Lionsgate has announced on their official press site that they have struck a deal with Hasbro to produce an animated "My Little Pony" movie.
The movie's synopsis is as follows:
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 exciting challenges on a quest to use the magic of friendship and save their home."
All of the cast members who voice the six main characters in the television series "My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic," namely Tara Strong, Andrea Libman, Cathy Weseluck, Ashleigh Ball, and Tabitha St. Germain, will reprise their roles for the film.
The studios have also cast Kristin Chenoweth as a brand new character for the movie although the specifics of her role have not yet been revealed. She may be portraying one of the new allies that the six ponies will meet or she may voice the film's main antagonist.
Chenoweth was most recently seen in "The Boy Next Door" but she also did voice work for "BoJack Horseman," "American Dad," and the George Lucas-produced animated film "Strange Magic." She has also done voice work for "Rio 2" and several "Tinker Bell" productions. She is most widely recognized, however, for her stage work, most notably her portrayal of Glinda the Good Witch in the popular Broadway musical "Wicked."
"Friendship is Magic" veteran director Jayson Theissen will be directing the film based on a script by Meghan McCarthy. What hasn't been confirmed is a scheduled release date. Given that McCarthy, who has been penning the "My Little Pony" franchise for years, is still writing the script, so it may be some time before they even hit production. Making an animated film also takes time so it is unlikely that the film will be released before 2017.
