View source for Kung Fu Panda 4

{{Short description|2024 DreamWorks Animation film}}
{{Use American English|date=March 2024}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2024}}
{{Infobox film
| name           = Kung Fu Panda 4
| image          = Kung Fu Panda 4 poster.jpg
| caption        = Theatrical release poster
| director       = [[Mike Mitchell (director)|Mike Mitchell]]<!-- Do not add co-director Stephanie Ma Stine in infobox as co-director is a different credit than director and isn't provided in infobox. -->
| writer         = {{Plainlist|
* [[Jonathan Aibel]]<ref name="PRNewswire">{{Cite press release |title=Find Your Inner Peace With Po: Dreamworks Animation Unveils "Be Calm and Po" Custom Animation Livestream For "Kung Fu Panda 4" |date=February 16, 2024 |publisher=[[PR Newswire]] |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/find-your-inner-peace-with-po-dreamworks-animation-unveils-be-calm-and-po-custom-animation-livestream-for-kung-fu-panda-4-302063847.html |access-date=February 24, 2024 |archive-date=March 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240329194638/https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/find-your-inner-peace-with-po-dreamworks-animation-unveils-be-calm-and-po-custom-animation-livestream-for-kung-fu-panda-4-302063847.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[Glenn Berger]]<ref name="PRNewswire" />
* [[Darren Lemke]]<ref name="PRNewswire" />
}}
| producer       = Rebecca Huntley
| starring       = {{Plainlist|
* [[Jack Black]]
* [[Awkwafina]]
* [[Bryan Cranston]]
* [[James Hong]]
* [[Ian McShane]]
* [[Ke Huy Quan]]
* [[Dustin Hoffman]]
* [[Viola Davis]]
}}
| cinematography = Joshua Gunther
| editing        = [[Christopher Knights]]
| music          = {{Plainlist|
* [[Hans Zimmer]]
* Steve Mazzaro
}}
| studio         = [[DreamWorks Animation]]
| distributor    = [[Universal Pictures]]
| released       = {{Film date|2024|03|03|[[The Grove at Farmers Market|The Grove]]|2024|03|08|United States}}
| runtime        = 93 minutes<ref name="BBFC">{{cite web|url=https://www.bbfc.co.uk/release/kung-fu-panda-4-q29sbgvjdglvbjpwwc0xmde4mjqy|title=''Kung Fu Panda 4'' (PG)|website=[[British Board of Film Classification|BBFC]]|access-date=March 2, 2024|archive-date=March 2, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240302222501/https://www.bbfc.co.uk/release/kung-fu-panda-4-q29sbgvjdglvbjpwwc0xmde4mjqy|url-status=live}}</ref>
| country        = United States<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.the-numbers.com/movie/Kung-Fu-Panda-4-(2024)#tab=summary|title=Kung Fu Panda 4|work=The Numbers|access-date=17 February 2024|archive-date=April 3, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240403201416/https://www.the-numbers.com/movie/Kung-Fu-Panda-4-(2024)#tab=summary|url-status=live}}</ref>
| language       = English
| budget         = $85 million<ref name=Variety-Proj/>
| gross          = $549.2{{nbsp}}million<ref name="NUM">{{Cite web|title=Kung Fu Panda 4 — Financial Information|url=https://www.the-numbers.com/movie/Kung-Fu-Panda-4-(2024)#tab=summary|website=The Numbers|access-date=July 14, 2024|archive-date=April 3, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240403201416/https://www.the-numbers.com/movie/Kung-Fu-Panda-4-(2024)#tab=summary|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="BOM">{{cite web|title=Kung Fu Panda 4|work=Box Office Mojo|url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt21692408/?ref_=bo_se_r_1|access-date=September 29, 2024|archive-date=March 31, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240331161035/https://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt21692408/?ref_=bo_se_r_1|url-status=live}}</ref>
}}

'''''Kung Fu Panda 4''''' is a 2024 American animated [[Martial arts film|martial arts]] [[comedy film]] produced by [[DreamWorks Animation]] and distributed by [[Universal Pictures]]. It is the fourth installment in the [[Kung Fu Panda|''Kung Fu Panda'' franchise]] and the sequel to ''[[Kung Fu Panda 3]]'' (2016). The film was directed by [[Mike Mitchell (director)|Mike Mitchell]], co-directed by [[Stephanie Ma Stine]] (in her feature directorial debut), written by [[Darren Lemke]] and the writing team of [[Jonathan Aibel and Glenn Berger]], and produced by Rebecca Huntley. It features [[Jack Black]], [[Ian McShane]], [[Dustin Hoffman]], [[James Hong]], and [[Bryan Cranston]] reprising their roles from the previous films, with [[Awkwafina]], [[Ke Huy Quan]], [[Ronny Chieng]], [[Lori Tan Chinn]], and [[Viola Davis]] joining the cast as new characters. In the film, [[Po (Kung Fu Panda)|Po]] (Black), who must find and train his successor as the new Dragon Warrior, teams up with fox bandit Zhen (Awkwafina) to defeat evil sorceress The Chameleon (Davis), before she steals the kung-fu abilities of all masters in China.

Directors [[Jennifer Yuh Nelson]] and [[Alessandro Carloni]] were asked about the possibility of a fourth ''Kung Fu Panda'' film before the release of the third film in January 2016, with Nelson later saying in August 2018 that she was open to a fourth installment. DreamWorks officially announced the fourth film in August 2022, with Mitchell, Ma Stine, and Huntley attached as director, co-director, and producer, respectively, by April 2023. Most of the main voice cast, along with the return of Aibel and Berger as writers and co-producers, was announced in December 2023, following Awkwafina's casting in May of that year. Lemke's involvement was confirmed in February 2024. Composer [[Hans Zimmer]], who had scored for the previous three installments, the first two with [[John Powell (film composer)|John Powell]] and the third alone, returned as composer alongside frequent collaborator Steve Mazzaro. Some additional production assets were borrowed from [[Jellyfish Pictures]].

''Kung Fu Panda 4'' premiered at the AMC 14 Theater at [[The Grove at Farmers Market|The Grove]] in Los Angeles on March 3, 2024, and was theatrically released in the United States on March 8. The film received generally positive reviews from critics and was a box-office success, grossing $549.2{{nbsp}}million worldwide on an $85 million budget, making it the [[2024 in film|eighth highest-grossing film of 2024]].

==Plot==
While Po helps his fathers Li Shan and Mr. Ping open their new restaurant, Master Shifu tells him that he must advance and become the Spiritual Leader of the Valley of Peace, which means Po can no longer be the Dragon Warrior and must find a suitable successor to take his place.

