DreamWorks Animation has undoubtedly given birth to a few fantastic cartoon franchises. While ‘Shrek’ has our hearts, Kung Fu Panda is not so far away. However, 7 years have passed. We have not seen the Dragon Slayer on the big screen. But the wait is over. 2024 will be full of surprises and joy because Po is returning soon!
Mike Mitchell’s fantastic animated comedy martial arts movie will hit the theater at the beginning of the new year. That’s why we are here to give you a detailed view of Kung Fu Panda 4 characters, plot, and, of course, the release date! So, let’s jump in.
Is There a Trailer Yet?
In 2024, Kung Fu Panda 4 will carry on the Kung Fu Panda franchise. However, the initial teaser for the film omits a few prominent characters, raising concerns among some that they may not be relevant to the plot. The fourth picture in the series and a straight follow-up to Kung Fu Panda 3, which debuted in 2016.
When the new film finally hits theaters in eight years, the premise and initial impressions of the production suggest that the wait will have been worthwhile. The new antagonist in the animated movie can mimic the Kung Fu of experts, both alive and dead, making her potentially Po’s toughest foe yet. We are not leaving the pitch. So, are you?
What is the New Story?
Po’s final days as the warrior of the dragon will be the primary focus of this film. In this film, he seeks a new Dragon Knight while facing threats from Chameleon, a shape-shifting antagonist who plans to murder him by taking the form of every terrifying villain Po has ever faced.
Zhen, a thief who will train with Po to become the next Dragon Warrior, will also have a storyline in the film.
That’s all for now, as we don’t want to ruin your long-saved excitement for Kung Fu Panda 4.
Let’s take a look at the leading Kung Fu Panda 4 cast members –
1. Jack Black as Po the Dragon Warrior
Jack Black has returned as Po the Panda, the franchise’s leading character. In Kung Fu Panda 4, the character will look for his replacement after serving as the Dragon Warrior for years and defending the Valley of Peace. This will take him out of his house and into new places.
Po is seen fighting with Zhen, a crafty thief that he is also teaching to become the Dragon Warrior of the future. It may be the final time we see Jack Black portray Po in Kung Fu Panda 4; he has been providing the character’s voice for a while now.
2. Dustin Hoffman as Master Shifu
Not to be confused with one of the most beloved characters in Kung Fu Panda history—Master Shifu. For all eternity, he has been mentoring Po and the Furious Five. In the forthcoming sequel, though, Jack Black’s endearing Panda will assume the position of the team’s spiritual leader as the crafty red panda retreats. Maybe Master Shifu is 100% confident about his mentee.
3. Viola Davis as Chameleon
The malicious Chameleon, who serves as Kung Fu Panda 4’s main nemesis, is portrayed by Viola Davis. Compared to the other villains Po has faced in the past, this new one is distinct.
As a fierce fighter, the Chameleon can draw out the kung fu energy from anybody who stands in her path. This enables the nasty reptilian to morph into anybody whose essence she collects, including the evildoers of Po’s history. She even appears to shapeshift into Po in the teaser, so we may anticipate a boss battle between the two, which sounds like it might be entertaining.
4. Bryan Cranston as Li
Li, portrayed by Bryan Cranston, made his debut in Kung Fu Panda 3 and will return in Kung Fu Panda 4. Li, who was identified as Po’s biological father in the previous movie, is seen as having a family of pandas and residing in an enigmatic village outside of the Valley of Peace.
5. Ian McShane as Tai Lung
Not how one might expect, Ian McShane’s antagonist from Kung Fu Panda 1—Tai Lung—returns in the follow-up. After losing to Jack Black’s Panda Po in the first film, the character will confront the Chameleon, attempting to take the kung fu spirit of the greatest fighters in history.
6. James Hong as Mr. Ping
James Hong plays Mr. Ping from Kung Fu Panda in the next sequel. Mr. Ping is a Chinese goose noodle shop owner, and Po’s adopted father, and he lives contentedly in the Valley of Peace.
Hong has almost 600 credits in TV, movies, and video games, making her a Hollywood constant since the early 1950s.
7. Awkwafina as Zhen
Zhen is one of the film’s new characters. One of the newest characters to join Kung Fu Panda 4’s roster is Awkwafina. She will be Po’s apprentice as he trains her to become the next Dragon Warrior. Zhen will accompany Po on his exciting quest to vanquish the Chameleon as a sidekick.
As Po embarks on his quest in the great city, he encounters this thieving corsac fox. Po is aware of her deceitful behavior even though she is a criminal and believes she has the potential to be the next Dragon Warrior.
What is Making Us Worried About the New Film?
Undoubtedly, the first thing a fan would notice about the Kung Fu Panda 4 trailer is the absence of the Furious Five: Tigress, Mantis, Monkey, Viper, and Crane. They are some of China’s most skilled warriors and have previously played film-supporting characters. The trailer does not feature them at all, which is shocking.
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When is Po Coming Back?
Kung Fu Panda 4 will hit theaters on Friday, March 8, 2024. Po will fight a new war. Who is going to win, though? Hey, Panda lovers, sit back and relax because your wait will soon end!