News

Before its March 2024 release, Kung Fu Panda 4 was one of the year's most anticipated movie sequels. The Kung Fu Panda franchise is one of DreamWorks' crowning achievements. The first three movies are still beloved by their passionate fanbase. The mix of humor, heart, striking visuals, and fun action has viewers constantly returning to the trilogy. So, it was rather disappointing for fans to see the fourth installment - released eight years after the third film and failing to live up to the hype.

Despite a "fresh" Rotten Tomatoes score and impressive box office numbers, Kung Fu Panda 4 couldn't match the incredible quality set by the trilogy. The animation, action sequences, and Jack Black's energetic voice performance were rewarding. However, when analyzing this sequel further, there are several reasons why it failed to live up to many people's high expectations.

Updated by Christy Mathew on October 29, 2024: Kung Fu Panda...

Awkwafina shines as corsac fox Zhen in Kung Fu Panda 4, showing off her comedic and dramatic voice acting skills. Zhen's character arc mirrors Po's journey in the first film, proving her worth as the new Dragon Warrior. The chemistry between Awkwafina and Jack Black in recording sessions adds an electric energy to the movie.

Awkwafina has a key role in Kung Fu Panda 4, and she could very well become a returning character in the series. The Kung Fu Panda movie franchise was a surprise success when the first film premiered in 2008. Kung Fu Panda was not based on any existing IP and the combination of martial arts and unfamiliar animal protagonists did not guarantee that the film would be a success. None of that mattered, however, as Kung Fu was a massive commercial and critical smash-hit and has led to a huge franchise with sequels, spinoffs, games, and more.

Stars: Jack Black, Awkwafina, Viola Davis, Bryan Cranston, James Hong, Ian McShane, Ke Huy Quan, Ronny Chieng, Lori Tan Chinn, Dustin Hoffman | Written by Jonathan Aibel, Glenn Berger, Darren Lemke | Directed by Mike Mitchell, Stephanie Ma Stine

Cuddly Kung Fu master Po the Panda returns to the big screen for a fourth instalment of the animated action comedy franchise, eight years after Kung Fu Panda 3. Unfortunately, it’s fair to say that the law of diminishing returns has very much kicked in, because while the film is entirely amiable, it doesn’t quite deliver the same punch, and frequently feels like it’s going through the motions.

The film begins in the Valley of Peace, where Po (Jack Black) is content with his life as the legendary Dragon Warrior, occasionally defeating the odd villain with his sweet kung-fu skills and using his standing in the community to open a tofu-and-noodle shop.

The Chameleon's ability to steal appearances and powers makes her a formidable villain in Kung Fu Panda The film features a diverse cast of animal forms, ranging from Crocodiles to Master Elephants, showcasing the villain's unique powerset. The Chimera, a combination of various animal bodies, serves as a terrifying final form for The Chameleon in her battle against Po and Zhen.

Kung Fu Panda 4 introduces Po's most fearsome opponent yet, The Chameleon, who has a wide array of animal forms to keep track of. Among the more limited cast of Kung Fu Panda 4, the film's villain stands out due to her unique powerset unlike anything the series has seen before. Utilizing profane sorcery, The Chameleon is capable of stealing the physical appearance and attributes of anyone she sees, later even being able to instantly glean their years of Kung Fu experience by stealing their very chi.

Throughout the film,...

‘Del Revés 2’ le arrebata el primer puesto a ‘Dune: Parte Dos’.

Entramos en el ecuador del 2024 y repasamos cuáles son hasta el momento las 10 películas más taquilleras del año.

10. Bob Marley: One Love (Reinaldo Marcus Green)

Sorprendentemente, el biopic de Bob Marely se cuela en el puesto número 10 de la taquilla mundial. La película es una celebración de la vida y la música del icono que inspiró a generaciones a través de su mensaje de amor y unidad. Por primera vez en la gran pantalla, se nos muestra la apasionante historia de superación de Bob Marley y el viaje que hay detrás de su música revolucionaria. Protagonizada por Kingsley Ben-Adir (“Barbie”) como el legendario músico y Lashana Lynch (“The Marvels”) como su esposa Rita.

Disponible para alquilar.

9. Amigos Imaginarios (John Krasinski)

“Amigos Imaginarios” es la única película original del top 10, ya que no forma parte de ninguna franquicia, secuela y tampoco es un biopic.

Kung Fu Panda 4 Arrives On Ott. (Photo Credit – Instagram)

Dragon Warrior Po entertained the fans with King Fu Panda 4, and until Inside Out 2 came out, it was the highest-grossing film of the year, 2024. Po and his gang have now arrived on the Ott platforms and found one of its streaming networks, but there is a twist. It is produced by DreamWorks Animation and distributed by Universal Pictures. Jack Black and Bryan Cranston reprised their roles from the previous movie, and a few new actors joined the voice cast, including Oscar winner Ke Huy Quan.

