The release of My Little Pony: The Movie in October 2017 marked a seismic shift for Hasbro’s flagship franchise. For the first time, the "Mane Six" were transported far beyond the borders of Equestria, plunging into the underwater kingdom of Seaquestria. This cinematic leap required a massive reinvention of the toy line, introducing fans to the "Seapony" aesthetic—a hybrid of traditional pony charm and mermaid-inspired grace.

For collectors and parents alike, the 2017 movie line wasn't just another wave of plastic figures; it was an ambitious expansion involving bio-sensors, massive playsets, and a darker, more detailed design language for new villains. Looking back at this era, we can see how Hasbro pushed the boundaries of interactive play while catering to a growing secondary market of dedicated "Bronies" and young fans.

The Evolution of the Seapony Aesthetic

The most striking feature of the 2017 collection was the transition from hooves to fins. Hasbro’s "Brushable" line, the bread and butter of the brand, underwent a significant makeover. These weren't just ponies with fish tails; they featured pearlescent finishes, glitter-infused plastic, and "Land & Sea" transformation mechanics.

In our hands-on testing of the "Land & Sea" fashion styles, the engineering was surprisingly robust. Kids could slide a decorative shell or fabric piece to hide the pony’s hind legs, effectively "transforming" them into Seaponies. The hair quality in this 2017 wave remained high, utilizing the soft, rootable nylon that defined the "Friendship is Magic" era. However, the Seapony forms introduced a new challenge for display: since they lacked four legs for balance, Hasbro designed the tails to be wide and sturdy enough to act as a tripod, allowing the figures to stand upright on a shelf despite their aquatic silhouettes.

The Crown Jewel: Canterlot & Seaquestria Castle

If you walked into a Toys "R" Us or Target in late 2017, the centerpiece of the MLP aisle was undoubtedly the Canterlot & Seaquestria Castle. Standing at a staggering 29 inches tall, this playset was a masterclass in dual-environment storytelling.

The top half of the set represented the regal, sun-drenched spires of Canterlot, while the bottom half opened up into the neon-hued coral reefs of Seaquestria. What made this set stand out wasn't just its size, but the interactive "flow" between the two worlds. The bubble-shaped elevator moved smoothly between levels, and the spinning dance floor on the Canterlot side was mirrored by a revolving "octopus ride" in the depths.

From a playability perspective, the inclusion of Queen Novo and Spike the Pufferfish (voiced by Uzo Aduba and Cathy Weseluck respectively in the film) allowed for immediate role-playing. The set came with over 30 accessories, ranging from tiny tea sets for a royal brunch to treasure chests that could be hidden behind "secret" reef doors. The plastic felt denser than previous castle iterations, though the assembly of the 29-inch frame required a fair bit of patience and at least three AAA batteries to power the light-up tower.

High-Tech Friendship: My Magical Princess Twilight Sparkle

Retailing at approximately $129.99 upon release, My Magical Princess Twilight Sparkle was the "flagship" interactive toy of the year. This wasn't a simple talking doll; it was a sophisticated animatronic designed to simulate a real connection with the character.

Equipped with sensors in her hoof, horn, and head, this Twilight Sparkle could perform over 90 phrases and songs. In our practical review, the most impressive feature was the wing movement. As she talked about the "Magic of Friendship," her Pegasus wings would flutter with a mechanical whir that felt sturdy rather than fragile. Her horn would glow in a soft lavender hue, synchronized with her speech.

One specific detail that often goes overlooked is the "Star Button" on her hoof. Pressing it triggered different modes—spells, stories, or songs. For a toy of this complexity, the poseable legs were a welcome addition, allowing her to sit for a "storytime" mode or stand tall during her royal proclamations. It required four C batteries, making it a heavy-duty piece of hardware that occupied a significant footprint in any playroom.

Engineering the Bath Time: The Swimming Seapony Pinkie Pie

Perhaps the most innovative piece of engineering in the 2017 line was the Swimming Seapony Pinkie Pie. Bath toys are often notoriously simple—rubber ducks or plastic boats. Hasbro, however, decided to incorporate a water-activated sensor system.

The toy featured two small, stainless steel diodes on the side of the pony’s body. There was no "On/Off" switch. Instead, when the pony was submerged in water, the liquid completed the electrical circuit between the diodes, instantly activating a motor in the tail. The tail would flap in a rhythmic, dolphin-like motion, propelling Pinkie Pie through the water.

In our testing, the "automatic-off" feature was highly reliable. The moment you lifted the pony out of the tub, the circuit broke, and the motor stopped. This was an ingenious way to preserve battery life (2 AAA batteries) while making the toy feel truly "magical" to a child. The only downside was the rooted hair; after several swims in soapy bath water, the nylon would inevitably become tangled, requiring a "spa day" with some conditioner to restore its original luster.

New Heroes and Formidable Villains: The Movie Cast in Plastic

The 2017 film introduced a cast of characters that were stylistically distinct from the inhabitants of Ponyville. The toy line reflected this with unique molds that didn't just reuse existing pony bodies.

Tempest Shadow: The Fallen Commander

Tempest Shadow (voiced by Emily Blunt) was the breakout star of the merchandise. Her figure featured a broken horn—a crucial plot point—and a more angular, combat-ready physique. The "Guardians of Harmony" version of Tempest was particularly prized by collectors for its articulation. Unlike the standard brushables, this figure had jointed legs and a neck that allowed for dynamic battle poses. Her "Sky Skiff" vehicle was also a hit, featuring a dark, jagged aesthetic that contrasted sharply with the pastel colors of the Mane Six.

