What the star-studded cast of 'Kung Fu Panda 4' looks like in real life (2024)

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Ayomikun Adekaiyero

2024-03-08T16:45:21Z

What the star-studded cast of 'Kung Fu Panda 4' looks like in real life (1)

Joshua Blanchard / Getty Images / Universal Pictures / Gareth Cattermole / BAFTA / Getty Images for BAFTA
  • "Kung Fu Panda 4" is available in theaters.
  • Viola Davis, Awkwafina, and Ke Huy Quan join the main cast in the animated sequel.
  • Here are the famous voice actors that play main characters in the movie.

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What the star-studded cast of 'Kung Fu Panda 4' looks like in real life (4)

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Viola Davis, Awkwafina, and Ke Huy Quan are the latest stars to join the "Kung Fu Panda" franchise.

In "Kung Fu Panda 4," Po (Jack Black), a friendly Panda and martial arts master, journeys outside his home, the Valley of the Peace, to find a successor. His journey brings him a new ally, Zhen (Awkwafina), a fox bandit, and a new enemy, the Chameleon (Davis).

The new movie is the first sequel in the franchise for eight years, after "Kung Fu Panda 3," which had the weakest box office performance of the previous films and was the only one not to gain an Oscar nomination. The "Kung Fu Panda" franchise has generated nearly $2 billion at the worldwide box office.

Here are the famous actors in "Kung Fu Panda" and the characters they play.

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Jack Black is reprising his role as Dragon Warrior Po.

What the star-studded cast of 'Kung Fu Panda 4' looks like in real life (5)

Universal Pictures / Araya Doheny / WireImage

Jack Black has been the voice of the lovable protagonist, Po, in every installment of "Kung Fu Panda." It is one of Black's most well-known roles, but he's also starred in "The Super Mario Bros. Movie," "School of Rock," and "The Holiday" in a career spanning four decades.

While Po can often be distracted by hunger, he is a fierce warrior devoted to protecting ancient China. In "Kung Fu Panda 4," Po has to find a successor to be the next Dragon Warrior so he can become a spiritual leader for the Valley of Peace.

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Awkwafina plays a new character, Zhen.

What the star-studded cast of 'Kung Fu Panda 4' looks like in real life (6)

Universal Pictures / Araya Doheny / WireImage

Po meets a fox bandit, Zhen, on his journey to find a successor. Zhen is Po's guide on his journey to defeat a new threat to the world, and she introduces Po to several other criminals.

Awkwafina is no stranger to voice-acting. She previously had voice acting roles in "The Little Mermaid" reboot, "The Bad Guys" and "Raya and the Last Dragon."

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Viola Davis plays the new villain, The Chameleon.

What the star-studded cast of 'Kung Fu Panda 4' looks like in real life (7)

Universal Pictures / Marla Aufmuth / Getty Images for Conference for Women

The Chameleon is a sorceress who wants to take over the world. She plans to steal the chi from warriors to become the most powerful animal in the world.

Although Davis has starred in multiple genres, this is her first animated movie. The Oscar-winning actor is best known for her role in "How To Get Away with Murder."

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Dustin Hoffman is back as Master Shifu.

What the star-studded cast of 'Kung Fu Panda 4' looks like in real life (8)

Universal Pictures / Araya Doheny / WireImage

Since his Dragon Warrior journey began, Po has been guided by Master Shifu. In the fourth film, Shifu tells Po that he is ready to go to the next level of his training, becoming a spiritual leader rather than a fighter.

Dustin Hoffman, who plays Shifu, is a two-time Oscar winner who has starred in films including "Rain Man," "Hook," and "Chef."

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Bryan Cranston is back as Po's biological father, Li.

What the star-studded cast of 'Kung Fu Panda 4' looks like in real life (9)

Universal Pictures / Araya Doheny / WireImage

Po was separated from his parents as a baby. However, Li, Po's father, is introduced at the end of "Kung Fu Panda 2" and reunites with his son in the sequel.

In the new movie, Li and Po's adopted father help Po on his mission to defeat The Chameleon.

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James Hong is reprising his role as Po's adopted father, Mr. Ping.

What the star-studded cast of 'Kung Fu Panda 4' looks like in real life (10)

Universal Pictures / Araya Doheny / WireImage

Mr. Ping is a noodle shop owner who adopted Po after finding the panda in a box of radishes. Although he was initially wary of Li, teasers for "Kung Fu Panda 4" suggest the pair are allies now.

James Hong has starred in "Everything Everywhere All At Once," "Turning Red," and "Big Trouble in Little China."

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Ian McShane is back as Po's former rival, Tai Lung.

What the star-studded cast of 'Kung Fu Panda 4' looks like in real life (11)

Universal Pictures / Taylor Hill / FilmMagic

Tai Lung was the first villain in "Kung Fu Panda," a skilled fighter who thought he deserved to become the Dragon Warrior. Po defeated Tai Lung in the first movie, but The Chameleon resurrects Tai Lung in "Kung Fu Panda 4."

Fans may recognize McShane from the "John Wick" franchise.

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Ke Huy Quan plays Han, a Sunda pangolin.