It is the sequel to the 2016 film and was directed by Mike Mitchell. The fourth installment was written by Jonathan Aibel, Glenn Berger, and Darren Lemke. The old cast members include Black in the titular character of Po, Dustin Hoffman as Master Shifu, James Hong as Po’s adoptive father, Mr. Ping, and Bryan Cranston as Li Shan.

Warning: This post contains major spoilers for Kung Fu Panda 4

Po defeats Chameleon with Zhen's help and becomes the Spiritual Leader of the Valley of Peace. Zhen becomes the new Dragon Warrior after Po sees her true potential. Kung Fu Panda 4 sets up a sequel exploring Po as a spiritual leader and Zhen's training as the Dragon Warrior.

Kung Fu Panda 4 sees the end of Pos journey as the Dragon Warrior. Jack Black returns to voice the beloved titular panda in the fourth animated outing in the Kung Fu Panda franchise, which has received mostly positive reviews from critics. At the end of Kung Fu Panda 4, Po is locked up by Zhen, who steals his staff of knowledge to give to Chameleon. The shape-shifting villain uses it to open the spirit world, calling on Tai Lung and other Kung Fu masters so she can steal...

Jack Black is back as the world’s most unlikely kung fu master in DreamWorks Animation’s feature film “Kung Fu Panda 4.” The fourth installment of the beloved franchise sees Po gearing up to become the spiritual leader of his Valley of Peace but needs to find someone to take his place as Dragon Warrior. So, he takes on one last adventure alongside a quick-witted thief called Zhen, as they encounter a villain named the Chameleon who conjures enemies from the past. Don’t miss this action-packed animated adventure when it premieres on Friday, June 21 on Peacock, which you can watch with a Subscription to Peacock.

How to Watch ‘Kung Fu Panda 4’ When: Friday, June 21, 2024 TV: Peacock Stream: Watch with a Subscription to Peacock. Sign Up $5.99+ / month peacocktv.com About The Feature Film ‘Kung Fu Panda 4’

“Kung Fu Panda 4” stars Jack Black as Po, as he...

DreamWorks and Universal saw success with Kung Fu Panda 4 in theaters, now streaming on Peacock. Jack Black returns in Po's adventure with humor, action, and a new story about acceptance. Kung Fu Panda 4's audience score outshines critics with a worldwide total of $543.6 million.

The Kung Fu Panda franchise returned with great success in theaters, and now Kung Fu Panda 4 is finally streaming. DreamWorks and Universal Pictures released the fourth installment of the Kung Fu Panda movies in theaters in March 2024. The animated kids film was set up for success by being given an extended exclusive theatrical run at a time when there was very little competition in the same genre and for the target demographic. Given the general success of the previous three entries, expectations were high for how Kung Fu Panda 4 would perform and be received.

With Jack Black returning as the voice of Po,...

Kung Fu Panda 4 is heading to Peacock. The fourth installment in the beloved DreamWorks Animation franchise is set to arrive on the streaming service before the end of the month.

Per Deadline, Kung Fu Panda 4 will begin streaming on Peacock on June 21. However, if fans want to rewatch its predecessor, 2016's Kung Fu Panda 3, they will need to wait until June 26, which is when the threequel will be added to the streamer. The original Kung Fu Panda, released in 2008, is currently available to stream on Peacock, leaving Kung Fu Panda 2 as the only title in the franchise that will not be making its way onto the streamer before the end of June.

Related Kung Fu Panda 4 Gets Digital Release Date, Includes Bonus Short Film

Kung Fu Panda 4 will be coming to digital while the film is still playing in theaters, but with an added bonus.

Peacock announced on Thursday morning that Kung Fu Panda 4, the latest installment in the hugely popular franchise from DreamWorks Animation, will begin streaming exclusively on the platform on June 21.

The original Kung Fu Panda will launch there exclusively earlier in the month, on June 6, with Kung Fu Panda 3 arriving on Peacock June 26.

Released in theaters in March and going on to gross over $540M at the worldwide box office, Kung Fu Panda 4 continues the story of panda Po (Jack Black), the world’s most unlikely kung fu master. After learning he must find a new hero to take over as Dragon Warrior so that he may fulfill his destiny as the next spiritual leader of the Valley of Peace, Po decides to take one last adventurous mission. He teams up with a quick-witted thief named Zhen (Awkwafina), a corsac fox, to discover the truth about recent sightings...

After skadooshing its way to over half a billion at the box office and proving that Jack Black's battling black and white bear is as unstoppable as ever, Kung Fu Panda 4 has retired to the Valley of 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray. Po's latest adventure was one of transition, as he gave up the title of Dragon Warrior and stepped back to become the Valley of Peace's spiritual leader like Master Oogway before him. Before he could settle down for good, though, he joined forces with the crafty corsac fox Zhen (Awkwafina) for one final battle against his most dangerous foe yet The Chameleon. For those who have yet to see the film, Collider is excited to share a special sneak peek at Viola Davis's wicked villain and the gravitas the Oscar winner brings.