Queen Novo and Princess Skystar

The royalty of Seaquestria brought a new color palette to the shelves. Queen Novo’s figures were often larger, emphasizing her status as the hippogriff/seapony sovereign. Princess Skystar, meanwhile, was marketed heavily through the "Glitter & Style" series, which featured larger bodies and extra-thick hair for styling. These figures often came with "bubble" accessories that doubled as display stands.

The Rogues: Capper and Captain Celaeno

Capper the cat and Captain Celaeno the parrot-pirate represented the movie’s foray into different species. These figures were often sold in "Friendship is Magic Collection" packs. The Capper figure was notable for its height and lanky limbs, accurately reflecting his swaggering gait from the film.

Collectibles Beyond the Figures: Cards and Tags

Hasbro didn't stop at plastic figures. Partnering with Enterplay, they released an extensive line of "My Little Pony: The Movie" Trading Card Fun Packs. This was a dream for completionists.

The card set included:

  • Base Cards: High-definition stills from the film.
  • Concept Cards: Rare "Making-of" art showing early sketches of Seaquestria.
  • Foil Cards: Shiny variants of the main cast.
  • Standees and Tattoos: Every pack included a non-card collectible, making the $3.99 price point feel like a bargain.

Enterplay also produced "Collector Tags"—high-quality metal dog tags featuring the movie characters on 22-inch ball chains. These became popular backpack accessories for school-aged fans, offering a way to show off their favorite characters (like Songbird Serenade, voiced by Sia) in a more wearable format.

The Guardians of Harmony Evolution

While the main line focused on fashion and seafaring adventures, the "Guardians of Harmony" line targeted the "action" side of the movie. This series was known for its superior articulation and "battle-ready" accessories.

The 2017 movie wave of Guardians of Harmony included the "Storm King" and his "Grubber" sidekick. The Storm King figure was massive, dwarfing the ponies and featuring a light-up staff. For fans who enjoyed the climactic battle in Canterlot, these toys provided the necessary "muscle." The movement of the joints was stiff but durable, designed to withstand the "clashing" of figures during play.

Shining Friends: The Magic of Physical Contact

Another subset of the 2017 line was the "Shining Friends" series. These figures utilized a conductive plastic technology. When you pressed the pony’s cutie mark, they would raise a hoof. If you "hoof-bumped" the pony or touched the conductive points yourself, the pony would glow.

This was a clever take on the "Magic of Friendship" theme. In practice, the light was bright enough to be seen in a well-lit room, and the mechanism was simple enough for toddlers to operate. The line featured Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, and Twilight Sparkle, each glowing in their signature colors.

The Collector’s Verdict: Are They Worth Finding Today?

Since these toys were released in 2017, they have long since disappeared from retail shelves. However, the secondary market on eBay and Mercari remains active. If you are looking to buy these today, here are some things to keep in mind:

  1. The "Seapony" Tail Wear: Check the pearlescent coating on the tails. Extensive play in water or on rough surfaces often leads to paint chipping, especially on the "Glitter & Style" versions.
  2. Battery Corrosion: For items like the Interactive Twilight Sparkle or the Swimming Pinkie Pie, always ask the seller if the battery compartment is clean. Many of these toys were stored with batteries inside, leading to leakage over the years.
  3. Completeness of the Castle: The Canterlot & Seaquestria Castle has dozens of small accessories (tea cups, shells). Finding a "100% Complete" set is rare and significantly increases the value.
  4. The "Sia" Pony: The Songbird Serenade figures, particularly the ones with the signature black-and-blonde wig, remain highly sought after due to the celebrity tie-in.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the most expensive toy in the 2017 MLP Movie line?

The "My Magical Princess Twilight Sparkle" interactive figure was the most expensive at its original retail price of approximately $129.99. Today, a New-In-Box (NIB) version can fetch significantly more on collector sites.

Can the Seapony toys actually go in the water?

Specific models, like the "Swimming Seapony Pinkie Pie" and certain "Undersea Spa" sets, were designed for water play. However, standard "Brushable" ponies with rooted hair can be damaged by mold if not dried properly after being submerged.

How many characters were in the 2017 movie toy line?

While the Mane Six were the focus, the line introduced over 10 new major characters, including Tempest Shadow, The Storm King, Grubber, Capper, Captain Celaeno, Queen Novo, Princess Skystar, and Songbird Serenade.

Why is the Canterlot & Seaquestria Castle so big?

The castle stands 29 inches tall because it is essentially two playsets in one. The height allows for a clear vertical distinction between the land kingdom (Canterlot) and the undersea kingdom (Seaquestria).

Are the 2017 trading cards still available?

They are no longer in production, but "booster boxes" and individual "fun packs" can still be found on eBay or specialized trading card sites like Enterplay’s archive resellers.

Summary

The 2017 My Little Pony: The Movie toy line remains a high-water mark for Hasbro’s creative engineering. By blending traditional fashion-play with innovative water sensors, animatronics, and a darker, more detailed design for its villains, the line captured the epic scale of the film. Whether it was the rhythmic flapping of Pinkie Pie’s tail in a bathtub or the 29-inch majesty of the Canterlot castle in a living room, these toys brought the "Magic of Friendship" to life in a way that felt both fresh and deeply respectful of the series' roots. For those looking to revisit this era, the secondary market offers a treasure trove of "Seapony" nostalgia that continues to hold its charm years later.