Highlights
Kung Fu Panda 4 will focus on Po's new role as he trains the next generation of Dragon Warriors, including a fox named Zhen.
The Chameleon, the main antagonist in the movie, possesses the ability to resurrect all of Po's past foes, presenting a more formidable obstacle for him.
In Kung Fu Panda 4, there is an avenue to delve into Tigress's origins and grant her a more prominent position, while also rehabilitating Tai Lung's character and affording him the redemption he is worthy of.
First released in 2008, Kung Fu Panda has quickly become an iconic Kung Fu movie and is widely regarded as one of the best animated films of all time. With three mainline entries and various TV series, the franchise has garnered a reputation for its exceptional character development. The protagonist, Po, voiced by the talented Jack Black, starts off as a lazy and overweight panda working in a restaurant owned by his adoptive father. However, his journey takes a remarkable turn as he transforms into a highly skilled martial artist, facing formidable adversaries.
Despite its immense popularity and success, fans have eagerly anticipated a new entry since Kung Fu Panda 3 in 2016. This installment delved into Po's background and heritage, leaving fans excited for the series' promising future. DreamWorks Studios is taking its time with the sequel to ensure it lives up to the franchise's legacy as a blockbuster hit. As anticipation builds, it is crucial for Kung Fu Panda 4 to introduce fresh elements while staying true to the essence that made the previous films beloved. This raises the important question: what will Kung Fu Panda 4 be about? Can it recapture the glory of the first film? And how can it surpass the high expectations set by its prequels?
Everything We Know About Kung Fu Panda 4
Announced in August 2022, Kung Fu Panda 4 is scheduled for an early 2024 release. However, it wasn't until April of this year that more details about the movie emerged at CinemaCon, courtesy of Jack Black. While no official footage was presented, Black did divulge intriguing story elements. Kung Fu Panda 4 will take place after a significant time jump following the events of Kung Fu Panda 3, focusing on Po's new role as he trains the next generation of Dragon Warriors and passes the torch to his successor. One of the main candidates for Po's mentoring is a fox named Zhen, who shares a close bond with him.
With the passage of time, Po has grown immensely strong, making him more powerful than ever before. In Kung Fu Panda 4, his strength will be tested by the movie's main antagonist, The Chameleon, who is set to be more menacing than any previous villain. The Chameleon has the ability to resurrect all of Po's formidable adversaries from the past, adding to the challenge. Fortunately, with Po's newfound strength and the support of the Furious Five, confronting their old enemies might not be as difficult as taking on The Chameleon himself.
Kung Fu Panda 4 should give Tigress the spotlight
Fans of the Kung Fu Panda movies will immediately recognize Tigress as a member of the Furious Five, alongside Mantis, Monkey, Crane, and Viper. Throughout the films, Tigress has consistently been one of the key characters and was initially considered for the role of the Dragon Warrior before Master Oogway unexpectedly chose Po instead. Known for her immense strength and dedicated training under Master Shifu, Tigress is a disciplined and serious fighter.
Initially hesitant towards Po as the Dragon Warrior, Tigress gradually grew to accept him and became one of his most faithful companions. Together, they faced numerous adversaries, with Tigress proving herself to be a formidable ally to the Dragon Warrior.
Kung Fu Panda 4 can redeem Tai Lung
Little is known about Tigress's background, except that she was a young orphan when Master Shifu took her under his wing. Despite her dedication to Kung Fu and her ambition to become the Dragon Warrior, Tigress found herself in a supporting role when Po claimed the title and the spotlight. In Kung Fu Panda 4, there is a chance to restore Tigress's character by delving into her past and granting her a more prominent position. The film could explore her personal growth as she fights alongside Po against the resurrected sorcerer, The Chameleon, and other adversaries.
Although Tigress was initially regarded as the main contender for the esteemed role of the Dragon Warrior in the first Kung Fu Panda film, it was subsequently unveiled that another protege under Master Shifu's guidance also vied for this coveted title. Tai Lung, a leopard who had been adopted as Master Shifu's son, was groomed from a tender age to develop into an exceptionally skilled kung fu master, ultimately earning him a formidable reputation.
When it was time to choose the next Dragon Warrior, Master Oogway, the Jade Palace's master, refused to grant Tai Lung the title. This left the young warrior furious, and driven by frustration, Tai Lung tried to forcibly take the Dragon Scroll, which is said to possess boundless strength. However, Master Oogway incapacitated Tai Lung, leading to his imprisonment in Chor-Ghom prison for many years. Eventually, Tai Lung managed to escape the prison and made another attempt to steal the Dragon Scroll. But this time, Po intervened, stopping him and ultimately banishing him to the Spirit Realm using the Wuxi Finger.
Tai Lung had always been promised the title of the Dragon Warrior, which explains why he felt enraged after being denied the honor. To make matters worse, despite being loved by Shifu, Tai Lung received no visits while in prison. Many fans believe that the character was neglected and deserved better treatment rather than being forced into the situation by Shifu. With The Chameleon's power to resurrect past villains, there is a possibility that Tai Lung will return, and Kung Fu Panda 4 should focus on redeeming the character and giving him the treatment he deserves.
Kung Fu Panda 4 Should Properly Build Up Po's Successor
The details for Kung Fu Panda 4 have already revealed that Po's next task will be training his successor who has the potential to become the next Dragon Warrior. However, it is important for the movie to take its time in developing this character and not rush into immediately bestowing them with the title of Dragon Warrior. Since the Kung Fu Panda movies were planned as a series of six entries, only one complete trilogy has been released, making it premature to pass down the Dragon Warrior title at this point.
The character known as The Fox, whom Po will train, has a troubled past as a former thief. It is imperative for this character to undergo a redemption arc and earn the trust of Po and the Furious Five before assuming the role of the next Dragon Warrior. In contrast to Po's speedy selection as the Dragon Warrior, which caught many by surprise, The Fox's journey should unfold gradually throughout the movie. Initially introduced as a supporting character, they should evolve and develop organically until they rightfully become the deserving successor to the Dragon Warrior legacy.