Quick Links Kung Fu Panda 5 Latest News Kung Fu Panda 5 Is Not Confirmed Kung Fu Panda 5 Cast Kung Fu Panda 5 Story Details Kung Fu Panda 5: Further News & Info Kung Fu Panda 4 is a financial success, potentially prompting Dreamworks to green-light Kung Fu Panda 5. The future of the franchise is uncertain as Dreamworks has not confirmed plans for Kung Fu Panda 5. Kung Fu Panda 5 could focus on Po adjusting to his new role and Zhen becoming the new Dragon Warrior.

The highly anticipated return of Po in Kung Fu Panda 4 finally arrived in March 2024, but will the martial arts animated franchise return in Kung Fu Panda 5? Debuting in 2008 with the eponymous film, the family-friendly series follows Po (Jack Black) a clumsy panda who is chosen to be the protector of the Valley of Peace, despite his obvious shortcomings. Anchored largely by the charisma of its star, Jack Black,...

Released this spring, Kung Fu Panda 4 has rekindled fans’ love for the franchise by embarking the titular character, Po (voiced by Jack Black), on a new journey. The clumsy Panda learned another valuable lesson in a new thrilling adventure with a fox bandit aka his Dragon warrior successor, Zhen (Awkwafina). With the new movie makes success yet again, it would be interesting to see what the franchise has kept in store for audiences in the future.

Kung Fu Panda 4 (2024). Credit: DreamWorks Animation/Universal Pictures

Before its release, the franchise made headlines for the upcoming installments that would continue Po’s journey. The fourth installment director Mike Mitchell reflected on the same, giving an optimistic update on the Kung Fu Panda 5 that might not be all good.

Mike Mitchell Got Candid About Kung Fu Panda 5 Plans

With the massive success of the Kung Fu Panda 4, film director Mike...

Kung Fu Panda 5's potential release window is hinted by director Mike Mitchell, who aims to elevate the sequel. The next movie might not come out until 2027 because of how long production time on the films can be. The success of Kung Fu Panda 4 suggests a likely continuation into Kung Fu Panda 5, which can continue Po's journey and Zhen's training.

Kung Fu Panda 5 has received a tentative release window from Kung Fu Panda 4 director Mike Mitchell, who already has ideas about where he wants to take the series next. The latest entry in the animated action comedy series saw Po seeking out a new Dragon Warrior prior to his promotion to Spiritual Leader. Kung Fu Panda 4 ended with new character and corsac fox Zhen in the role, with the titular protagonist preparing to train her as a warrior.

Speaking with ComicBook, Mitchell revealed his hopes for when the story can continue,...

Your browser does not support the video tag. Screen Rant presents a behind-the-scenes clip from Kung Fo Panda 4. The clip focuses on Awkwafina's turn as Zhen, a new corsac fox character. Zhen brins new abilities to the franchise, which has long exaggerated real-life animal skills into imaginative powers.

Kung Fu Panda 4 is a winning continuation of the long-running film franchise, and Screen Rant has a behind-the-scenes clip detailing the creation of one of its key new characters. The movie still follows Jack Blacks Po, the unlikely Dragon Warrior, but introduces the character of Zhen, a corsac fox, who teams up with the panda on a quest to discover why villains from the past seem to have reappeared. At the same time, Po is tasked with finding a new hero to take over the mantle of Dragon Warrior.

Screen Rant is happy to present a behind-the-scenes look at key...

Keeping the franchise alive, director Mitchell promises bigger narrative and action in future Kung Fu Panda sequels. Jack Black's vibrant portrayal of Po, the Dragon Warrior, continues to charm audiences and could sustain the franchise for many more installments. With the addition of new character Zhen, voiced by Awkwafina, Kung Fu Panda universe expands, providing potential for fresh narratives.

The fourth Kung Fu Panda film's director Mike Mitchell recently shared his vision for Kung Fu Panda 5. After eight years of hiatus since the third installment, the longest in the series history, Kung Fu Panda 4 has rekindled the fans' passion for Po and his thrilling exploits.

In a recent interview with ComicBook, director Mitchell expressed his unwavering commitment to scale up Kung Fu Panda's narrative and action in future sequels. He remarked:

I think no matter what, we keep going bigger. Whether I'm working on it or not,...

Released on March 8 this year, Kung Fu Panda 4 has swept the box office with its kung-fu prowess. Starring Jack Black as the clumsy panda turned Dragon Warrior Po, the movie has garnered positive acclaim from both critics and audiences alike. It owes much of its success to the captivating performances of Chameleon ( Viola Davis) and Zhen (Awkwafina) among other characters.

A still from Kung Fu Panda 4 featuring Po and Zhen

However, many fans noticed that the Furious Five were prominently missing in action in the movie, despite having equally contributed to the franchise’s massive success. Film director Mike Mitchell addressed this in a new interview, reflecting on the factor that led him to let the Furious Five take a back seat in the fourth installment.

Kung Fu Panda 4 Director Got Candid About Furious Five’s Absence in the Movie

The Furious Five are highly skilled and...

