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Kung Fu Panda 4 is a 2024 American animated martial arts comedy produced by DreamWorks Animation and distributed by Universal Pictures. It’s the fourth installment in the beloved Kung Fu Panda series, following Kung Fu Panda 3 (2016). Directed by Mike Mitchell and co-directed by Stephanie Ma Stine (making her feature directorial debut), the film is penned by Darren Lemke, along with the writing duo Jonathan Aibel and Glenn Berger. Rebecca Huntley produced the film. Fans can look forward to Jack Black, Ian McShane, Dustin Hoffman, James Hong, and Bryan Cranston returning to their iconic roles. New voices include Awkwafina, Ke Huy Quan, Ronny Chieng, Lori Tan Chinn, and Viola Davis.
In this latest adventure, Po (voiced by Jack Black) must find and train a successor as the new Dragon Warrior. He teams up with Zhen (Awkwafina), a crafty fox bandit, to thwart the evil sorceress, The Chameleon (Viola Davis), who aims to steal the kung fu abilities of all the masters in China.
Kung Fu Panda 4 Movie Production
Directors Jennifer Yuh Nelson and Alessandro Carloni hinted at the potential for a fourth Kung Fu Panda film even before the release of the third movie in January 2016. Nelson expressed openness to another sequel in August 2018. DreamWorks Animation officially confirmed the fourth film in August 2022, with Mike Mitchell, Stephanie Ma Stine, and Rebecca Huntley onboard by April 2023. The return of the main voice cast was announced in December 2023, following Awkwafina’s casting in May. Legendary composer Hans Zimmer, who scored the first three films (the first two with John Powell), returned alongside Steve Mazzaro. Jellyfish Pictures contributed additional production assets.
Kung Fu Panda 4 premiered at AMC 14 Theater at The Grove in Los Angeles on March 3, 2024, and hit theaters in the United States on March 8. The film garnered generally positive reviews and was a box-office triumph, grossing over $544 million worldwide, making it the third highest-grossing film of 2024.
Kung Fu Panda 4 Movie Plot Unfolds
In the serene Valley of Peace, Po is busy helping his fathers, Li Shan and Mr. Ping, open their new restaurant. Master Shifu delivers the news that Po must ascend to a spiritual leadership role, which means relinquishing his Dragon Warrior title. Po struggles with this transition, reluctant to lose his status. During this turmoil, he encounters Zhen, a fox bandit attempting to steal ancient weapons from the Jade Palace. Po outsmarts Zhen and sends her to prison, only to learn from mine workers that Tai Lung has returned and destroyed a quarry. Zhen reveals that Tai Lung’s return is a ruse by The Chameleon, a shape-shifting sorceress who can mimic any animal and absorb their kung fu techniques.
With Zhen’s reluctant help, Po travels to Juniper City to confront The Chameleon, unaware that his worried fathers are following them. After a chaotic tavern brawl, they arrive in Juniper City, nearly get arrested, and escape to the Den of Thieves. Here, they receive help from Han, the den’s leader and Zhen’s friend. Po is later captured by The Chameleon, who reveals Zhen’s role as a double agent. Po narrowly escapes, thanks to his fathers’ rescue, and learns the value of change.
Using the Staff of Wisdom, The Chameleon summons deceased kung fu masters and steals their techniques. After escaping, Zhen reunites with Po, who refuses to back down. Together with Ping, Li, and the Den of Thieves, they confront The Chameleon’s army of Komodo dragons. In the climactic battle, The Chameleon transforms into a Chimera of several masters. Po, trusting Zhen, gives her the Staff of Wisdom, which she uses to defeat The Chameleon. Po pretends to be trapped, ultimately using the staff to return stolen kung fu powers. Po names Zhen as his successor, frustrating Shifu, but Po remains confident in his choice. The Furious Five then help train Zhen as the next Dragon Warrior.
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Kung Fu Panda 4 Movie Voice Cast and Characters
- Jack Black as Po and The Chameleon's form of Po.
