Universal Pictures has released a new teaser for Kung Fu Panda 4, the next instalment in the action comedy animated franchise, which pays homage to Denis Villeneuve’s sci-fi sequel Dune: Part Two; check it out below…
After three death-defying adventures defeating world-class villains with his unmatched courage and mad martial arts skills, Po, the Dragon Warrior (Golden Globe nominee Jack Black), is called upon by destiny to … give it a rest already. More specifically, he’s tapped to become the Spiritual Leader of the Valley of Peace.
That poses a couple of obvious problems. First, Po knows as much about spiritual leadership as he does about the paleo diet, and second, he needs to quickly find and train a new Dragon Warrior before he can assume his new lofty position.
Even worse, there’s been a recent sighting of a wicked, powerful sorceress, Chameleon (Oscar® winner Viola Davis), a tiny lizard who can shapeshift into any creature, large or small. And Chameleon has her greedy, beady little eyes on Po’s Staff of Wisdom, which would give her the power to re-summon all the master villains whom Po has vanquished to the spirit realm.
So, Po’s going to need some help. He finds it (kinda?) in the form of crafty, quick-witted thief Zhen (Golden Globe winner Awkwafina), a corsac fox who really gets under Po’s fur but whose skills will prove invaluable. In their quest to protect the Valley of Peace from Chameleon’s reptilian claws, this comedic odd-couple duo will have to work together. In the process, Po will discover that heroes can be found in the most unexpected places.
Jack Black reprises his voice role of Po, alongside returning cast members Dustin Hoffman as Kung Fu master Shifu; James Hong as Po’s adoptive father Mr. Ping, Bryan Cranston as Po’s birth father Li, and Ian McShane as Tai Lung, alongside franchise newcomers Viola Davis as the wicked and powerful sorceress Chameleon, Awkwafina as the quick-witted thief Zhen, and Ke Huy Quan as Han, the leader of the Den of Thieves.
Kung Fu Panda 4 arrives in cinemas on March 8th.