Kung Fu Panda fans will soon be able to own the latest installment in the animated film franchise. Universal Pictures Home Entertainment has just announced when Kung Fu Panda 4 will be released on 4K Uhd, Blu-ray, and DVD.

Although Kung Fu Panda 4 is still playing in theaters, Universal has revealed that the animated movie will arrive on physical formats on May 28, 2024, exactly one week from now. Kung Fu Panda 4 was previously made available for rental or purchase on digital platforms back on April 9. The physical releases will all include never-before-seen bonus content, such as dumpling making with Jack Black, Bad Bunnies commentary, deleted scenes, as well as the original animated short "Dueling Dumplings."

Related Kung Fu Panda Franchise Achieves Rare Box Office Milestone DreamWorks Kung Fu Panda franchise beats Disneys Finding Nemo, as it officially reaches a rare box office milestone thanks to Kung Fu Panda 4.

Kung Fu Panda 4 director Mike Mitchell says Po's new mentorship role sets up a fresh storyline for the franchise. Zhen, Po's apprentice, can add a new level of humor to the story because of how much she still has to learn. Mitchell says that, with so much potential for the world of Kung Fu Panda to evolve, there's plenty of options for where the story could go next.

Kung Fu Panda 4 director Mike Mitchell has explained how Po's new mentorship role is going to set up a new storyline for the franchise as the movie series continues to evolve. One key element of the latest action comedy was Po becoming the Spiritual Leader of the Valley of Peace, now forced to find someone to train as the next Dragon Warrior. By the end of King Fu Panda 4, he's chosen Zhen, a corsac fox and former thief who he...

Mike Mitchell addresses the franchise future for the Furious Five in Kung Fu Panda 4. Kung Fu Panda 4 prioritized new characters over existing ones, like the Furious Five. Mitchell teased a potential Kung Fu Panda Furious Five spinoff in the future.

The future of the Furious Five in the Kung Fu Panda universe is addressed by Mike Mitchell. Mitchell is the director of Kung Fu Panda 4, which hit theaters this March. The sequel was an incredible success for the franchise, becoming the top grossing animated film of the year so far and one of the higher grossing films overall of 2024 thus far. Its story chronicles Pos journey to become the Spiritual Leader of the Valley of the Peace, all the while seeking to train a new Dragon Warrior to become his successor.

As per an exclusive interview with Screen Rant, Mitchell speaks on the future of the Furious Five in the franchise.

Po faces a new threat in the form of Chameleon in Kung Fu Panda 4, which releases on 4K Uhd, Blu-ray, and DVD on May 28. The movie introduces new characters like Zhen, but sidelines established characters to focus on Po's evolution. Director Mike Mitchell highlights the challenges of crafting a compelling villain and Po's transition from warrior to mentor.

Kung Fu Panda 4 follows Po as he learns that he must pass on the Dragon Warrior title to a successor and take on the role of mentor, much to his chagrin and worry. Po meets Zhen, a thief who could lead him to the next major villain threatening the Valley of Peace, a shape-shifting sorceress known as the Chameleon. The unlikely duo will team up to find this new threat and protect Po's home, teaching Po why it is important for him to find the right person to pass the...

In American animation, talking animal movies are a dime-a-dozen, but the "Kung Fu Panda" series is a gem. A big part of the appeal comes from the charming lead performance of Jack Black as Dragon Warrior Po (read /Film's interview with Black on the "Kung Fu Panda" circuit here). Another reason is the Wuxia-inspired action, where the bouncy CGI complements the characters' acrobatics and allows filmmakers to execute "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" style wire-fu with no need for actual wires.

Then there's the other secret ingredient: the villains. In each of the four films made so far (with the "Kung Fu Panda 4" box office making it likely another chapter won't be far behind), Po faces a new adversary, one with a new power he must overcome while also advancing on his own spiritual journey. Pretty typical hero's journey stuff, but like in martial arts, it's all about the proper execution.

Exclusive: DreamWorks Animation/Universal’s Kung Fu Panda 4 crossed the $500M mark globally this past weekend, reaching the milestone on a staggered release pattern that has worked well for the partners in the past (think Puss in Boots: The Last Wish). Through Wednesday, it’s at $324M international box office and $509M worldwide.

Directed by Mike Mitchell (and co-directed by Stephanie Ma Stine), the fourquel arrived eight years after the third installment of the franchise that began in 2008 and is the first of the series released by Universal after the studio acquired Dwa in 2016. All told thus far, the series has grossed $2.328B, the No .2 highest-grossing Dwa franchise behind Shrek.

KFP4, which has done gangbusters in Mexico ($35.6M through Wednesday) and logged the biggest April animation opening of all time in Korea, is poised to become the third-highest-grossing film of the bunch. Although if comping to current exchange rates...

The vast and vibrant animated franchise of Kung Fu Panda has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. Starring Jack Black as the lovable panda turned Dragon Warrior Po, the film series has now become a cultural phenomenon. However, with the release of Kung Fu Panda 4, fans found themselves in utter disappointment over how the film ended.