Po struggles to choose the right candidate as he does not want to lose his status, and he stumbles upon a [[corsac fox]] bandit named [[List of Kung Fu Panda characters#Zhen|Zhen]] trying to steal ancient weapons from the Jade Palace. Po outsmarts Zhen and sends her to prison, but a group of mine workers tells him that [[List of Kung Fu Panda characters#Tai Lung|Tai Lung]] has returned from the Spirit Realm and destroyed an entire quarry. Zhen reveals that Tai Lung's return was masqueraded by a sorceress known as [[List of Kung Fu Panda characters#The Chameleon|The Chameleon]], who can shape-shift into any animal she wants as well as copying various kung fu skills simply by touching them.

With Zhen's assistance, Po heads to Juniper City to take down The Chameleon, little knowing that his fathers, worried that he will not stand a chance against her, are following them. After visiting a shifty tavern and fighting off the inhabitants, Po and Zhen soon arrive at Juniper City and are almost arrested, but escape to the Den of Thieves, where they receive aid from Han, the den’s leader, and Zhen’s old mentor. From there, Po and Zhen head to The Chameleon's lair until Po is captured. It is then revealed that Zhen has been acting as a double agent for The Chameleon, and was tasked to acquire Po's Staff of Wisdom,{{Efn|Obtained by Po from Master Oogway during ''[[Kung Fu Panda 3]]'' (2016).}} which has the power to access the Spirit Realm. Po almost manages to escape, but The Chameleon, taking Zhen's form, fools him and throws him off a cliff, much to Zhen's horror. He nearly falls to his death but is rescued by his fathers, who convince him that sometimes change can be good.

Using the staff, The Chameleon summons every deceased kung fu master and steals their skills, including three of Po's past enemies; [[List of Kung Fu Panda characters#Shen|Lord Shen]], [[List of Kung Fu Panda characters#Kai|General Kai]], and Tai Lung. After escaping for good, Zhen reunites with Po, but he refuses to back down from facing The Chameleon, so she, Mr. Ping, and Li head back to the Den of Thieves to convince them to help them save Po. As they battle The Chameleon's army of [[Komodo dragon]]s, Po tries to reason with The Chameleon to no avail, although she does give the staff back to him as she no longer needs it. They battle, but when Zhen intervenes, The Chameleon turns into a [[Chimera (mythology)|Chimera]] of several kung fu masters. After the battle, she then shifts into Po himself, fights him, and quickly traps him in a cage before reverting to her original form. 

Putting his trust in Zhen, Po gives her the staff, with which she bests The Chameleon. Po, who was only pretending to be trapped, defeats The Chameleon and returns all of the stolen kung fu to their owners, who show respect to Po and return to the Spirit Realm, with Tai Lung, who finally acknowledges Po as the Dragon Warrior, taking The Chameleon with him. While returning to the Valley, Po, despite Shifu's dismay, chooses Zhen as his successor and, confident with his choice, trains her alongside the Furious Five to become the next Dragon Warrior.

==Voice cast==
{{Main|List of Kung Fu Panda characters{{!}}List of ''Kung Fu Panda'' characters}}
* [[Jack Black]] as [[Po (Kung Fu Panda)|Po]], a [[giant panda]] who is set to become a Spiritual Leader after renouncing his title as the Dragon Warrior.<ref name="casting:independent" />
* [[Awkwafina]] as Zhen, a [[corsac fox]] who is a wanted thief and accompanies Po on his journey.<ref name="casting:independent" />
* [[Viola Davis]] as The Chameleon, a nefarious shape-shifting [[chameleon]] sorceress that can copy others' kung fu by absorbing their abilities and Zhen's boss.<ref name="casting:independent" />
* [[Dustin Hoffman]] as Master Shifu, a wise [[red panda]] and Po's master.<ref name="casting:independent" />
* [[James Hong]] as Mr. Ping, a [[Chinese goose]] and Po's adoptive father.<ref name="casting:independent" />
* [[Bryan Cranston]] as Li Shan, Po's biological father.<ref name="casting:independent" />
* [[Ian McShane]] as Tai Lung, a villainous [[snow leopard]] who was Shifu's adopted son and former disciple. Po vanquished him to the Spirit Realm in the [[Kung Fu Panda (film)|first film]] and General Kai captured him off-screen during the [[Kung Fu Panda 3|third film]], but The Chameleon brings him back from the Spirit Realm.<ref name="casting:independent" />
* [[Ke Huy Quan]] as Han, a [[Sunda pangolin]] who is the leader of a den of thieves.<ref name="casting:independent" />
* [[Lori Tan Chinn]] as Granny Boar, an elderly female [[Wild boar|boar]] who can take out her tusks and use them as weapons.<ref name="NBC Tease">{{Cite web |last=Grebey |first=James |date=December 13, 2023 |title=Kung Fu Panda 4 Director Teases Epic Fights & New Characters From Awkwafina, Viola Davis & More |url=https://www.nbc.com/nbc-insider/kung-fu-panda-4-trailer-teases-new-characters-fights |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231215210637/https://www.nbc.com/nbc-insider/kung-fu-panda-4-trailer-teases-new-characters-fights |archive-date=December 15, 2023 |access-date=December 13, 2023 |website=[[NBC]] }}</ref>
* [[Ronny Chieng]] as Captain Fish, a green [[Asian arowana|arowana]] that lives in a [[pelican]]'s mouth, who is his seemingly adoptive mother.
* [[Harry Shum Jr.]] as Scott, a fire-breathing [[crocodile]] who was sent to the Spirit Realm by Po.

