Without a doubt, the Kung Fu Panda films are the best examples of fluffy martial artists. Since the dumpling-obsessed Dragon Warrior Po first came on-screen in 2008, we’ve been hooked on his escapades and cannot wait to watch more fistfights in the Valley of Peace.
The animated feature Kung Fu Panda, starring Jack Black as the mellow panda Po on his path to becoming a martial arts champion, was nominated for an Academy Award. Two more films, a Netflix series, and video games followed the success of this animated classic regarding an underdog (or underpanda?). However, despite the franchise’s popularity, Kung Fu Panda 3 was the final major picture released until the release of Kung Fu Panda 2 in 2018.
Hold on to your seats! A new Kung Fu Panda film is on the horizon, answering long-held fan hopes. Read on for details on the release of Kung Fu Panda 4, including the movie’s cast, narrative, and trailer.
Kung Fu Panda 4 Release Date
Po, the Dragon Warrior, in a tense fighting pose, was teased by DreamWorks in a 2022 announcement. The original March 8, 2024 release date was revealed. While there were fears about probable delays after industry strikes, Hernán Viviano, the theatrical executive from Universal Pictures Brazil, recently informed fans at Expocine 2023 that the Brazil release will be in March. The timeline has not altered, since this coincides with the U.S. release date.
Kung Fu Panda 4 Cast
Kung Fu Panda 4’s success depends on the return of the beloved voice cast from Kung Fu Panda 3. Some of the voice performers and the characters they portray are briefly described here.
- Jack Black as Po: Po, the lovable klutz who becomes the Dragon Warrior, returns. In this sequel, the actor from School of Rock voices Po as he grapples with his legacy and the quest for a successor.
- Angelina Jolie as Tigress: As Po tackles new challenges, he continues to get help from Tigress, a member of the fictional Furious Five and its imaginary leader.
- Dustin Hoffman as Master Shifu: Once this character retires from teaching at the conclusion of the previous film, he turns to Po to learn how to harness the force of Chi and establish communication with the Spirit Realm.
- Jackie Chan as Monkey: His easygoing nature earned him a spot among the Furious Five. Jackie Chan, a legend in his own right, will provide his voice to this role.
- Seth Rogen as Mantis: Mantis, one of the Furious Five, engages in combat with Po and provides comic relief.
- David Cross as Crane: He battles with his wings and some serious kicks and punches, and he’s the last member of the Furious Five.
- Lucy Liu as Viper: Since he is so skilled in Viper Kung Fu, he immediately incorporates Po into the team. The two hit it off and became fast friends.
Awkwafina is going to be joining the cast of the film. The actor from Shang-Chi and The Legend of the Ten Rings has been cast as a voice actor, although it’s unclear who he’ll portray. Several viewers see her as the evil Chameleon.
Kung Fu Panda 4 Plot
The plot of Kung Fu Panda 4 will undoubtedly have Po engaging in more animated kung fu hijinks à la Bruce Lee, but beyond that, very little is known. While Kung Fu Panda 2 focused on Po’s backstory and how it prevented him from finding happiness, Kung Fu Panda 3 centered on Po’s development as a person and a Kung Fu master by allowing him to grasp the understanding and usage of chi.
The TV programs expanded Po’s tale a lot, but their canon status isn’t clear, so it will be fascinating to see how far the next Kung Fu Panda movie takes him on his road to becoming a Kung Fu master and the Dragon Warrior.
Black’s tale summary suggests that after Kung Fu Panda 3, Po has grown and developed to the point that he is now responsible for the training of new Dragon Warriors. Black said that Po is mentoring a young fox named Zhen to become a dragon fighter. In addition, the actor revealed that the new antagonist in Kung Fu Panda 4 is known simply as “The Chameleon.” The antagonist seems to have the ability to resurrect Po’s former adversaries.
Kung Fu Panda 4 Crew
Mike Mitchell, a seasoned animator, has been chosen to lead “Kung Fu Panda 4.” Mitchell, whose prior credits include “Trolls” and “The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part,” is directing the film for the first time, but he has dabbled in the “Kung Fu Panda” genre before.
Stephanie Ma Stine, a former story artist on “Raya and the Last Dragon” for Disney, is directing with Mitchell. She has also contributed to films by DreamWorks Animation, such as “How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World.”
On IMDB, it is said that Jonathan Aibel and Glenn Berger have been hired to write “Kung Fu Panda 4.” The first three films in the series were also written by the same screenplay team. The Dream Team also produced the initial three movies in the series. Nobody knows whether any additional authors will be working on “Kung Fu Panda 4.”
Where to watch Kung Fu Panda 4?
You’ll have to go to the cinema to see Kung Fu Panda 4 when it comes out. As is the case with many other Dreamworks’ animated features, it will thereafter most likely make its way to Netflix. We promise to keep you informed when new information becomes available.
Kung Fu Panda 4 Trailer
There is currently no trailer for Kung Fu Panda 4, but we anticipate one to be released in December 2023 if the film is not pushed again. We might see trailers before the close of the year if the March 2024 release schedule remains. Remember that many people have been waiting years for a fourth Kung Fu Panda film, so the company will likely invest heavily in marketing and promotion.
Conclusion
Kung Fu Panda 4 is scheduled for release on March 8, 2024, and will include the return of the beloved cast, the introduction of a new nemesis, and Po venturing beyond his comfort zone. Fans are already anticipating the debut of the film’s trailer, which promises to draw in viewers of all ages.