A scene from Kung Fu Panda 4

Shifting the responsibility of a Dragon Warrior onto the next generation, Kung Fu Panda 4 severely upset fans as they dismissed Jack Black’s Po to appoint Awkwafina’s Zhen in the new role. Fans wage war on social media as they call out the film for appointing Zhen over the deserving candidate – Tigress.

Zhen Becomes the New Dragon Warrior After Jack Black’s Po

Kung Fu Panda 4 released in 2024 witnessed the end of Po’s (Jack Black) journey as the dragon warrior. While the movie mostly received positive reviews,...

The coolest Kung Fu Panda characters stand out with charisma, strengths, and unique fighting styles. IV installment introduces new characters like Han and Zhen, adding fresh complexity to the franchise. Underrated Crane and Monkey prove that physical abilities aren't everything in the world of martial arts.

DreamWorks Animation's roaring Kung Fu Panda franchise remains one of its most successful franchises, largely due to its colorful characters and impressive martial arts influences. While many of these characters can be touted as legendary warriors, the series lead, Po, proves there is more to them than meets the eye.

The true mark of a legendary Kung Fu Panda character isn't just their physical abilities or series impact—it's how cool they are. Their strengths, weaknesses, and overall charisma are all factors that culminate in making a concrete list of the best of the best. With the fourth installment in the franchise on the horizon,...

Jack Black's desire "to put on a show" keeps him coming back to the 'Kung Fu Panda' franchise.The 54-year-old actor lends his voice to the titular Po in the fourth installment of the martial arts animation comedy franchise and is always open to featuring in films that have good "stories".Speaking to the Metro newspaper, Jack said: "You know, I love to put on a show. And if someone's got a good idea for a new story, I'm always down. Whether it be a 'Kung Fu Panda', new journey or any kind of cool movie. I like to tell stories."The 'School of Rock' star revealed that he takes inspiration from the late Robin Williams as the Genie in 'Aladdin' and Steve Carell as Gru in the 'Despicable Me' franchise when it comes to voice roles.Jack explained:...

DreamWorks Animation has the best animated franchises, delivering consistently good, theatrically-released franchises that are unique within the animation landscape. One of their best ones is "Kung Fu Panda," a franchise with some of the best fight sequences in animation, and one of the few instances where an all-star stunt voice cast isn't detrimental to the films' quality.

Even if "Kung Fu Panda 4" doesn't reach the heights of the first two films, it still isn't without redeeming qualities. As our own Ethan Anderton wrote in his review for /Film, "This movie still has plenty of ways to entertain, from the eye-popping animated action sequences to Jack Black's pitch-perfect portrayal of Po, not to mention a stellar score from composer Hans Zimmer and his composing partner and collaborator, Steve Mazzaro."

This is a fun movie with a fantastic cast led by Jack Black and Awkwafina, starting what could be a new trilogy in the franchise.

The animated sequel Kung Fu Panda 4 will be coming to digital earlier than expected. While the film is still playing in movie theaters, landing in the No. 5 spot for the weekend, it's been announced that Kung Fu Panda 4 will be available for rental or purchase on digital starting on Tuesday, April 9, from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment.

There will be a bonus for anyone who acquires the digital version of Kung Fu Panda 4. It will come with a never-before-seen animated short, called "Dueling Dumplings." The original short features the voices of Jack Black and Awkwafina reprising their respective roles as Po and Zhen, seeing the two battle over whose dumplings reign supreme.

Related 'That Just Blew My Mind': Kung Fu Panda 4 Director Teases Exciting Plans for Potential Sequel Kung Fu Panda 4 co-director Mike Mitchell knows where he wants Po to go in the potential next installment of the animated franchise.

Before its March 2024 release, Kung Fu Panda 4 was one of the year's most anticipated movie sequels. The Kung Fu Panda franchise is one of DreamWorks' crowning achievements. The first three movies are still beloved by their passionate fanbase. The mix of humor, heart, striking visuals, and fun action has viewers constantly returning to the trilogy. So, it was rather disappointing for fans to see the fourth installment - released eight years after the third film - not live up to the hype.

Despite a "fresh" Rotten Tomatoes score and impressive box office numbers, Kung Fu Panda 4 couldn't match the incredible quality set by the trilogy. The animation, action sequences, and Jack Black's energetic voice performance were rewarding. However, when analyzing this sequel further, there are several reasons why it failed to live up to many people's high expectations.

The Plot Moves Too Quickly At 94 minutes, Kung Fu Panda 4...

At their best, films aimed at young kids can be enjoyed by adults as well and truly earn the "family movie" title. 2023 brought plenty of titles that fit the bill, from box office hits like "The Super Mario Bros. Movie" and "Migration" to streaming treats like "Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget" and "Leo."

Now it's 2024's turn to show us what it's got, and while the early months of the year tend to be pretty dry when it comes to family movies, as studios are holding them back for school vacations and long summer days, there are some fresh, funny, and heartwarming new releases on offer. From a new "Peanuts" special to a fantasy movie filled with dragon-related perils to the latest high-flying antics of "Kung Fu Panda," here are the best family movies of 2024 so far.