The Furious Five make a brief non-speaking appearance in the end credits, with the sole exception of [[Seth Rogen]] providing screams for Mantis. Lord Shen and General Kai also have non-speaking appearances when The Chameleon is summoning villains from the Spirit Realm, including a clique of past Kung-Fu masters. [[YouTuber]] [[MrBeast|Jimmy "MrBeast" Donaldson]] has a cameo as Panda Pig, a [[pig]] painted black-and-white who is one of the 5 candidates for the next Dragon Warrior.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Milheim |first1=Russ |date=March 8, 2024 |title=Kung Fu Panda 4: Mr. Beast's Special Panda Pig Cameo Explained |url=https://thedirect.com/article/kung-fu-panda-4-mr-beast-panda-pig-cameo-explained |access-date=March 9, 2024 |work=The Direct |archive-date=March 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240309193949/https://thedirect.com/article/kung-fu-panda-4-mr-beast-panda-pig-cameo-explained |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Production==
===Development===
On December 3, 2010, then-[[DreamWorks Animation]] CEO [[Jeffrey Katzenberg]] said that there was a possibility the series could have three more sequels after ''[[Kung Fu Panda 3]]'', bringing it to a six-film series.<ref name="AllWayToKungFuPanda6?">{{cite web |last=O'Hara |first=Helen |title=Katzenberg Talks DreamWorks Sequels |url=https://www.empireonline.com/news/story.asp?NID=29638 |access-date=September 24, 2019 |website=[[Empire (magazine)|Empire]] |date=December 3, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110531191349/https://www.empireonline.com/news/story.asp?NID=29638 |archive-date=May 31, 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> On January 13, 2016, ''[[Collider (website)|Collider]]'' asked the filmmakers of ''Kung Fu Panda 3'' about the possibility of a fourth film. Co-director [[Jennifer Yuh Nelson]] stated, "It's one at a time. We want to make this a perfect jewel, and then we'll see what happens after that". Co-director [[Alessandro Carloni]] said, "With the sequels, we don't want to try to have them feel open-ended. We want it to feel like a completed journey, and we feel this movie does. And then, if a fantastic story presents itself, great".<ref>{{cite web |last=Radish |first=Christina |title='Kung Fu Panda 3': Directors, Producer on Shaping a Worthy Sequel and Po's Future |url=https://collider.com/kung-fu-panda-3-4-jennifer-yu-nelson-melissa-cobb-alessandro-carloni-interview/ |access-date=September 24, 2019 |website=[[Collider (website)|Collider]] |date=January 13, 2016 |archive-date=May 3, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160503082022/https://collider.com/kung-fu-panda-3-4-jennifer-yu-nelson-melissa-cobb-alessandro-carloni-interview/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On August 2, 2018, when asked about the possibility of ''Kung Fu Panda 4'', Nelson replied that she always saw the series as a trilogy, but was open for a fourth installment as long as the franchise focused on [[Po (Kung Fu Panda)|Po]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Wakeman |first=Gregory |title=Will there be a 'Kung Fu Panda 4'? Here's what director Jennifer Yuh Nelson told us |url=https://www.metro.us/entertainment/movies/will-there-be-a-kung-fu-panda-4-here-is-what-jennifer-yuh-nelson-told-us |access-date=September 24, 2019 |website=[[Metro New York]] |publisher=[[Metro International]] |date=August 2, 2018 |archive-date=April 25, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190425060241/https://www.metro.us/entertainment/movies/will-there-be-a-kung-fu-panda-4-here-is-what-jennifer-yuh-nelson-told-us |url-status=live}}</ref>

In August 2022, DreamWorks Animation confirmed that ''Kung Fu Panda 4'' was in production.<ref name="Confirmation">{{Cite web |last=Chapman |first=Wilson |date=August 12, 2022 |title='Kung Fu Panda 4' Announced, Sets 2024 Release Date |url=https://variety.com/2022/film/news/kung-fu-panda-4-release-date-1235340326/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220813000526/https://variety.com/2022/film/news/kung-fu-panda-4-release-date-1235340326/ |archive-date=August 13, 2022 |access-date=August 13, 2022 |website=[[Variety (website)|Variety]] |language=en-US}}</ref> At [[CinemaCon]] in April 2023, more details for the film were revealed, such as the premise as described by [[Jack Black]].<ref name="KP4Plot">{{cite web |last1=Scott |first1=Ryan |date=April 26, 2023 |title=Kung Fu Panda 4 Plot Details Revealed, Unveils Po's Latest Challenge [CinemaCon 2023] |url=https://www.slashfilm.com/1269609/kung-fu-panda-4-plot-details-cinemacon-2023/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230504004554/https://www.slashfilm.com/1269609/kung-fu-panda-4-plot-details-cinemacon-2023/ |archive-date=May 4, 2023 |access-date=April 27, 2023 |website=[[/Film]]}}</ref> It was also announced that [[Mike Mitchell (director)|Mike Mitchell]] was set to direct the film, with Stephanie Ma Stine co-directing and Rebecca Huntley producing.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Giardina |first1=Carolyn |date=April 26, 2023 |title=Jack Black, Anna Kendrick, Justin Timberlake Tease 'Kung Fu Panda' and 'Trolls' Sequels |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/trolls-band-together-kung-fu-panda-4-cinemacon-1235403300/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230505092153/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/trolls-band-together-kung-fu-panda-4-cinemacon-1235403300/ |archive-date=May 5, 2023 |access-date=April 27, 2023 |website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]}}</ref> Mitchell was a creative consultant on the first film and an executive producer on the third film. The film was originally planned to be a [[live-action animated|live-action/animated]] hybrid, according to Ma Stine. Characters such as The Chameleon (known as The Collector) and Zhen would have been humans. This would all eventually be scrapped.<ref>{{cite tweet|user=DiscussingFilm|https://twitter.com/DiscussingFilm/status/|number=1767313833079550456|date=March 10, 2024|title=KUNG FU PANDA 4' was reportedly once considered to be a live-action/animated hybrid film with humans.|language=en|access-date=March 10, 2024}}</ref>

===Writing===
By December 2023, it was reported that [[Jonathan Aibel and Glenn Berger]] returned to write the screenplay.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fuge |first=Jonathan |date=December 13, 2023 |title=Kung Fu Panda 4 Trailer Reveals First Look At Awkwafina as the New Dragon Warrior |url=https://movieweb.com/kung-fu-panda-4-trailer-first-look-awkwafina-dragon-warrior/ |access-date=January 31, 2024 |website=[[MovieWeb]] |archive-date=January 6, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240106012637/https://movieweb.com/kung-fu-panda-4-trailer-first-look-awkwafina-dragon-warrior/ |url-status=live}}</ref> In February 2024, [[Darren Lemke]] was revealed to have co-written the screenplay.<ref name="PRNewswire" /> Mitchell described ''Kung Fu Panda 4'' as a love letter to [[Kung Fu Panda (film)|the first film]].<ref name="NBC Tease" /><ref name="Collider Tai Lung">{{Cite web |last=Richard |first=Nate |date=December 13, 2023 |title=Tai Lung Isn't the Only Villain Returning for 'Kung Fu Panda 4' |url=https://collider.com/kung-fu-panda-4-villains-tai-lung/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231214070309/https://collider.com/kung-fu-panda-4-villains-tai-lung/ |archive-date=December 14, 2023 |access-date=December 14, 2023 |website=[[Collider (website)|Collider]] |language=en}}</ref> Despite its connections to previous entries in the series, he wanted the story to stand on its own.<ref name="Collider Tai Lung" /> When producing the third film, Mitchell felt that Po's [[Character arc|character development]] from the first film was wrapping up due to finally becoming the Dragon Warrior, so he wondered what if another sequel took "all that" away, leading the filmmakers to find some "really great heavy themes" that they felt are important for the modern world.<ref name="OriginalCircleTaiLungReturn">{{Cite web |last=Ridgley |first=Charlie |date=March 7, 2024 |title=Kung Fu Panda 4 Director on Full Circle Ending, Original Villain Returns For Po |url=https://comicbook.com/movies/news/kung-fu-panda-4-po-full-circle-villains-return-interview/ |url-status= |archive-url= |archive-date= |access-date=March 7, 2024 |website=[[ComicBook.com]] |language=en}}</ref> Additionally, Mitchell wanted to evolve Po's character, introduce new characters, and expand the franchise's world,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sharma |first=Devansh |date=December 14, 2023 |title=Exclusive: Kung Fu Panda 4 makers open up on Jack Black, new characters, what's next in Po's quest for inner peace |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/hollywood/exclusive-kung-fu-panda-4-makers-open-up-on-jack-black-new-characters-whats-next-in-pos-quest-for-inner-peace-101702374450364.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231214145817/https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/hollywood/exclusive-kung-fu-panda-4-makers-open-up-on-jack-black-new-characters-whats-next-in-pos-quest-for-inner-peace-101702374450364.html |archive-date=December 14, 2023 |access-date=December 14, 2023 |website=[[Hindustan Times]] |language=en}}</ref> feeling that the film took so long to be produced because the filmmakers wanted a perfect story that could evolve Po by making him learn something to advance to the next level.<ref name="OriginalCircleTaiLungReturn" /> He described Po as having a black-and-white view of the world and wanted to pair him with a more morally grey character, Zhen. Mitchell also wanted a character who Po can be frustrated by, like how Shifu gets frustrated by him.<ref name="NBC Tease" />

