How do you keep the fourth instalment of a franchise feeling fresh? For Kung Fu Panda 4, the animated series has been invigorated by the addition of a few new characters – including a Corsac fox called Zhen, a thieving character voiced by actress and rapper Awkwafina (real name Nora Lum).
Zhen forms an unlikely friendship with Po, the kung fu fighting panda that has been the core of the series since the first film was released in 2008, voiced by School Of Rock actor and comedian Jack Black.
On face value, the two seem like “opposites”, Awkwafina (35) says. While Po comes from “a place of a lot of positivity and a lot of faith in other people”, Zhen “has been let down by people and feels very negative about the world”, she explains.
“I like how those energies come together and ultimately they learn larger truths about themselves,” she added.
Black (54) adds: “I was stoked with the chemistry of the characters, because in a lot of ways, they’re similar.
“They’re both orphans, they both had tragic beginnings – but there’s also a big difference between the two in the ‘haves’ and ‘have nots’ emotionally.”
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“Because, from a very early age, Po was adopted and loved and cared for by a very caring foster parent (Mr Ping, voiced by Everything Everywhere All At Once actor James Hong). Zhen was not, and had to fend for herself and hardened.”
Black and Awkwafina both come from comedy backgrounds, but have very different styles.
“I love Nora’s dry, sardonic sense of humour, that I don’t really share,” Black admits.
“I’m more like a kid with my physical humour and childish kind of energy. Those two dynamics work perfectly for the characters.”
Voice actors for Kung Fu Panda 4 don’t record together, but tape their parts separately – except for one day where Black and Awkwafina linked up in the booth.
“I think we realised why we don’t do it together, because we were cracking each other up so much,” Black says cheekily.
“There was probably too much back laughing on each other’s takes.”
Awkwafina wasn’t the only new character joining the cast – as always, the film brought in a new villain.
This time around, Po finds himself up against an evil sorceress, The Chameleon (voiced by How To Get Away With Murder star Viola Davis), who has the power to shapeshift into any animal she wants, with her beady eyes on Po’s Staff of Wisdom for nefarious purposes.
Davis follows in the footsteps of JK Simmons and Gary Oldman as the franchise’s latest antagonist, with director Mike Mitchell (who has also worked on Shrek Forever After and Trolls) saying: “We’ve created an even more formidable villain in this one with Viola Davis – as the first female villain, but supernatural and shape-shifting.”
The franchise is centred around kung fu, so elaborate and thoughtful fight scenes are central to the film – but there’s also a more spiritual side to things. After all, kung fu isn’t just about physical violence, but also channels elements of ancient Chinese philosophy.
In the first movie, which became DreamWorks Animation’s highest-grossing original animated film, Po ascends to the role of the Dragon Warrior. Now, things are changing as he’s chosen to be the Spiritual Leader of the Valley of Peace.
“I have been getting more into my spiritual side,” Black says of his own journey alongside Po.
“I guess I’ve always been drawn to that – the wonders of the universe and the impossible miracle that is life. I’m fascinated by that. I’ve always pondered that and meditated on that.
“But I also do enjoy the fierce, Dragon Warrior aspect of life. I’m a huge fan of martial arts myself, and I love playing it out in an all-out action comedy.”
Black started acting as a teenager in the 1980s, finding his breakout role in 2000 romantic comedy-drama High Fidelity – and he says he’s learned a lot along the way.
“I’ve learned to let things go – you do the best you can and then you let the chips fall where they may,” he muses.
“When I was younger, I think I would get stuck on a thing… I should have, would have, could have.
“Now, I’ve learned – I hope – just to do the best I can and then turn the page and focus all your energy on the next thing. Don’t worry about what’s in the rearview mirror – and that took years for me to develop that philosophy.”
This theme of change is reflected in Kung Fu Panda 4.
“It’s about moving on – it could be filled with anxiety. I think it’s relatable, not just to kids if they go from grade school to junior high to high school, (which) can be really scary and intimidating,” says Mitchell.
“But even for adults to go from one job to another job, or to move locations – it’s really filled with anxiety. We figured that the lesson Po learns, and hopefully our film demonstrates, is change is great.
“Moving on, you’re not leaving behind anyone, (or) anything that you were – you’re just adding to it and becoming something maybe even better.”
With four movies now in the bag, is there more to Po’s tale?
“Never say never. We’ll see, we’ll take it one sequel at a time,” Black says.
“We don’t want to get ahead of ourselves, but yes – I can see it going, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9… if you think we’re going to make 10 of these, you are sadly mistaken.”
To which Awkwafina cuts in with a laugh: “We’re making 11!”
The latest movie might only just be in cinemas, but Mitchell’s already thinking of what’s next. In Kung Fu Panda 4, Po visits the Hall of Heroes and sees the armour of a dolphin.
“That was the first time I was like – there’s a whole aquatic world of Kung Fu Panda!” Mitchell exclaims.
“It blew my mind. So for the first time ever that’s why we have a stingray fight in this and we have a fish that lives in the pelican’s mouth. Maybe that’s the next adventure, all underwater?
“It’s ridiculous that there’s a whole underwater world for these characters as well.”