Read more: The 20 Most Underrated Disney Movies You Need To See

The Casagrandes Movie...

The lead pair make a brilliant double act, but the franchise has run out of its signature sweetness and charm

The cuddly kung fu master is back. Jack Black returns as dumpling-loving panda Po, the unlikeliest of lean, mean fightin’ machines. It’s been eight years since Kung Fu Panda 3, and on the evidence here, the delay can’t be put down to KFP4 being a labour of love, the product of animation studio DreamWorks’ A team pouring in enormous amounts of effort. It’s a hurricane of slapstick (some of it in fact very funny) and age-appropriate energetic fight scenes, but lacks the sweetness and charm of the franchise at its best. It failed the wriggle test on my seven-year-old cinema date, who was squirming in her seat around the hour mark.

The plot is a bit overfussy for its target audience of small kids, though the scriptwriters...

Stars: Jack Black, Awkwafina, Viola Davis, Bryan Cranston, James Hong, Ian McShane, Ke Huy Quan, Ronny Chieng, Lori Tan Chinn, Dustin Hoffman | Written by Jonathan Aibel, Glenn Berger, Darren Lemke | Directed by Mike Mitchell, Stephanie Ma Stine

Cuddly Kung Fu master Po the Panda returns to the big screen for a fourth instalment of the animated action comedy franchise, eight years after Kung Fu Panda 3. Unfortunately, it’s fair to say that the law of diminishing returns has very much kicked in, because while the film is entirely amiable, it doesn’t quite deliver the same punch, and frequently feels like it’s going through the motions.

The film begins in the Valley of Peace, where Po (Jack Black) is content with his life as the legendary Dragon Warrior, occasionally defeating the odd villain with his sweet kung-fu skills and using his standing in the community to open a tofu-and-noodle shop.

DreamWorks Animation’s blockbuster Kung Fu Panda franchise has reached a rare box office milestone following the theatrical release of its latest installment.

Per Deadline, during the second weekend of Kung Fu Panda 4’s ongoing theatrical run, the newest Jack Black sequel has already earned a worldwide gross of over $200 million. Despite currently being the lowest-rated installment, the film’s latest box office figure helped the Kung Fu Panda franchise to officially surpass the two billion-dollar mark in worldwide gross. Because of this, it is now the seventh highest-grossing animated franchise of all time, beating Finding Nemo’s previous record of $1.9 billion.

Related 'I'm Ready': Jack Black Will Return for School of Rock 2 on One Condition Golden Globe nominee Jack Black reveals that hes ready to star in a potential sequel to 2003s iconic coming-of-age comedy School of Rock. Close

Kung Fu Panda 4 was co-directed by Mike Mitchell...

DreamWorks Animation is on a roll in 2024 with critically acclaimed movies like Orion and the Dark leading the way. Kung Fu Panda 4 is back with a rousing return, focusing on Po's leadership journey and an unlikely bond with Zhen. The Wild Robot and Dog Man are set to captivate audiences with science fiction and humor, showcasing DreamWorks' diverse offerings.

DreamWorks Animation is off to a good start in 2024 following the Netflix release of Orion and the Dark on February 2nd. The popular, critically acclaimed animated movie concerns the dangerous quest taken by Orion and his unlikely new friend, Dark, as they brave the nighttime together and Orion comes of age to overcome his nocturnal fears. The movie is just the first of three animated movies slated for release by DreamWorks in the next calendar year with a handful of additional undated movies in development.

In addition to Kung Fu Panda 4...

Kung Fu Panda 4 co-director Mike Mitchell opened up about potential plans for the future of the animated blockbuster franchise.

Speaking with The Direct, Mitchell shared his hopes of exploring more parts of Po’s world in the potential next installment. After finding out about the existence of a Master Dolphin in Kung Fu Panda 3, the Shrek Forever After filmmaker expressed his desire to see the underwater world of Po’s universe in Kung Fu Panda 5, where fans could be introduced to more aquatic martial arts-fighting animals. "This is my very strange, weird, nerdy wish. But in Kung Fu Panda 3, which I executive produced, a guy came up with a gag, and it's in the film, where Po--We always go to the Hall of Heroes with Po and look around, and I loved the little taste of like, previous Masters that Po always geeks out on," Mitchell recalled.

Warning: Spoilers ahead for Kung Fu Panda 4!

In Kung Fu Panda 4, the Chameleon is a shape-shifting villain with aims to gain power by stealing the kung fu abilities of deceased masters using the Staff of Wisdom. The Chameleon's shapeshifting powers help her mimic voices and likenesses, while the Staff of Wisdom allows her to summon masters from the Spirit Realm to steal their kung fu. Because of her ability to transform and use multiple styles of kung fu, she is the most powerful villain ever seen in the Kung Fu Panda franchise.

