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My Little Pony, Bluey, and The Beatles: Harmony United (or just simply Harmony United) is a 2025 American/Canadian/Australian/British/Irish live action/CGI/Animated Musical Fantasy fan made film based on the American/Canadian TV show My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic, the Australian TV show Bluey, and the 1960s English Rock band The Beatles. The film was directed, written, and produced by superfan Allie Thompson, with a little help from Lauren Faust, Joe Brumm, and many others. The film stars Tara Strong, Geraldine Hakewill, and Ron McNeli as the film's three central characters, with Andrea Libman, Ashleigh Ball, Tabitha St. Germain, Ardavan Sarraf, Gavin Pring, and Erik Fidel as the film's secondary cast.
The film takes place in a alternate world than the actual My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic, Bluey, and The Beatles universes, set 25 years after the canon events, where humans, talking ponies, and talking bi-petal dogs all live together, but in paranoia and prejudice. Twilight Sparkle (Strong), a studious Alicorn princess, Bluey Heeler (Hakewill), a imaginative but sometimes rebellious Blue Heeler, and John Lennon (McNeli), a famed musician but sarcastic man, all unexpectedly meet together after a series of mishaps. The three overcome their fears and differences, and find out they all have a mysterious book which explained the story of the three species, and how to bring them back together. However, Twilight realizes that the actual reason for why the three species broke apart is because of an evil Alicorn who wanted all the magic, friendship, and music from the world. Together, with the help of all their friends, Twilight, Bluey, and John band together to defeat the villain, and restore harmony and unity to all.
Harmony United premiered at the 78th Cannes Film Festival on May 24th, 2025, which Thompson won the Palme d'Or, and was released in theaters in the United States on November 22nd, 2025. It received mostly positive reviews from critics, Bronies, Pegasisters, Bluey fans, and Beatlemaniacs alike, with praise for its message, female representation, animation, and soundtrack. At the 98th Academy Awards, the film was nominated for Best Animated Feature, and won the awards for Best Director (Thompson), Best Original Screenplay (Thompson), Best Actress (Strong), Best Supporting Actress (Hakewill), Best Actor (McNeli), and Best Picture, setting history for the first ever Animated/CGI/Live Action (technically the first animated) film to win an Academy Award for Best Picture.
Synopsis
Once Upon a Time, there were three people, Twilight Sparkle, Bluey Heeler, and John Lennon. When she was a filly, Twilight found a mysterious book with a mysterious melody, and mysterious illustrations. Until, Twilight realized that ponies, dogs, and humans all used to live in harmony, until a great storm and famine caused them to separate in paranoia and prejudice. When Bluey and John found the book in different places, all three couldn't take the book and melody off their minds, even in the happiest and worst memories of their life. That's until a series of mishaps causes the three to meet in the most unexpected place, and the three learn to overcome their differences, and found out that the great storm and famine wasn't the cause of the separation, a wicked Alicorn who wanted all magic, friendship, and music gone from this world. So, Twilight, Bluey, John, and all their friends band together to unite all ponies, dogs, and humans together, and fulfilling their long lost destiny.
Plot
Voice cast
From left to right: Tara Strong, Geraldine Hakewill, and Ron McNeil provided the voices/portrayal of the three main protagonists of Harmony United.
Main Cast
- Tara Strong as Twilight Sparkle
- Rebecca Shoichet performed Twilight's singing voice.
- Geraldine Hakewill as Bluey Heeler
Live Action
- Ron McNeil as John Lennon
- Archival recordings of the real John Lennon performed some of his singing voice.
Secondary Cast
- TBA as Bingo Heeler
- TBA as Muffin Heeler
- TBA as Socks Heeler
- Andrea Libman as Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy
- Shannon Chan-Kent performed Pinkie's singing voice.
- Ashleigh Ball as Applejack and Rainbow Dash
- Tabitha St. Germain as Rarity
- Kazumi Evans performed Rarity's singing voice.
Live Action
- Ardavan Sarraf as Paul McCartney
- Archival recordings of the real Paul McCartney performed some of his singing voice.
- Gavin Pring as George Harrison
- Archival recordings of the real George Harrison performed some of his singing voice.
- Erik Fidel as Ringo Starr
- Archival recordings of the real Ringo Starr performed some of his singing voice.
