For the first time in almost a decade, Jack Black returns to his role as Po in the world’s most unlikely kung fu master action-comedy franchise — Kung Fu Panda 4.
The Kung Fu Panda franchise, which has spanned almost 16 years and has amassed nearly $2 billion in global box-office success, continues to captivate audiences worldwide. At its core, the saga revolves around the endearing panda, Po (Jack Black), who embodies and imparts profound lessons of self-discovery, overcoming fear and the power of teamwork. As the franchise launches into a new era with Kung Fu Panda 4, the narrative takes a compelling turn, guiding Po on an internal journey of growth and change. Joining the ensemble as new characters are Viola Davis as The Chameleon, a wicked, powerful sorceress and Awkwafina as Zhen, a crafty, quick-witted thief.
Continuing his run as the voice of Po's biological father Li is Bryan Cranston. Talking about returning to the franchise and working with Jack Black, Cranston says: “Returning to the role of Li is exciting, especially playing side by side with the amazing James Hong as Mr. Ping. Voicing an animated character is a uniquely creative challenge. Using only my voice to create a full character engages a different but equally gratifying creative muscle… and I can do it while wearing pyjamas and slippers!”
After reuniting with his long-lost son and starting to enjoy life in the Valley of Peace, Li realises he must take on a fatherly task that may be the hardest he has ever faced — letting his beloved son continue to go on dangerous missions to save the world. “Co-parenting with Mr. Ping brings its own set of challenges for me, I mean for Li, for me-Li… I get myself confused,” Cranston says. “Like any parent, Li struggles with accepting Po embarking on risky missions. This journey in Kung Fu Panda 4 explores trust, responsibility and the bittersweet reality of watching your child spread his or her wings. The dynamic of co-parenting continues to enrich the exploration of family in the franchise because it demonstrates that a family isn’t defined by a singular mould. Together, they create a wonderfully different, unique, chaotic, and loving family for Po… I love me some Po!”
The film features the voice talent of Dustin Hoffman as kung fu master Shifu, James Hong as Po’s adoptive father, Mr. Ping, Ian McShane as Tai Lung, Shifu’s former student and arch-nemesis while Ke Huy Quan joins the ensemble as a new character, Han, the leader of the Den of Thieves.