For The Chameleon, Mitchell sought to make her a more-brain-than-brawn kind of villain.<ref name="NBC Tease" /> He went on to say that she is the smartest and most supernatural foe Po has faced.<ref name="AUReview Interview" /><ref name="Collider Tai Lung" /> He described The Chameleon as a mirror to Po in that both characters were underestimated by society for their bodies, but went on to gain high status. He said, "So Po has become the greatest hero, and now she's the greatest villain".<ref name="Collider Tai Lung" /> Mitchell felt that one of the things the ''Kung Fu Panda'' franchise stands out for, aside from Black's Po, are its villains, so he made sure that The Chameleon could be as formidable as Tai Lung, Lord Shen and General Kai, hence his reasoning to specifically bring the former back into this sequel's story.<ref name="OriginalCircleTaiLungReturn" />

===Casting===
In May 2023, it was reported that [[Awkwafina]] had joined the voice cast of the film.<ref>{{cite web |author=Brandon |date=May 17, 2023 |title=Awkwafina Joins Kung Fu Panda 4 |url=https://www.screenspy.com/awkwafina-joins-kung-fu-panda-4/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230721021305/https://www.screenspy.com/awkwafina-joins-kung-fu-panda-4/ |archive-date=July 21, 2023 |access-date=July 21, 2023 |website=ScreenSpy}}</ref> In December 2023, it was announced that [[Ke Huy Quan]] and [[Viola Davis]] would join the cast, with the latter playing the villain of the film, The Chameleon.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Legacy |first=Spencer |date=December 12, 2023 |title=Kung Fu Panda 4 Cast: Viola Davis & Awkwafina Join DreamWorks Sequel |url=https://www.comingsoon.net/movies/news/1438674-kung-fu-panda-4-cast-viola-davis-awkwafina-join-dreamworks-sequel |access-date=December 14, 2023 |website=ComingSoon.net |language=en-US |archive-date=December 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231212175108/https://www.comingsoon.net/movies/news/1438674-kung-fu-panda-4-cast-viola-davis-awkwafina-join-dreamworks-sequel |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Outlaw |first=Kofi |date=December 12, 2023 |title=Kung Fu Panda 4 Adds Ke Huy Quan, Awkwafina, and Viola Davis |url=https://comicbook.com/movies/news/kung-fu-panda-4-cast-viola-davis-awkwafina-ke-huy-quan/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231213201420/https://comicbook.com/movies/news/kung-fu-panda-4-cast-viola-davis-awkwafina-ke-huy-quan/ |archive-date=December 13, 2023 |access-date=December 14, 2023 |website=[[ComicBook.com]] |language=en}}</ref> [[Lori Tan Chinn]] and [[Ronny Chieng]] were also announced as new cast members,<ref name="NBC Tease" /> with [[Ian McShane]], [[Bryan Cranston]], [[James Hong]], and [[Dustin Hoffman]] reprising their roles from the previous films.<ref name="casting:independent">{{Cite web |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/kung-fu-panda-4-trailer-cast-b2463500.html |title=Kung Fu Panda fans praise 'legendary' new villain as trailer for fourth film released |last=Sachdeva |first=Maanya |date=December 13, 2023 |website=[[The Independent]] |access-date=December 13, 2023 |archive-date=December 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231213201421/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/kung-fu-panda-4-trailer-cast-b2463500.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://collider.com/kung-fu-panda-4-cast-viola-davis-ke-huy-quan/ |title=Viola Davis and Ke Huy Quan Join 'Kung Fu Panda 4' |last=Peralta |first=Diego |date=December 12, 2023 |website=[[Collider (website)|Collider]] |access-date=December 14, 2023 |archive-date=December 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231215212422/https://collider.com/kung-fu-panda-4-cast-viola-davis-ke-huy-quan/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Mitchell stated that he is a fan of McShane's work and that it was a "blast" to be able to work with him; had McShane refused to reprise his role as Tai Lung, there was no alternate plan for the film's story, as filmmakers had "locked in" for Tai Lung's return.<ref name="OriginalCircleTaiLungReturn" />

In December 2023, Mitchell stated that Masters Tigress, Monkey, Crane, Mantis, and Viper—known collectively as the Furious Five—would make an appearance in the film and that they are "off on their own individual missions", with producer Rebecca Huntley confirming that there would be "a glimpse of the Furious Five".<ref name="NBC Tease" /><ref name="AUReview Interview">{{Cite news |last=Gray |first=Peter |date=December 14, 2023 |title=Interview: Kung Fu Panda 4 director Mike Mitchell and producer Rebecca Huntley on what we can expect in this brand new adventure |work=The AU Review |url=https://www.theaureview.com/watch/interview-kung-fu-panda-4/ |url-status=live |access-date=December 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231214113005/https://www.theaureview.com/watch/interview-kung-fu-panda-4/ |archive-date=December 14, 2023}}</ref> In a March 2024 [[Discord]] Q&A session in a fan server, co-director Stephanie Ma Stine noted that the Furious Five were not originally going to appear despite protests from writers, artists, and animators. She explained that it was due to the costs of the original actors, especially [[Angelina Jolie]] as Tigress. However, the marketing department told the filmmakers to include them in a cameo appearance.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Nash |first1=Anthony |date=March 11, 2024 |title=Kung Fu Panda 4: Marketing Department Ordered The Furious Five's Cameo |url=https://www.comingsoon.net/movies/news/1595294-kung-fu-panda-4-marketing-department-ordered-the-furious-fives-cameo |access-date=March 11, 2024 |work=[[ComingSoon.net]] |archive-date=March 11, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240311205058/https://www.comingsoon.net/movies/news/1595294-kung-fu-panda-4-marketing-department-ordered-the-furious-fives-cameo |url-status=live }}</ref> Ma Stine also expressed interest in having [[SungWon Cho]] be part of the film.<ref>[https://x.com/ProZD/status/1794521180139110731]</ref>