Villains
- Athena Karkanis as Opaline Arcana
Tertiary Cast
Production
Conception
The plan for the film began in September 2024. Allie Thompson, a superfan who was overly addicted to Bluey, My Little Pony, and The Beatles. After experiencing what appeared to be the best dream she'd ever had in her life, Allie began writing a manuscript that details the dream she had: "Twilight Sparkle, Bluey Heeler, and John Lennon standing on a hill. They all seemed determined. I don't know why, but that's all I remembered," she explained. Then, after finding out that all three had shows on Disney+ and were British related, Allie found out her destiny was to continue the legacy of all three shows, and to create a franchise that brings the three together. Her idea was "What if talking ponies, talking dogs, and humans all lived in the same world in prejudice and paranoia, and three people banned together to unite harmony?" That's when she had her idea for the film's title. She pitched her idea to Joe Brumn, Lauren Faust, and the real Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr. They all loved her idea, and was quick to say yes and join her on her project.
Story
The talks for the plot were leaked in October 2024. The main characters were the same as the final, but were different: Twilight was a very hesitant and anxious unicorn who was afraid that everyone would go wrong, Bluey would be a young adult that believes she was the only one to unite harmony, while John was lazy and used his sarcasm to annoy Twilight and Bluey. However, it was turned down by the production companies due to it being confusing to the younger audience, so Thompson decided to keep Twilight, Bluey, and John's original characters to add an sense of nostalgia to the audience, both young and old.
Casting
The film's cast was leaked in November 2024, with Strong, Libman, Ball, and Germain respiring their roles as the Mane Six from My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic, with Hakewill respiring her role as an adult Bluey who only appeared in the Bluey episode "Surprise!" In December 2024, Thompson announced that she was pleased that she would cast McNeil, Sarraf, Pring, and Fidel would be joining the cast. McNeil, Sarraf, Pring, and Fidel were all members of the California-based tribute band The Fab Four, best known for authenticity portraying The Beatles with their looks, performances, accents, and some of their mannerisms. Thompson was excited when McNeil and the others accepted her request, and said that Apple Crops, McCartney, Starr, and the families of Harrison and Lennon approved Thompson's request to include archival recordings of Lennon, McCartney, Harrison, and Starr for some of the songs featured in the movie.
Marketing
During the 97th Academy Awards right before the announcement for Best Picture, Thompson took the stage and announced about "her biggest dream came to life". There, the teaser was presented in front of a large audience, notably Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, and Timothee Chalamet. The teaser ended shortly when the audience gave her an massive standing ovation. The teaser soon became viral on social media (mainly Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok) and critics praised the film's teaser for it's realism, appeal to both kids and adults, and the designs of the main and secondary cast. Bronies, Pegasisters, Bluey fans, and Beatlemaniacs were all surprised by the sudden reveal, comparing it to the Bluey episode "Surprise!". Streamers such as LazarBeam, Ninja, Pokimane, and Ludwig praised The Fab Four for them almost authenticity portraying The Beatles in a newer generation, and felt as they were the real Beatles, who came out of an time machine from 1965. Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Julian Lennon, and Dhani Harrison also mentioned they loved it. Julian and Dhani, especially both admitted to almost crying due to McNeil and Pring almost looking/acting like their actual fathers.
Release
The film had its world premiere at the 78th Cannes Film Festival on May 24th, 2025, there, Thompson won the Palme d'Or. It was then released in theaters in the US on May 26th, May 31st in Canada, June 5th, in the UK and Australia, June 13th on New Zealand and Japan, and followed by a release internationally on June 20th.
Reception
Critics and audiences praised Harmony United for its creativity, heartwarming themes, and imaginative storytelling. The movie was lauded for its ability to unite characters from vastly different franchises into a cohesive, engaging narrative. The soundtrack, featuring contributions from The Fab Four, The Guardians of Friendship, and Bluey and The Heelers, was particularly celebrated.
Box Office
Upon its release, Harmony United became a massive box office success. With a production budget of $200 Million, the film grossed $982.7 Million worldwide in its opening weekend. It quickly surpassed expectations, breaking records for animated/CGI/live action crossovers and music-driven films. The film’s popularity spanned across families, Bronies and Pegasisters, Bluey fans, and Beatlemaniacs. Its total worldwide gross reached $1 Billion, solidifying its place as one of the most successful animated/CGI/live action crossovers of all time.
Critical Response
Rotten Tomatoes
- Tomatometer: 100% (Certified Fresh) Critics praised the film for its heartfelt storytelling, engaging musical performances, and vibrant animation. Reviews highlighted the clever integration of the Beatles into the magical worlds and the universal message of friendship and music overcoming adversity.
- Audience Score (Popcorn Meter): 99% Audiences loved the film for its humor, emotional depth, and epic musical numbers. Families and fans of all ages were drawn to the characters' camaraderie and the nostalgic appearance of The Beatles.
