Jack Black, Bryan Cranston, Dustin Hoffman, James Hong and Ian McShane return to their characters from the franchise Kung Fu Panda while Akwafina and Viola Davis make their appearance. This is what moviegoers can expect in this animated film, one of the most anticipated of the year.
The history…
Since then, we haven't seen or heard from Po (voice of Jack Black in the original version), Shifu (voice of Dustin Hoffman), Ping (voice of James Hong) and Li Shan (voice of Bryan Cranston) on the big screen… 2016, when our dumpling-loving hero faced and defeated the terrible General Kai (voice of JK Simmons).
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Don't look for the five Cyclones this time, none of these brave warriors and trainers are there. Because Po is now looking for his successor as a dragon warrior, as he is called to be the spiritual leader of the Valley of Peace. But his task won't be that easy, because the Chameleone (voice of Viola Davis) will make his life difficult with her ability to absorb the powers of his opponents. Additionally, Po can count on the help of Zhen (voice of Awkwafina), a friendly vixen with unconventional methods.
A new team
The $1.8 billion “Kung Fu Panda” franchise was founded 16 years ago.
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“I have been part of Po’s adventures and have seen him mature and grow each time. I was an executive producer on the third installment and always wanted to direct one of them. “I've been waiting for the perfect story for me, this one stands out significantly from the previous three, which was very enjoyable to do,” said co-director Mike Mitchell, who worked on the “Trolls” and “Shrek” franchises has.
A new world
The team of around 500 people worked on a completely different story, because so far Po has almost never left the Valley of Peace. In this fourth part, he explores Juniper City, where he meets Zhen.
“We wanted Zhen to represent a city rat, while Po represents the landlubber,” emphasizes Mike Mitchell, referring to La Fontaine's famous fable.
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“He comes to the city for the first time and we created a kind of Times Square in an imaginary world of ancient China.” Co-director Stephanie Ma Stin added: “As Po explores this new world, he discovers the diversity of people and realizes that not everything is black and white. It is a journey that leads him to wisdom to see beyond the simplistic vision of good and evil, an achievement that Zhen represents as she is a gray vixen.
Jack Black returns
“Doubling Po again was like meeting an old friend who is still exceptional and kind. “His journey as a spiritual leader adds additional depth to his personality,” says Jack Black. Po is therefore wiser, but that doesn't stop him from asking questions and wondering if he is capable of it, if he is capable of becoming a spiritual leader.
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And kung fu…
Contrary to what one might think, Kung Fu moves did not arise from the imagination of animators. Animation director Sean Sexton practices Taekwondo and Hapkido and incorporated moves from them into the film. In addition, a stuntman and martial arts specialist was hired as a consultant.
Kung Fu Panda 4 takes moviegoers away from the Valley of Peace starting March 8th.