===Animation and design===
Mitchell stated that the film's fight scenes reflect advances in both technology and [[Kung fu (term)|kung fu]],<ref name="NBC Tease" /> and took more influence from [[anime]] than previous films in the series.<ref name="Collider Tai Lung" /> Stunt performers from [[Marvel Cinematic Universe|Marvel films]] joined production to give the animators moves to study and use in the choreography.<ref name="NBC Tease" /> The Chameleon was DreamWorks' most complex character to animate, with a total of 8,130 controls.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Giardina |first1=Carolyn |title='Kung Fu Panda 4's' Chameleon Was One of Dreamworks' Most Complex Creations: 'Every Little Spike on Her Head...Was Completely Animatable' |url=https://variety.com/2024/artisans/news/kung-fu-panda-4-chameleon-1235931417/ |access-date=14 March 2024 |work=Variety |date=March 9, 2024 |archive-date=March 14, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240314220718/https://variety.com/2024/artisans/news/kung-fu-panda-4-chameleon-1235931417/ |url-status=live }}</ref> While most of the animation for the film was provided by DreamWorks Animation Glendale, [[Jellyfish Pictures]]—who previously worked with DreamWorks on ''[[How to Train Your Dragon: Homecoming]]'', ''[[Spirit Untamed]],'' ''[[The Boss Baby: Family Business]]'', and [[The Bad Guys (film)|''The Bad Guys'']]—handled the additional asset production services using proprietary software like Premo and Moonray.

''Kung Fu Panda 4'' and ''[[The Wild Robot]]'' were the last two films to be made entirely in-house at DreamWorks Animation, as [[Cartoon Brew]] reported on October 6, 2023, that the studio would be moving away from producing films in-house in their Glendale campus to rely more heavily on outside studios after 2024.<ref name="In-house discontinuation">{{Cite web |last=Amidi |first=Amid |date=October 6, 2023 |title=Dreamworks Shifting Away From In-House Production In Los Angeles; Sony Imageworks Is A New Production Partner |url=https://www.cartoonbrew.com/studios/dreamworks-shifting-away-from-in-house-production-in-los-angeles-sony-imageworks-is-new-production-partner-233466.html |access-date=December 16, 2023 |website=Cartoon Brew |language=en-US |archive-date=November 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231120112219/https://www.cartoonbrew.com/studios/dreamworks-shifting-away-from-in-house-production-in-los-angeles-sony-imageworks-is-new-production-partner-233466.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Music===
{{Main|Kung Fu Panda 4 (soundtrack){{!}}''Kung Fu Panda 4'' (soundtrack)}}
In December 2023, [[Hans Zimmer]] and Steve Mazzaro, the former of whom also composed for the first three films, were announced to compose the film's score.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://clutchpoints.com/kung-fu-panda-4-gets-hans-zimmer-twist-fans-will-love |title=Kung Fu Panda 4 gets Hans Zimmer twist fans will love |last=Billings |first=Kevin |date=December 14, 2023 |work=Clutch Points |access-date=December 14, 2023 |archive-date=December 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231214174603/https://clutchpoints.com/kung-fu-panda-4-gets-hans-zimmer-twist-fans-will-love |url-status=live }}</ref> A [[Cover version|cover]] of [[Britney Spears]]' "[[...Baby One More Time (song)|...Baby One More Time]]" by [[Tenacious D]] is featured in the end credits. The album was released on March 8, 2024, simultaneously with the film's release, by [[Back Lot Music]].

==Marketing==
Po returned to the [[Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade]] in November 2023 as promotion for the film.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 23, 2023 |title=Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade recap: All the floats, performances and more |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/live-blog/macys-parade-thanksgiving-day-live-updates-rcna126392 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231204144809/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/live-blog/macys-parade-thanksgiving-day-live-updates-rcna126392 |archive-date=December 4, 2023 |access-date=December 13, 2023 |publisher=[[NBC News]]}}</ref> The trailer for the film, featuring [[The White Stripes]]' "[[Seven Nation Army]]", along with a poster, was released on December 13, 2023. The trailer was viewed over 142 million times in the first 24 hours across all [[social media]], becoming the most-viewed trailer for a Universal animated film, surpassing [[Illumination (company)|Illumination]]'s ''[[The Super Mario Bros. Movie]]'', ''[[Minions: The Rise of Gru]]'', and ''[[Sing 2]]'' as well as DreamWorks' own ''[[Puss in Boots: The Last Wish]]''.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Shanfeld |first1=Ethan |title='Kung Fu Panda 4' Trailer Racked Up 142 Million Views on Launch Day, Powered by TikTok |url=https://variety.com/2023/film/news/kung-fu-panda-4-trailer-142-million-views-1235841572/ |website=Variety |access-date=17 December 2023 |date=15 December 2023 |archive-date=December 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231216235510/https://variety.com/2023/film/news/kung-fu-panda-4-trailer-142-million-views-1235841572/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Release==
===Theatrical===
''Kung Fu Panda 4'' premiered at the AMC 14 Theater at [[The Grove at Farmers Market|The Grove]] in Los Angeles on March 3, 2024, and was released in the United States on March 8,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Hogan |first1=Kate |title=Kung Fu Panda 4 Premiered Tonight and Everyone Was There: See the Photos! |url=https://people.com/kung-fu-panda-4-red-carpet-arrivals-photos-8603558 |access-date=3 March 2024 |work=People |date=March 3, 2024 |archive-date=March 4, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240304180000/https://people.com/kung-fu-panda-4-red-carpet-arrivals-photos-8603558 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Confirmation" /> with showtimes a day prior.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.austinchronicle.com/events/film/2024-03-08/kung-fu-panda-4/ |title=Kung Fu Panda 4 |last=Whittaker |first=Richard |date=March 8, 2024 |work=[[Austin Chronicle]] |access-date=March 7, 2024 |quote=Thu., March 7 digital 2:00, 3:15, 4:55, 6:00, 7:45, 8:30, 11:15 |archive-date=March 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240307073850/https://www.austinchronicle.com/events/film/2024-03-08/kung-fu-panda-4/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The film was shown at the [[Columbia University School of the Arts]] on March 1, 2024.<ref>{{Citation |title=Kung Fu Panda 4 (2024) - Release info |date=March 2024 |url=https://www.showclix.com/event/kung-fu-panda-4 |access-date=2024-03-03 |language=en-US |via=Showclix.com |archive-date=March 4, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240304181952/https://www.showclix.com/event/kung-fu-panda-4 |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Home media===
[[Universal Pictures Home Entertainment]] released ''Kung Fu Panda 4'' for [[Digital distribution|digital download]] on April 9, 2024, and on [[4K Ultra HD Blu-ray]], [[Blu-ray]], and [[DVD]] on May 28. Physical copies contain an [[audio commentary]], behind-the-scenes featurettes, deleted scenes, recreational activities, and a short film titled ''Dueling Dumplings''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Milligan |first=Mercedes |date=April 8, 2024 |title=''Kung Fu Panda 4'' Skidooshes to Digital Release This Week |url=https://www.animationmagazine.net/2024/04/kung-fu-panda-4-skidooshes-to-digital-release-this-week/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240408181110/https://www.animationmagazine.net/2024/04/kung-fu-panda-4-skidooshes-to-digital-release-this-week/ |archive-date=April 8, 2024 |access-date=August 29, 2024 |website=[[Animation Magazine]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Latchem |first=John |date=May 21, 2024 |title=''Kung Fu Panda 4'' Due on Blu-ray, DVD and 4K Disc May 28 |url=https://www.mediaplaynews.com/kung-fu-panda-4-due-on-disc-may-28/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240829230755/https://www.mediaplaynews.com/kung-fu-panda-4-due-on-disc-may-28/ |archive-date=August 29, 2024 |access-date=August 29, 2024 |website=[[Media Play News]]}}</ref>

