As stated in a question prior to this one, the script was given a major overhaul so that the story takes place in-between Seasons 2 and 3. The film picks up not too long after “A Canterlot Wedding”.

Our key reason as to why we opted to do in-between Seasons 2 and 3 was because it was a period in which Friendship is Magic was undergoing changes in direction. For us, the audience, it was the time in which the characters were growing and changing. It was a huge metamorphosis and many of the changes were scary for a lot of people.

To me, I found that it was a good idea for us to evoke nostalgic feelings for the audience by going backwards and showing people why the changes in Friendship is Magic had to happen. For me, it was a chance to analyze and examine the overall themes and expand upon the ideals set up by Lauren Faust in the first and second seasons. How does Twilight eventually go down the path towards earning her title as Princess? What was the history behind Celestia and Discord? What about their friendship do the Mane 6 see that makes them realize how important they are to one another?

These were questions swirling around in my brain that I was just so fascinated in exploring and while the movie won’t answer all the questions, it leaves open the room for new interpretations of the source material.