- Awkwafina as Zhen and The Chameleon's form of Zhen.
- Viola Davis as The Chameleon, the shape-shifting villain.
- Dustin Hoffman as Master Shifu, Po's wise mentor.
- James Hong as Mr. Ping, Po's adoptive father.
- Bryan Cranston as Li Shan, Po's biological father.
- Ian McShane as Tai Lung and The Chameleon's form of Tai Lung.
- Ke Huy Quan as Han, leader of the Den of Thieves.
- Lori Tan Chinn as Granny Boar, an elderly boar with detachable tusks.
- Ronny Chieng as Captain Fish, a green arowana living in a pelican's mouth.
- Harry Shum Jr. as Scott, a fire-breathing crocodile sent to the Spirit Realm by Po.
- The Furious Five appear in the end credits, with Seth Rogen providing screams for Mantis. Lord Shen and General Kai make non-speaking appearances. YouTuber Jimmy "MrBeast" Donaldson has a cameo as Panda Pig, one of the candidates for the next Dragon Warrior.
Kung Fu Panda 4 Movie Story
By December 2023, Jonathan Aibel and Glenn Berger had returned to write the screenplay, with Darren Lemke joining them by February 2024. Director Mike Mitchell described Kung Fu Panda 4 as a homage to the first film. Despite its ties to previous installments, the story was crafted to stand on its own. Mitchell aimed to evolve Po's character, introduce new personalities, and expand the franchise's world.
The Chameleon, the film's antagonist, was conceived as a character who relies more on intellect than brute strength. Mitchell noted that she is the most cunning and supernatural foe Po has faced. Her character serves as a mirror to Po, both underestimated by society yet rising to greatness in their respective roles. The filmmakers ensured The Chameleon would be as formidable as previous villains like Tai Lung, Lord Shen, and General Kai, which is why Tai Lung was brought back into the storyline.
Kung Fu Panda 4 Movie Casting and Characters
In May 2023, Awkwafina joined the voice cast. By December 2023, Ke Huy Quan and Viola Davis had also signed on, with Davis voicing the villain, The Chameleon. Lori Tan Chinn and Ronny Chieng were new additions, while Ian McShane, Bryan Cranston, James Hong, and Dustin Hoffman returned from previous films. Mitchell, a fan of McShane's work, was thrilled to have him back as Tai Lung. The filmmakers had no backup plan if McShane declined the role, as Tai Lung's return was pivotal to the story.
The Furious Five were initially not slated to appear, despite protests from the creative team. However, they were included in a cameo due to marketing department pressures.
Kung Fu Panda 4 Movie Animation and Design
Mitchell highlighted that the film's fight scenes reflect advancements in both technology and martial arts. The animation drew more inspiration from anime than in previous installments. Marvel stunt performers provided moves for animators to study and incorporate into the choreography. The Chameleon was the most complex character to animate, with over 8,130 controls. Jellyfish Pictures, known for their work on various DreamWorks projects, handled additional asset production.
Kung Fu Panda 4 and The Wild Robot are the last films to be entirely produced in-house at DreamWorks Animation. Post-2024, the studio will rely more on external studios for production.
Kung Fu Panda 4 Movie Music
Hans Zimmer, who scored the first three films, returned alongside Steve Mazzaro to compose the film's score. A cover of Britney Spears' "…Baby One More Time" by Tenacious D is featured in the end credits. The soundtrack was released on March 8, 2024, by Back Lot Music.
Kung Fu Panda 4 Movie Marketing Magic
Po made a triumphant return to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in November 2023 as part of the film's promotion. The trailer, featuring The White Stripes' "Seven Nation Army," and a poster were released on December 13, 2023. The trailer garnered over 142 million views in the first 24 hours, breaking records for a Universal animated film.
Kung Fu Panda 4 Movie Release
Kung Fu Panda 4 premiered at AMC 14 Theater at The Grove in Los Angeles on March 3, 2024, and was released nationwide on March 8. Columbia University School of the Arts hosted a special screening on March 1. The film was made available for digital download on April