Metacritic
- Critic Score: 99/100 Metacritic reviews described the film as a "once-in-a-generation crossover event," blending timeless music with modern animation. Critics were particularly impressed with the script's balance of humor and heart, alongside its visually stunning climax.
- User Score: 9.5/10 Users adored the film, leaving glowing reviews that described it as "magical," "hilarious," and "a love letter to fans of all three franchises."
CinemaScore: A+
Audiences surveyed by CinemaScore gave the movie an A+, praising its accessibility to newcomers while delivering countless Easter eggs for longtime fans of My Little Pony, Bluey, and The Beatles.
Fan Reaction
The movie was universally adored by fans:
- Beatlemaniacs: Fans of The Beatles were delighted by McNeli, Sarraf, Pring, and Fidel's authentic portrayal of the band, appreciating how their personalities and iconic music were seamlessly woven into the story. Many felt the movie honored their legacy while introducing them to a younger generation.
- Bronies and Pegasisters: Bronies and Pegasisters alike praised the return of the Mane Six in their grown-up forms. Fans were thrilled with the new magical transformations and the deeper exploration of Twilight’s leadership and fandom for The Beatles.
- Bluey Fans: Fans of the Bluey universe enjoyed seeing the pups as adults and loved the interplay between their playful personalities. The development of Bluey’s leadership as the band’s lead vocalist/founder was particularly celebrated.
Memorable Quotes from Fans
- "This film made me laugh, cry, and sing. Easily one of the best animated movies of the year!" – A Fan Review
- "Bluey, My Little Pony, and The Beatles in one movie? It’s like a dream come true!" – X (formerly Twitter) User
- "A beautiful celebration of music and friendship." - Paul McCartney
- Fun, uplifting, and packed with great vibes!" - Ringo Starr
Legacy
The film has gained a massive cult following, celebrated as a masterpiece of crossover storytelling and a testament to the power of music, magic, and friendship. Fans continue to discuss its impact on the fandoms of Bluey, My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic, and the Beatles, with some speculating about a potential sequel or extended universe.
Trivia
Production trivia
- First Crossover of Its Kind: This film is the first major crossover between My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic, Bluey, and a depiction of The Beatles, making it a landmark event in film history.
- Beatles Approval: The real-life surviving members of the Beatles (Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr), along with the families of John Lennon and George Harrison, gave their approval for the portrayal of their younger selves, stating that they loved how the film blended their music with the magic of friendship.
- Custom Songs: Several of the Beatles’ iconic songs, such as Here Comes the Sun and All You Need Is Love, were reimagined in the film, while the melody was an original track written exclusively for the movie.
- Attention to Detail: The costume designer meticulously recreated the Beatles' beige khaki jackets from their 1965 Shea Stadium concert and hairstyles from their Beatlemania era. Even their mannerisms were based on archival footage and interviews.
- Bluey’s Band Inspiration: The name of Bluey’s band, Bluey and The Heelers, was inspired by Florence and The Machine.
Character trivia
- Twilight’s Bangs: Twilight Sparkle’s hairstyle in the movie, featuring bangs, is revealed to be inspired by her admiration for The Beatles.
Easter Eggs
- Cameos: Look closely during the final scene where Twilight, Bluey, and John are crowned—various background characters from Bluey and My Little Pony appear, including some fan-favorites like Muffins (Derpy Hooves) and Dr. Hooves, including some Generation Five Characters (Sunny Starscout, Izzy Moonbow, Hitch Trailblazer, Pipp Petals, Zipp Storm, and Misty Brightdawn).
- Magical Journal: The magical journal given to Bluey and John by Twilight features an engraving of a quill and guitar crossed together, symbolizing their friendship through words and music.
Behind-the-Scenes Trivia
- Original Beatles Recordings: Some of The Beatles’ actual recordings were mixed with newly recorded orchestra tracks to create a magical, otherworldly sound.
Fan Reactions and Legacy
- Cultural Impact: After the film’s release, fans created mashups of the movie’s songs with The Beatles classics, leading to a viral trend on social media.
- Merchandise: Special edition figurines of Bluey, Twilight, and John Lennon in their transformed states became instant collector’s items, some of which were put on eBay for thousands of dollars.
- Sequels Rumors: The film’s ending and magical journal sparked speculation about a potential sequel or reunion of the three bands, with fans campaigning for more collaborations.
Quotes
Gallery
Harmony United/Gallery
Script
Harmony United/Script
Soundtrack
Harmony United/Soundtrack