reporter. September 23, 2021. Retrieved September 23, 2021.
  27. ^ Gaudens, Reed (August 12, 2021). "My Little Pony: A New Generation release date, cast, synopsis, trailer and more". Netflix Life. Retrieved August 12, 2021.
  28. ^ Fuster, Jeremy (November 7, 2019). "Paramount Sets 2021 Dates for 'Paranormal Activity' and 'My Little Pony' Films". TheWrap. Retrieved May 6, 2020.
  29. ^ Central Partnership (August 13, 2021). "Встречайте новый постер с героями фильма "My Little Pony: Новое поколение! Кого вы выберете из нового состава в качестве лучшей подруги? 💖 Очень ждем, когда вы наконец встретитесь с друзьями — #MyLittlePony2Вкино с 23 сентября" (in Russian). Retrieved August 19, 2021.
  30. ^ "My Little Pony: Новое поколение»: всероссийская премьера — зажги свою искру вместе с новыми поняшками". Archived from the original on September 17, 2021.
  31. ^ Intercontinental Film Distributors（HK）Ltd. "【香港大銀幕獻映】《小馬寶莉：新世代》9月22日". Facebook (in Traditional Chinese). Retrieved August 28, 2021.
  32. ^ "전 연령층을 사로잡은 인기 애니메이션 '마이 리틀 포니'! 극장판 시리즈로 다시 돌아오다!" – via Facebook.
  33. ^ "극장판 마이 리틀 포니- 새로운 희망". 영화 그 이상의 감동. CGV.
  34. ^ Encore Films. My Little Pony - Official Trailer Singapore | In Cinemas 24 Sep. Retrieved August 28, 2021 – via YouTube.
  35. ^ "《彩虹小馬》系列首部CGI動畫電影！《歌舞青春》女主角凡妮莎哈金斯加盟配音 全新角色加上全新冒險！網友驚嘆：很值得進電影院看！ 《彩虹小馬：活力新生代》9月24日 中英文配音版同步上映 - GaragePlay 車庫娛樂". garageplay.tw.
  36. ^ "My Little Pony: A New Generation". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved September 24, 2021.
  37. ^ Loayza, Beatrice (September 23, 2021). "'My Little Pony: A New Generation' Review: The Ponies Get Political". The New York Times. Retrieved September 23, 2021.
  38. ^ Bologna, Caroline (September 27, 2021). "The Most Popular Movies On Netflix Right Now Besides 'The Starling'". HuffPost. Retrieved September 28, 2021.
  39. ^ Brueggemann, Tom (October 5, 2021). "Everyone Wants 'Free Guy' at Home and They're Already Lining Up for 'Venom: Let There Be Carnage'". IndieWire. Retrieved October 8, 2021.
  40. ^ Spencer, Samuel (October 29, 2021). "These were the 10 most watched movies on Netflix in October 2021". Newsweek. Retrieved October 30, 2021.
  41. ^ Spencer, Samuel (December 28, 2021). "The 25 Most-Watched Movies on Netflix in 2021". Newsweek. Retrieved December 30, 2021.
  42. ^ dronon (March 18, 2022). "Voting is open for the 2021 Ursa Major Awards". FurteanTimes.com/Flayrah. Archived from the original on March 8, 2022. Retrieved March 22, 2022.
  43. ^ "Hasbro Inc Investor Event 2021" (Press release). Hasbro. February 25, 2021. p. 16. Retrieved July 3, 2021.
  44. ^ a b c "'My Little Pony' Gets a Double Helping of New Series & Specials in 2022". Animation Magazine. February 17, 2022. Retrieved February 17, 2022.
  45. ^ Ng, Philiana (February 24, 2021). "'My Little Pony': Latest Movie Heads to Netflix, Greenlights New Series (Exclusive)". Entertainment Tonight. Retrieved February 25, 2021.
  46. ^ "MY LITTLE PONY, UNA NUOVA GENERAZIONE". MLD Entertainment (in Italian). October 29, 2021. Retrieved November 11, 2021.

External links[edit]

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=My_Little_Pony:_A_New_Generation&oldid=1078621815"