Kung Fu Panda 4 introduces a new villain in the form of the Chameleon (Viola Davis), a shape-shifting antagonist that proves herself a powerful adversary for Po (Jack Black). The latest installment of the DreamWorks franchise sees the Chameleon trying to get her hands on the Staff of Wisdom, hoping to use it to grow more powerful.

Kung Fu Panda 4 continues the adventures of Dragon Warrior Po as he must face a deadly new foe to protect peace in the valley. After a few years of absence from the big screen, the action-comedy franchise returned with its fourth installment in early March, making an immediate impact at the global box office.

A still from Kung Fu Panda 4

However, despite its box office splash in America and other territories, Kung Fu Panda 4, which has a Chinese backdrop and makes several allusions to Chinese culture, has received a tepid response at the Chinese box office. Here is why Kung Fu Panda 4 is struggling at the Chinese box office and how its performance has been lukewarm.

Kung Fu Panda 4 Fails to Crack Top 3 at China Box Office

Jack Black’s Po in Kung Fu Panda 4

Voiced by Jack Black, Po, the Panda, is one...

Kung Fu Panda 4, starring Jack Black and others, dominates the box office with $107.7M in just two weeks. The movie is on track to match or exceed the original's $215M total, signaling a successful return for the franchise. Po's quest to find his successor as the Dragon Warrior intensifies as he faces off against the dangerous warrior, the Chameleon.

Kung Fu Panda 4 continues to excel at the box office. Led by Jack Black (Po), Awkwafina (Zhen), and Viola Davis (The Chameleon), the fourth theatrical installment of Po's journey features Po's quest to find his successor as the Dragon Warrior. All the while, he and his successor are pitted against the dangerous warrior, the Chameleon. The movie was released on March 8 and had an $85 million budget.

Taking the top spot at the box office for the second week in a row, the newly-released Kung Fu Panda 4 has already...

Quick Links DreamWorks Movies That Aged Well DreamWorks Movies That Didn't Age Well

DreamWorks Animation was originally founded back in 1994. Since then, it has cemented a legacy as one of the best production studios for animated movies. They may not yet be on par with Disney or Pixar, but the fact that DreamWorks remains in that conversation is certainly worth noting. They have brought viewers beloved classics like Shrek and Kung Fu Panda, and while not every one of their films has been an instant hit in theaters, some go on to become internet classics.

As part of the top echelon of animation creators, DreamWorks has offered the world plenty of classics over the decades beyond those most notable, and many of them still hold up. However, there are some other works by DreamWorks that have, to put it lightly, aged like milk instead of wine.

Updated by Jordan Iacobucci...

The following contains spoilers for Kung Fu Panda 4 , now playing in theaters.

In Kung Fu Panda 4, Po (voiced by Jack Black) continues to show why he is the elite Dragon Warrior. He may have started off as a lovable goofball, but in due time, he elevated himself and accepted his destiny as one of the region's deadliest fighters. Po is now embracing his position as the ultimate protector, especially after a new threat comes to the Valley of Peace.

This is none other than the Chameleon (voiced by Viola Davis), a shape-shifting supernatural warrior who wants Po's staff for a sinister ritual. Little does she know, Po is up to the task and he won't be deterred, even if she has a sinister army waiting at her doorsteps. As both forces collide, Kung Fu Panda 4 creates quite a few amazing fights, which reminds audiences that this franchise...

Kung Fu Panda 5 just got a hopeful update from the director of the recently released fourth film in the animated franchise.

The titular panda's latest adventure saw Jack Black's Po team up with an ethically gray fox as the duo ventured out of the Valley of Peace to stop Viola Davis' The Chameleon. Oddly enough, the iconic Furious Five sat this installment out.

Even though Kung Fu Panda 4 only just came out, audiences are already clamoring to know what is next for the franchise.

Read full article on The Direct.

For the first time in nearly a decade, Kung Fu Panda is back on screen with the fourth installment of the series. Breaking Bad star Bryan Cranston is also back to reprise his role in the franchise as Po’s biological father, Li.

Cranston is one of the most versatile actors around, and his genius extends to voice acting as well. In addition to impressing the audience with his charisma on screen, he has also breathed life into characters through his voice alone.

Li is just one of the many characters that Cranston has voiced in his career. And yet, this role could not possibly be any farther from his Emmy Award-winning turn as Walter White in the AMC crime drama Breaking Bad. Unsurprisingly, between the two characters, Cranston certainly had a lot more fun as Po’s father.

Cranston in Breaking Bad (Source: Breaking Bad)

Bryan Cranston opens up...

Kung Fu Panda 4 is now storming theaters and bringing back the good old nostalgia. Apart from introducing new cast members, director Mike Mitchell also takes pride in the film’s animation. What’s special about it this time?

Kung Fu Panda 4

As one of the long-enduring animated franchises in Hollywood, with the first one released in 2008, the film has indeed stood the test of time. It appeals to viewers of all ages, and people end up getting amazed at the fantastic techniques used in the entire production.

