In the latest installment of the beloved Kung Fu Panda series, Kung Fu Panda 4, Lori Tan Chinn brings to life the character of Granny Bore with an unexpected twist. Known for her roles that often blend humor with heartfelt sincerity, Chinn’s portrayal of Granny Bore adds a new layer of depth to the animated franchise. In our recent interview, Chinn revealed the creative freedom she enjoyed while voicing her character, including some choice moments that didn’t make the final cut.
Lori Tan Chinn’s Non-PG Process
In our interview, Lori Tan Chinn shed light on the often unseen aspects of voice acting, particularly in films aimed at a younger audience. The process involves not just the delivery of lines written in the script but also moments of improvisation, where actors bring their own interpretation to the character. For Chinn, this meant exploring Granny Bore’s wilder side, complete with ad-libs that included cursing — a choice that, while ultimately removed to maintain the film’s family-friendly rating, speaks to the depth of character exploration afforded to voice actors.
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“Well, you know, I’m very surprised that I got to play such a, uh, an enlightening character, an expressive character, and, uh, really the sky’s the limit, you know? I had some nice little lines, but, uh, a lot of Walla, which was a lot of ad-lib, yelling and screaming and cursing, and I guess you cut out all the cursing, you know.”
-Lori Tan Chinn, Granny Bore in Kung Fu Panda 4–
The decision to cut the cursing from Granny Bore’s dialogue highlights the delicate balance filmmakers must strike between creative expression and the expectations of their audience. While the cursing itself was deemed inappropriate for young viewers, the intensity and passion behind Chinn’s performance remain intact, contributing to a character that is both vibrant and memorable.
Chinn’s approach to voicing Granny Bore, with its blend of scripted lines and spontaneous expression, underscores the talent and creativity voice actors bring to their roles. It’s a reminder that behind every animated character lies the imagination and skill of real people, who infuse these digital creations with life and personality.
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Lori Tan Chinn’s experience on Kung Fu Panda 4 exemplifies the unique challenges and joys of voice acting. Her ability to navigate the boundaries of her character’s role, while injecting a dose of unrestrained energy, adds a rich layer to the film’s tapestry of characters. Even though audiences will never hear Granny Bore’s censored outbursts, knowing they exist adds an intriguing dimension to the character and to the film as a whole.
As Kung Fu Panda 4 joins the ranks of its predecessors, it carries forward the series’ legacy of combining humor, action, and heart. Through the voices of talented actors like Lori Tan Chinn, the film transcends the limitations of animation to deliver characters that are as complex and compelling as any found in live-action cinema.
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.
Do you already have your tickets to Kung Fu Panda 4? How do you curse in front of a PG audience? Will you be ready for the Granny Bore spin-off? Let us know what you think on our Discord!
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