Dust off your black belts and break out the noodle bowls — the Kung Fu Panda is back, and he’s ready for his next adventure.
Eight years after the franchise’s last installment, “Kung Fu Panda 4” hits theaters today. Directed by Mike Mitchell (“Trolls”) and co-directed by Stephanie Ma Stine (“Raya and the Last Dragon”), the film revives Jack Black as Po, Dustin Hoffman as Master Shifu and James Hong as Mr. Ping. They are joined by newcomers Awkwafina, Viola Davis, Ronny Chieng and Ke Huy Quan.
This time around, plucky panda Po has years’ worth of death-defying victories under his belt. He’s finally settled into his identity as the legendary Dragon Warrior…
Just in time to be pushed into retirement.
Called to become the next Spiritual Leader of the Valley of Peace, Po struggles to accept his new role off the battlefield. Determined to go on one last adventure, he teams up with sticky-fingered Corsac fox Zhen (Awkwafina) to journey to Juniper City, home to the infamous dictator The Chameleon (Davis). Facing a foe stronger than their past enemies combined, the unexpected duo must defeat the shapeshifter before she gains access to the spirit realm.
“There is a lot of heart,” Awkwafina said, urging audiences to see the film, “and I think there’s a lot for kids and adults to enjoy.” (“The action is crazy, too,” she laughed. “I got a little scared at The Chameleon parts.”)
Whether you’re a fan of the story, the fighting or the mouth-watering animated dumplings, catch “Kung Fu Panda 4” in theaters now. And, join the cast and creators for a round of rapid-fire questions in our latest video above.
