Dreamworks fans have all the reasons to stay jubilant, as the official trailer for Kung Fu Panda 4 was dropped earlier this week. The Kung Fu Panda franchise is one of Dreamworks’ biggest alongside Shrek and How To Train Your Dragon, so it’s easy to understand the hype around the fourth film.
And fans aren’t disappointed, as the trailer teases several intriguing moments that will appear in the movie: a new powerful villainess, Po’s new companion, and of course, the return of an old foe. Let’s blast our way through the realm of Kung Fu Panda 4, as we discover everything the film’s trailer has to offer.
#1. Po Will Give Up His Dragon Warrior Title In Part 4
Everyone knows that Po’s journey in the franchise revolves around his Dragon Warrior title, how he earns it, and how he lives up to the expectations of others. In this sequel, however, the panda will have to give up the Dragon Warrior title for good, and need to find a worthy successor to fill his own shoes.
This comes as a shock for many fans, as the Dragon Warrior title has been with Po for the last three entries. Instead, Po will become the Spiritual Leader of the Valley of Peace, by passing his mantle to a disciple of his.
#2. The Furious Five Is Nowhere To Be Found In The Trailer
Source: Universal Pictures
While Master Shifu (Dustin Hoffman) will return to the fourth movie to guide Po on his journey, the latter’s best friends, the Furious Five, completely disappear from the trailer. This comes as an unpleasant surprise for fans, as the martial arts team has been a prominent part of the franchise since day one, and has been with Po on many occasions. The team’s members such as Tigress, Crane, and Monkey were all fan-favorite characters.
Speculations were raised regarding the squad’s disappearance, as some believe they have been abducted by the new villain of the movie. Some even suggested that the team died off somewhere. However, in a recent interview, director Mike Mitchell revealed that the Furious Five will be back, possibly in an Avengers-like assemble at the end of the movie.
#3. The Trailer Also Features Po’s New Companion
Source: Universal Pictures
As Po leaves behind the Valley of Peace to find his successor, he will have a new companion to replace the Furious Five. Yes, we’re talking about Zhen, a smart and witty white fox who acts as a thief in the city. Zhen shows the way around for Po to infiltrate the Chameleon’s lair, and in return, Po will teach her Kung Fu.
Zhen is voiced by Awkwafina, who’s known for her role as Katy in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. Therefore, we can expect a lot of fun interaction between the two comedian actors.
#4. The New Villain Is Unlike Anything We’ve Seen
Source: Universal Pictures
Kung Fu Panda’s villains never disappoint, with each of them stronger and more cunning than the last. The new bad guy in Kung Fu Panda 4, the Chameleon, is no exception. While her physical build is small, the Chameleon can steal others’ Chi, just like Kai, and make it her own. She can also shapeshift into the opponents she stole their Chi from, and copy every ability of theirs.
In the trailer, we can see how she easily dispatches Tai Lung, the villain of the first movie, and steals his powers. She also effortlessly steals Po’s at the end of the trailer, and makes the latter fight his own doppelganger. With her impressive display of power in the trailer, the Chameleon is promised to be a unique and formidable adversary for Po in Kung Fu Panda 4.
#5. An Old Villain Will Make Their Return
Source: Universal Pictures
Now, we all love Tai Lung from the first Kung Fu Panda movie, who causes all sorts of trouble for Po, Shifu, and the Furious Five. And to many’s surprise, the acclaimed villain will make his return in Part 4, after getting summoned by the Chameleon. Tai Lung was sent to the spirit realm after getting hit with Po’s Wuxi Finger technique, so fans are baffled about how he survived the incident.
However, in the trailer, Tai Lung gets wrecked quite easily by the Chameleon, who steals his Chi and turns into his Doppelganger. Many fans even believe that in order to defeat the Chameleon, both Po and Tai Lung will team up at the end of the movie. Tai Lung’s voice actor from the first movie, Ian McShane, will reprise the role as well.
#6. Po Will Have A Battle Against Himself
Source: Universal Pictures
At the end of the trailer, we see an encounter between Po and Zhen against the formidable Chameleon. The latter then transforms into Po himself, and even mimics his voice and iconic “Ska-doosh!”. This turns out to be an intriguing fight for fans, as Po has faced many powerful villains in the past, but this time, he’ll have to fight a carbon copy of himself, with his skill sets and even mentality.
What do you think of Kung Fu Panda 4’s trailer? Will the movie live up to the expectations? Let us know in the comments.