Joss Whedon overlooks the ponies in the town of Equestria.

LOS ANGELES — In an early morning press conference, Hasbro Studios today announced that pre-production has started on a live action My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic motion picture to be written and directed by none other than Joss Whedon (Avengers). The film will utilize performance capture similar to that used in Avatar. (Editor’s Note: This may explain recent reports of Andy Serkis galloping around Miramar, New Zealand)

“Hasbro Studios is excited to bring the stories of My Lttle Pony to a broader audience. We feel confident that Joss Whedon’s history writing strong female characters and exciting action will thrill movie going audiences.” — Stephen J. Davis, President Hasbro Studios

Asked about if this would his previous plans to direct the next Avengers movie and oversee the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Mr. Whedon said “It shouldn’t be a problem. We plan on shooting MLP after principal photography ends on Avengers. It’ll be fine, what could possible go wrong?”

With the announcement of the film, casting rumors are already swirling. Samuel L. Jackson (Avengers) is reportedly in talks to play King Sombra. Felicia Day, who’s web series The Guild recently ended, has been mentioned as a possible contender for the role of Pinkie Pie along with Firefly’s Jewel Staite.

Joss, when the subject of casting came up: “Have you seen how many ponies are going there are are? There’s enough so everyone I’ve ever worked with can play one. How about you, you look kind of pony-ish. You’ll do.”