The film was made available to stream on [[NBCUniversal]]'s [[Peacock (streaming service)|Peacock]] streaming service in the US on June 21, 2024.<ref>{{cite web|last=Moreau|first=Jordan|title='Kung Fu Panda 4' Gets Peacock Release Date|url=https://variety.com/2024/film/news/kung-fu-panda-4-peacock-release-date-streaming-1236027319/|access-date=June 17, 2024|work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|date=June 6, 2024|archive-date=June 7, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240607040216/https://variety.com/2024/film/news/kung-fu-panda-4-peacock-release-date-streaming-1236027319/|url-status=live}}</ref> As part of their 18-month deal with [[Netflix]], the film streamed on Peacock for the first four months of the pay-TV window, before moving to Netflix for the next ten beginning on October 21,<ref name="kfp4-netflix">{{cite web|last=Moore|first=Kasey|title='Kung Fu Panda 4' Netflix US Release Date Confirmed|url=http://whats-on-netflix.com/news/kung-fu-panda-4-netflix-us-release-date-confirmed/|access-date=October 4, 2024|work=What's on Netflix|date=September 23, 2024}}</ref> and returning to Peacock for the remaining four beginning on August 21, 2025.<ref name="kfp4-netflix" /><ref>{{cite web |last=Hayes |first=Dade |title=NBCUniversal's New Theatrical Window Scheme To Bring Films To Peacock After As Few As 45 Days Of Release |url=https://deadline.com/2021/12/nbcuniversal-theatrical-window-films-stream-peacock-45-days-1234887914/ |access-date=December 10, 2021 |work=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |date=December 9, 2021 |archive-date=December 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211209190325/https://deadline.com/2021/12/nbcuniversal-theatrical-window-films-stream-peacock-45-days-1234887914/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/netflix-exclusive-rights-universal-animated-films-105446842.html|title=Netflix extends exclusive rights to Universal's animated films in the US|last=Moon|first=Mariella|website=[[Engadget]]|date=July 14, 2021|access-date=July 14, 2021|language=en|archive-date=July 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220710055401/https://www.engadget.com/netflix-exclusive-rights-universal-animated-films-105446842.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Reception==
===Box office===
''Kung Fu Panda 4'' grossed $193.6&nbsp;million in the United States and Canada and $355.6&nbsp;million in other territories, for a worldwide total of $549.2&nbsp;million.<ref name="BOM" /><ref name="NUM" />