Kung Fu Panda 4’s Mike Mitchell Revealed The Impressive Work Behind The Film

During his interview with Times of India, Mike Mitchell revealed the creative vision they wanted to improve and step up in the latest installment of Kung Fu Panda.

“One of the things we wanted to do was add even more action than we’ve already seen in this franchise,...

Warning: Spoilers ahead for Kung Fu Panda 4!

The absence of the Furious Five in Kung Fu Panda 4 allows for a greater focus on Po and Zhen's story, but it also makes room for Ping and Li Shan's hilarious journey together. The banter between Po's dads makes them the highlight of the movie, enhancing their friendship and elevating some of the movie's funniest scenes. Including the Furious Five in a larger role would have made the movie too broad, overshadowing the dynamic between Po's dads and their importance to the film.

Kung Fu Panda 4's funniest pairing shows why the Furious Five weren't able to appear in the newest movie. The film's focus is on Po and a new character, Zhen, who aids him in his quest to stop the Chameleon, a shape-shifting villain who threatens the safety of China. This happens while Po seeks out a...

Warning! This article contains spoilers for Kung Fu Panda 4.

Kung Fu Panda 4 broke the trend of the franchise's sequels underperforming compared to previous entries, with an impressive opening weekend box office of $58.3 million. The film's success signifies a return to the core themes and heart of the franchise, closing Po's story while introducing a new character, Zhen. DreamWorks needed the box office win from Kung Fu Panda 4 to revitalize the franchise and establish consistency, potentially leading to more success.

Kung Fu Panda 4's box office has broken the franchise's longstanding trend of its sequels underperforming compared to the first installment. Kung Fu Panda 4 grossed a domestic box office of $58.3 million before inflation on its opening weekend, securing the top spot. This makes it the first of the films to get close to matching the original's opening box office, which was $60 million.

In Kung Fu Panda 4,...

Warning: Contains Spoilers for Kung Fu Panda 4!

Kung Fu Panda 4 marks the end of Po as the Dragon Warrior, but not the end of his story in the franchise. The introduction of a new character raises questions about Po's future, but he will still play a significant role as a mentor. Po's new role as Spiritual Leader could potentially lead to future films exploring his challenges and expanding the franchise.

Kung Fu Panda 4 acts as a passing of the torch for the franchise, raising questions about whether it is the end of Po's story. Jack Black has been at the center of the Kung Fu Panda movie franchise from the very beginning, as he voiced Po in the original trilogy and TV shows. It was thanks to his prominent role as the Dragon Warrior that Po became the face of a massively successful franchise for DreamWorks. Kung Fu Panda 4...

Po will continue as a leading character in Kung Fu Panda 5, despite rumors suggesting otherwise. The franchise began with Po rising as an unlikely hero to become the Dragon Warrior. Co-director Stephanie Ma-Stine confirmed Po will still play a prominent role in future movies.

Warning: Contains Spoilers for Kung Fu Panda 4!

Jack Black's Po has led the Kung Fu Panda franchise for years, and Kung Fu Panda 5 will still see him as a leading character. The franchise began with Po rising as the unlikely hero as he worked to become the Dragon Warrior, despite the doubts from his fellow warriors. Kung Fu Panda 4 features Po's adventures as he searches for his successor, seemingly insinuating that he will no longer be the protagonist.

The idea that Po will not feature in Kung Fu Panda 5 is unfounded, however. While the sequel is not yet confirmed, Po will still be playing a prominent role.

There’s no love lost for Kung Fu Panda!

The fourth installment in Jack Black‘s beloved franchise rocketed to the No. 1 spot at the domestic box office in its opening weekend, via THR.

Keep reading to find out more…

Kung Fu Panda 4 opened to $58.3 million domestically, far surpassing expectations, resulting in a near-series best. The only other Kung Fu Panda movie to open higher was the first one in 2008, with $62 million, not adjusted for inflation.

The film’s reception is also strong: it’s got an 87% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, and a A- CinemaScore from audiences.

In the movie, Po the Dragon Warrior faces a new challenge when destiny calls him to become the Spiritual Leader of the Valley of Peace. Lacking spiritual leadership knowledge, he must quickly train a new Dragon Warrior. Meanwhile, a wicked sorceress, Chameleon, seeks Po’s Staff of Wisdom to resurrect defeated villains.

Kung Fu Panda 4 has the best opening weekend for the animated franchise in over a decade. The movie is currently projected to earn a 3-day opening domestic total of $55 million. The movie's success marks the second-highest opening weekend for the franchise, behind the first movie.

Kung Fu Panda 4 has earned the franchise its best opening weekend in more than a decade. The new movie, which comes eight years after the previous installment, features Jack Black returning to provide the voice of the title character Po. After the kung fu master sets out to train his replacement so he can become the leader of the Valley of Peace, he finds himself targeted by the wicked sorceress Chameleon (Viola Davis). Along with the corsac fox Zhen (Awkwafina), he sets off to defeat this new threat.

Per Deadline, the Kung Fu Panda 4 release is currently projected to close out its...