What the star-studded cast of 'Kung Fu Panda 4' looks like in real life (12)

Universal Pictures / Araya Doheny / WireImage

Ke Huy Quan has appeared in numerous projects after his successful return to the film industry with "Everything Everywhere All At Once."

In "Kung Fu Panda 4," he plays a criminal leader called Han. Po and Zhen try to recruit Han and his crew to fight The Chamaleon and her army.

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What the star-studded cast of 'Kung Fu Panda 4' looks like in real life (2024)

FAQs

Does Kung Fu Panda 4 exist? ›

On March 8, the legendary actor and comedian Jack Black returned as Po — the world's most unlikely kung fu master — in the fourth installment of the Kung Fu Panda franchise. In this chapter, Po is chosen to become the Spiritual Leader of the Valley of Peace.

Will there be a Kung Fu Panda 5? ›

Universal Pictures has not yet confirmed a fifth Kung Fu Panda film. However, director Mike Mitchell told The Direct that while he wants to do another movie, “The Furious Five” would be “front and center.” As for what Kung Fu Panda 4 could be about, he pointed to a fun plot point from Kung Fu Panda 3.

Is Po's dad in Kung Fu Panda 4? ›

In Kung Fu Panda 4, the ever anxious goose gets his own side adventure with Po's biological father, Li Shan (Bryan Cranston), which gives the two dads an opportunity to bond and rally around their son.

Was Kung Fu Panda 4 bad? ›

Kung Fu Panda 4 is easily the weakest instalment as it lacks the emotional heft that made the trilogy so great but it's still a fun and fast paced 90 minute adventure that makes sure Po still grows as a character by the end. A predictable story that has charm and heart as it shows you're never done learning.

How old is Po in Kung Fu Panda 4? ›

Po (Kung Fu Panda)
Ping Xiao Po The Dragon Warrior
Fighting styleZuiquan Lóng Xíng Mó Qiáo
FamilyMr. Ping (adoptive father) Li Shan (biological father) Unnamed biological mother (deceased)
NationalityChinese
Age20s (from Kung Fu Panda)
11 more rows

Is Po and Tigress in love? ›

In theory, Yes. In practice, It's doubtful they would want to. In KFP 3 Tigress called him “ Friend.” Even though there are 3 more that can be done, It seems they have more of a kindred spirit relationship than romantic.

What is Po's real name? ›

Po, born as Lotus Shan and adopted as Po Ping, is the titular main protagonist of the Kung Fu Panda franchise. He is a Chinese giant panda who is one of Master Shifu's students, Mr. Ping's adoptive son, and Li Shan's biological son.

Will Shifu be in Kung Fu Panda 4? ›

Voice cast

Dustin Hoffman as Master Shifu, a wise red panda and Po's master. James Hong as Mr. Ping, a Chinese goose and Po's adoptive father. Bryan Cranston as Li Shan, Po's biological father. Ian McShane as Tai Lung, a snow leopard who was Shifu's adopted son and former disciple until he became evil.

Is KFP 4 the last one? ›

Kung Fu Panda 4 Is The End Of Po's Story As Dragon Warrior, But He Will Return. It is quite clear that Kung Fu Panda 4 is the end of Po's time being the Dragon Warrior. He occupied that role for the original movies, but Po calls his mission to stop The Chameleon his "one last Dragon Warrior adventure" as he sets off.

Who will be the next Dragon Warrior? ›

By the very end of the movie, Po confirms that Zhen will be the new Dragon Warrior for the franchise. Zhen, voiced by Awkwafina, is a sly fox and criminal from Juniper City who demonstrates her great kung fu abilities early on when she breaks into the Jade Palace.

What animal is Master Shifu? ›

Master Shifu (voiced by Dustin Hoffman in the films and TV specials, and Fred Tatasciore in the TV series and video games) is a red panda, the headmaster of the Jade Palace, and the trainer of the Furious Five. He joined the palace when his father, the con artist Shirong, abandoned him there.

Is there LGBT in Kung Fu Panda 4? ›

Barry Levitt on X: "Does Po in KUNG FU PANDA 4 have two gay dads? Well, yes!

Who is Po's girlfriend? ›

In the third film, it is shown that Po and Tigress' relationship remains strong.

Does Mr Ping love Po? ›

Despite his faults, Mr. Ping does truly love and care for his son, even when Po took an unexpected route in his destiny.

What will Kung Fu Panda 4 be about? ›

Is Kung Fu Panda 4 going to be good? ›

The "Kung Fu Panda" series is iconic, and the fourth installment definitely scratches the itch with great comedy, action and heart. Yet, it fails to meet the expectations set by its predecessors.

Why is Kung Fu Panda 4 taking so long? ›

' And so, for this one, probably why it took so long to get to the big screen is we didn't start on this until we are sure we had the right story. It's all about finding that perfect story. We don't want to just tell another one.

Was Kung Fu Panda 4 rushed? ›

Unlike the first three films, the pacing of “Kung Fu Panda 4” felt rushed and didn't give viewers a chance to stop and think about the movie beyond a surface level. One reason why the previous movies were so successful was because it centered around the intricacies of the characters.

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