DreamWorks Animation has just released the trailer for Kung Fu Panda 4, marking the return of Jack Black as Po, the beloved kung fu master, after nearly a decade. The new installment in the action-comedy franchise promises to be a hilarious and thrilling adventure.
The Dragon Warrior’s New Challenge: Spiritual Leadership
In Kung Fu Panda 4, Po faces an unexpected twist in his journey. After his heroic exploits in previous films, destiny calls him to become the Spiritual Leader of the Valley of Peace. However, Po’s knowledge of spiritual matters is as limited as his understanding of the paleo diet, presenting a humorous predicament for the Dragon Warrior.
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The tranquility of the Valley of Peace is threatened by the emergence of Chameleon, a shapeshifting sorceress voiced by Oscar® winner Viola Davis. Her sinister plan involves using Po’s Staff of Wisdom to resurrect the master villains Po has previously defeated, posing a grave danger to the valley.
The Rise of a New Villain & An Unlikely Alliance
To combat this new threat, Po teams up with Zhen, a crafty and quick-witted corsac fox voiced by Golden Globe winner Awkwafina. Their unlikely partnership forms the core of the film’s humor and action, as they work together to thwart Chameleon’s plans.
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The film features an impressive voice cast, including returning stars like Dustin Hoffman as Shifu, James Hong as Mr. Ping, Bryan Cranston as Po’s birth father Li, and Ian McShane as Tai Lung. New to the franchise is Oscar® winner Ke Huy Quan, who voices Han, the leader of the Den of Thieves.
Direction and Production
Directed by Mike Mitchell, known for DreamWorks Animation’s Trolls and Shrek Forever After, and produced by Rebecca Huntley, Kung Fu Panda 4 is co-directed by Stephanie Ma Stine. The franchise, which began with the Academy Award®-nominated Kung Fu Panda in 2008, has been a global success, earning over $1.8 billion at the box office.
Kung Fu Panda 4 is set to be a major animated event, combining humor, heart, and high-octane action. With its beloved characters, new challenges, and an all-star voice cast, the film is poised to continue the franchise’s legacy and entertain audiences of all ages.
Kung Fu Panda 4 is releasing in theaters on March 8, 2024.
About Kung Fu Panda 4
Release Date: March 8, 2024
Director: Mike Mitchell
Producer: Rebecca Huntley
Co-Director: Stephanie Ma Stine
Production: Dreamworks Animation
Distribution: Universal Pictures
Genre: Animated Comedy Adventure
Cast: Jack Black, Awkwafina, Viola Davis, Dustin Hoffman, James Hong, Bryan Cranston, Ian McShane and Ke Huy Quan
Synopsis
Kung Fu Panda 4 is directed by Mike Mitchell (DreamWorks Animation’s Trolls, Shrek Forever After)and produced by Rebecca Huntley (DreamWorks Animation’s The Bad Guys). The film’s co-director is Stephanie Ma Stine (She-Ra and the Princesses of Power).In 2008, the Academy Award®-nominated 2008 inaugural chapter, Kung Fu Panda, became DreamWorks Animation’s highest-grossing original animated film and launched a franchise that has earned more than $1.8 billion at the global box-office.
What are your thoughts on Po’s new role as a spiritual leader? How do you think the dynamic between Po and Zhen will play out? And what are your favorite moments from the Kung Fu Panda series so far? Let us know what you think on our Discord!
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