In the United States and Canada, ''Kung Fu Panda 4'' was released alongside ''[[Imaginary (film)|Imaginary]]'' and ''[[Cabrini (film)|Cabrini]]'', and was projected to gross $45–50 million from 3,900 theaters in its opening weekend.<ref name=Variety-Proj>{{cite news |last1=Rubin |first1=Rebecca |title=Box Office Preview: 'Kung Fu Panda 4' Takes on 'Dune: Part Two,' Targets $50 Million Debut |url=https://variety.com/2024/film/box-office/box-office-kung-fu-panda-4-opening-weekend-projection-dune-2-1235930925/ |access-date=5 March 2024 |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |date=March 5, 2024 |archive-date=March 6, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240306002230/https://variety.com/2024/film/box-office/box-office-kung-fu-panda-4-opening-weekend-projection-dune-2-1235930925/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=D'Alessandro |first=Anthony |date=March 7, 2024 |title='Kung Fu Panda 4' To Soar At Weekend Box Office With $50M+; 'Dune: Part Two' Crossing $100M Today – Preview |url=https://deadline.com/2024/03/kung-fu-panda-4-dune-part-two-box-office-preview-1235846878/ |access-date=March 7, 2024 |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |archive-date=March 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240309091519/https://deadline.com/2024/03/kung-fu-panda-4-dune-part-two-box-office-preview-1235846878/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The film made $19.4 million on its first day, including $3.8 million from Thursday night previews.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/kung-fu-panda-4-box-office-previews-1235846564/ |title=Box Office: 'Kung Fu Panda 4' Bounds to $3.8M in Thursday Previews |work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |date=March 8, 2024 |accessdate=March 8, 2024 |archive-date=March 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240309093851/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/kung-fu-panda-4-box-office-previews-1235846564/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=opening>{{Cite web |last=D'Alessandro |first=Anthony |date=March 11, 2024 |title=How Universal Revived DreamWorks Animation's 'Kung Fu Panda 4' To $58M Opening – Monday Box Office Update |url=https://deadline.com/2024/03/box-office-kung-fu-panda-4-dune-part-two-imaginary-1235850148/ |access-date=March 12, 2024 |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |archive-date=March 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240308185444/https://deadline.com/2024/03/box-office-kung-fu-panda-4-dune-part-two-imaginary-1235850148/ |url-status=live }}</ref> It went on to debut to $58 million, topping the box office and becoming the highest opening weekend for a DreamWorks Animation film since ''[[Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted]]'' in 2012.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Amidi |first1=Amid |title='Kung Fu Panda 4' Scores Best Dreamworks Opening In Over A Decade |url=https://www.cartoonbrew.com/box-office-report/kung-fu-panda-4-scores-best-dreamworks-opening-in-over-a-decade-238913.html |website=Cartoon Brew |access-date=12 March 2024 |date=11 March 2024 |archive-date=March 12, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240312022521/https://www.cartoonbrew.com/box-office-report/kung-fu-panda-4-scores-best-dreamworks-opening-in-over-a-decade-238913.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Fuster |first1=Jeremy |title='Kung Fu Panda 4' Wins Over Families With $58 Million Box Office Launch |url=https://www.thewrap.com/kung-fu-panda-4-box-office-58-million/ |website=TheWrap |access-date=March 11, 2024 |date=March 10, 2024}}</ref> The film made $30.1 million in its second weekend (a drop of 48%), remaining in first.<ref>{{Cite web |last=D'Alessandro |first=Anthony |date=March 17, 2024 |title='Kung Fu Panda 4' Second Weekend At $31M+ Expected To Karate Chop Sandworm — Saturday AM Update |url=https://deadline.com/2024/03/box-office-kung-fu-panda-4-dune-part-two-arthur-the-king-1235859800/ |access-date=March 17, 2024 |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |archive-date=March 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240316161806/https://deadline.com/2024/03/box-office-kung-fu-panda-4-dune-part-two-arthur-the-king-1235859800/ |url-status=live }}</ref> It made $16.5 million in its third weekend, finishing in third behind newcomer ''[[Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire]]'' and ''[[Dune: Part Two]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=D'Alessandro |first=Anthony |date=March 24, 2024 |title=' Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire' Propels Franchise Past $1B As Sequel Opens To $45M+ – Sunday AM Update |url=https://deadline.com/2024/03/box-office-ghostbusters-frozen-empire-1235865730/ |access-date=March 24, 2024 |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |archive-date=March 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240328012950/https://deadline.com/2024/03/box-office-ghostbusters-frozen-empire-1235865730/ |url-status=live }}</ref> ''Kung Fu Panda 4'' completed its domestic theatrical run on June 6, 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kung Fu Panda 4 - Domestic Daily |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/release/rl601195265/ |access-date=2024-06-30 |website=Box Office Mojo}}</ref>

===Critical response===
The reception for ''Kung Fu Panda 4'' was generally positive.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fuster |first=Jeremy |date=2024-03-09 |title='Kung Fu Panda 4' Keeps Box Office Recovery Going |url=https://www.thewrap.com/kung-fu-panda-4-box-office/ |access-date=2024-03-18 |website=TheWrap |language=en-US}}</ref> {{Rotten Tomatoes prose|71|6.1|164|consensus=''Kung Fu Panda 4'' offers enough eye-catching entertainment to sustain the franchise's young fans, although it's starting to feel like this series is running out of steam.|access-date=October 26, 2024|ref=yes}} {{MC film|54|33|ref=y|access-date=March 31, 2024}} Audiences polled by [[CinemaScore]] gave the film an average grade of "A–" on an A+ to F scale (the same as the [[Kung Fu Panda (film)|first film]]), while those polled by [[PostTrak]] gave it an 80% overall positive score, with 59% saying they would recommend it.<ref name="opening" />

[[Frank Scheck]] of ''[[The Hollywood Reporter]]'' wrote, "With its new settings and characters, including Oscar winner Ke Huy Quan as a pangolin leader of a den of thieves and Ronnie Chieng as a fish that lives in a pelican's mouth, ''Kung Fu Panda 4'' clearly aims to refresh the franchise. But it's really more of the same, which is not such a bad thing when you consider that the series has grossed some $1.8 billion so far (and that's not including the spin-off projects, including various television series and video games). Its appeal still lies largely in Black's hilarious vocal performance which has lost none of its charm."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/kung-fu-panda-4-review-jack-black-awkwafina-1235843267/|title='Kung Fu Panda 4' Review: Jack Black and Awkwafina Voice Predictable but Pleasant Franchise Entry|first=Frank|last=Scheck|website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|date=March 6, 2024|access-date=March 6, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240306170154/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/kung-fu-panda-4-review-jack-black-awkwafina-1235843267/|archive-date=March 6, 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> Emma Stefansky of IGN gave it a positive score of 7/10 (Same IGN score of Kung Fu Panda 2). She stated that while the lack of Furious Five and the emotional depth of its predecessors are major drawbacks, the movie features enough new additions and action sequences to be a worthy addition to the franchise. She wrote "Kung Fu Panda 4 gives martial arts panda Po a new friend, a new adversary, and a new job, while keeping the stylized animation and exciting fight scenes that make this series a delight". Wilson Chapman of [[IndieWire]] gave the film a B- and wrote, "Black can, at this point, play this role in his sleep, but he still gives it his all in his fourth go around, and his pitch perfect comic timing and lovable earnestness makes the journey an easy one to take."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiewire.com/criticism/movies/kung-fu-panda-4-review-jack-black-1234959791/|title='Kung Fu Panda 4' Review: DreamWorks' Heaviest Hero Gets a Lightweight Sequel|first=Wilson|last=Chapman|website=[[IndieWire]]|date=March 6, 2024|access-date=March 6, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240306172316/https://www.indiewire.com/criticism/movies/kung-fu-panda-4-review-jack-black-1234959791/|archive-date=March 6, 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> For ''[[The New York Times]]'', Claire Shaffer complimented the film's art direction and Black and Awkwafina's chemistry; overall, she felt it "is an enjoyable ''Kung Fu Panda'' movie, even if it's missing some of the pizazz of the earlier ones."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/07/movies/kung-fu-panda-4-review.html|title='Kung Fu Panda 4' Review: Trouble in Juniper City|first=Claire|last=Shaffer|website=The New York Times|date=March 7, 2024|access-date=March 7, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240307194712/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/07/movies/kung-fu-panda-4-review.html|archive-date=March 7, 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> Mentioning the relatively lower budget of this installment, a review in ''[[Le Devoir]]'' found that it allowed the film to focus more efficiently on 'the essence of the art of cartoon (but by computer all the same), its Disneyesque characters, and the settings, still rich in depth and color, of the Valley of Peace, this fantastic reproduction of Ancient China.'<ref>{{Cite web |last=Renaud |first=Philippe |date=2024-03-07 |title="Kung Fu Panda 4": ce quatrième chapitre n'est pas de trop |url=https://www.ledevoir.com/culture/cinema/808609/critique-cinema-kung-fu-panda-4-ce-quatrieme-chapitre-est-pas-trop |access-date=2024-03-17 |website=Le Devoir |language=fr}}</ref> DiscussingFilm gave it 4 stars out of 5 and wrote "Kung Fu Panda 4 is not a sequel many thought we needed but one we'll be happy that it exists. It features the best action DreamWorks has ever created and the story pushes Jack Black's Po in an exciting direction".

