Po’s back to kick some butt!
On March 8, Universal announced the return of our favorite kung-fu fighting panda, Po, in Kung Fu Panda 4. The Dreamworks film series returns after closing its trilogy with Kung Fu Panda 3.
Universal hasn’t named any directors yet. But further announcements will follow. Jack Black, who voiced Po, is expected to reprise his role in the fourth installment. Since the film is in its early phases, it is unknown whether any other voice actors would return.
The Kung Fu Panda franchise follows the story of Po Ping. He might be the laziest panda in the Valley of Peace, but he aspires to become a kung fu master. Po turns out to be the “Dragon Warrior” and fulfills his dream. The franchise is set in an animal-populated fantasy wuxia rendition of ancient China.
The first Kung Fu Panda film hit theaters in 2008 to favorable reviews. The film earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Animated Feature. Kung Fu Panda’s success made it Dreamworks’ most profitable franchise. Its success is comparable to hits like How To Train Your Dragon, Madagascar, and Shrek.
Po’s journey to becoming the “Dragon Warrior” became the basis of two sequels, which hit theaters in 2011 and 2016. Their success spawned many short films and three spin-off shows. These include Amazon’s Kung Fu Panda: The Paws of Destiny, and Netflix‘s Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight.
Kung Fu Panda 4 will be out in theaters on March 8, 2024.
Featured Image Daniella Sison