[[Owen Gleiberman]] of ''[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]'' unfavorably compared the film to its predecessors, writing, "Even after 16 years of Po, you want to hear Jack Black's voice charged with that youthful cockeyed exuberance, rather than the older-and-wiser aura he exudes here. You also wish the movie had better jokes. Mitchell, co-directing with Stephanie Stine, doesn't stage the action bouts with the surreal freedom that animation makes possible. Po goes through the motions, but I'm sorry, the kick is gone."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2024/film/reviews/kung-fu-panda-4-review-jack-black-awkwafina-bryan-cranston-1235930607/|title='Kung Fu Panda 4' Review: Jack Black Goes Through the Motions, but There's Not Much Kick Left|first=Owen|last=Gleiberman|website=Variety|date=March 6, 2024|access-date=March 7, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240306173528/https://variety.com/2024/film/reviews/kung-fu-panda-4-review-jack-black-awkwafina-bryan-cranston-1235930607/|archive-date=March 6, 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> Similarly, ''[[The Boston Globe]]''{{'s}} Odie Henderson expressed disappointment with the film's villain and action sequences, concluding "I enjoyed the first three adventures of the Dragon Warrior, but the best thing he can do now is to give this series a much needed skadoosh, sending it to rest in the cinematic spirit realm."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/2024/03/06/arts/jack-black-still-gets-his-kicks-with-kung-fu-panda-4-will-you/|title=Jack Black still gets his kicks with 'Kung Fu Panda 4,' but will you?|first=Odie|last=Henderson|website=The Boston Globe|date=March 6, 2024|access-date=March 7, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240306215140/https://www.bostonglobe.com/2024/03/06/arts/jack-black-still-gets-his-kicks-with-kung-fu-panda-4-will-you/|archive-date=March 6, 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Christy Lemire]], in her review for ''[[RogerEbert.com]]'', wrote ''Kung Fu Panda 4'' "struggles to justify its existence. It lacks both the delicate artistry and warm wit of its predecessors. The subtle sense of spirituality is long gone; in its place are frantic action sequences."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/kung-fu-panda-4-2024|title=Kung Fu Panda 4 Film Review|first=Christy|last=Lemire|website=RogerEbert.com|date=March 6, 2024|access-date=March 7, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240306213016/https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/kung-fu-panda-4-2024|archive-date=March 6, 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> In a mixed review for the ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'', Katie Walsh stated that 'Though visually dazzling, 'Kung Fu Panda 4' shows a flabby franchise in need of punch'.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Walsh |first=Katie |date=2024-03-07 |title=Review: Though visually dazzling, 'Kung Fu Panda 4' shows a flabby franchise in need of punch |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/story/2024-03-07/kung-fu-panda-4-review-animation-jack-black-awkwafina-viola-davis |access-date=2024-03-17 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}</ref>  [[Mark Kermode]] gave the film a negative review.<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GyBwEKAJxu8 |title=Mark Kermode reviews Kung Fu Panda 4 - Kermode and Mayo's Take |date=March 29, 2024 |access-date=March 29, 2024}}</ref><!-- DO NOT PUT AUDIENCE RESPONSE AS IT'S NOT NOTABLE -->

===Accolades===
The film was nominated for [[Kids' Choice Award for Favorite Animated Movie|Favorite Animated Movie]], Favorite Male Voice from an Animated Movie for Jack Black and Favorite Female Voice from an Animated Movie for Awkwafina at the [[2024 Kids' Choice Awards]], but lost to ''[[Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse]]'', ''[[Leo (2023 American film)|Leo]]'' for [[Adam Sandler]] and ''[[Trolls Band Together]]'' for [[Anna Kendrick]] respectively.<ref>{{cite web|last=Petski|first=Denise|title=Taylor Swift, Olivia Rodrigo, Beyoncé, Timothée Chalamet, Ayo Edebiri Among 2024 Kids' Choice Awards Nominees – Full List|url=https://deadline.com/2024/06/nickelodeon-kids-choice-awards-nominations-2024-full-list-taylor-swift-1235957982/|date=June 4, 2024|access-date=June 5, 2024|website=[[Deadline Hollywood|Deadline]]|archive-date=June 4, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240604143906/https://deadline.com/2024/06/nickelodeon-kids-choice-awards-nominations-2024-full-list-taylor-swift-1235957982/|url-status=live}}</ref> The film was also nominated for [[Saturn Award for Best Animated Film|Best Animated Film]] at the [[52nd Saturn Awards]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.fangoria.com/horror-saturn-awards-52/|title=BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE, STRANGE DARLING Lead Saturn Awards Horror Nods|website=[[Fangoria]]|first=Amber|last=T|date=December 4, 2024|access-date=December 5, 2024|archive-date=December 5, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241205001447/https://www.fangoria.com/horror-saturn-awards-52/|url-status=live}}</ref> and for Best Animated Film at the [[52nd Annie Awards]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.animationmagazine.net/2024/12/annie-awards-nominees-the-wild-robot-leads-with-9-nods/|title=Annie Awards Nominees: 'The Wild Robot' Leads with 10 Nods|website=[[Animation Magazine]]|first=Mercedes|last=Milligan|date=December 20, 2024|access-date=December 20, 2024}}</ref>

==Future==
In May 2024, following the critical and commercial success of ''Kung Fu Panda 4'', Mitchell suggested that a fifth film could happen, but it would likely not be until at least 2027 due to the lengthy production process.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://screenrant.com/kung-fu-panda-5-release-window-mike-mitchell-response/ | title=Potential Kung Fu Panda 5 Release Window Revealed by Fourth Movie Director | website=[[Screen Rant]] | date=May 28, 2024 }}</ref>

==Notes==
{{Notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* {{Official website}}
* {{IMDb title}}

{{Kung Fu Panda}}
{{DreamWorks Animation}}
{{Universal theatrical animated features}}
{{Mike Mitchell}}
{{Jonathan Aibel and Glenn Berger}}
{{Portal bar|2020s|United States|Film|Animation|Cartoon|Martial arts}}

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