View source for Kung Fu Panda 3

{{Short description|2016 DreamWorks Animation film}}
{{For|the soundtrack|Kung Fu Panda 3 (soundtrack){{!}}''Kung Fu Panda 3'' (soundtrack)}}
{{Italic title}}
{{Use American English|date=September 2019}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2019}}
{{Infobox film
| name           = Kung Fu Panda 3
| image          = Kung Fu Panda 3 poster.jpg
| caption        = Theatrical release poster
| director       = {{plainlist|
* [[Jennifer Yuh Nelson]]
* [[Alessandro Carloni]]
}}
| producer       = Melissa Cobb
| writer         = [[Jonathan Aibel and Glenn Berger|Jonathan Aibel<br />Glenn Berger]]
| starring       = {{plainlist|
* [[Jack Black]]
* [[Bryan Cranston]]
* [[Dustin Hoffman]]
* [[Angelina Jolie]]
* [[J. K. Simmons]]
* [[Seth Rogen]]
* [[Lucy Liu]]
* [[David Cross]]
* [[Kate Hudson]]
* [[James Hong]]
* [[Randall Duk Kim]]
* [[Jackie Chan]]
}}
| music          = [[Hans Zimmer]]<ref name=KFP3Music>{{cite web |url=http://filmmusicreporter.com/2014/07/25/hans-zimmer-to-return-for-kung-fu-panda-3/ |title=Hans Zimmer to Return for 'Kung Fu Panda 3' |publisher=Film Music Reporter |date=July 25, 2014 |access-date=August 1, 2014 |archive-date=October 25, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141025215929/http://filmmusicreporter.com/2014/07/25/hans-zimmer-to-return-for-kung-fu-panda-3/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
| editing        = Clare Knight
| production_companies = {{Plainlist|
* [[DreamWorks Animation]]
* [[China Film Group Corporation]]
* [[Oriental DreamWorks]]
* Zhong Ming You Ying Film
}}
| distributor    = [[20th Century Fox]]
| released       = {{Film date|2016|01|23|China|2016|01|29|United States}}
| runtime        = 95 minutes<!--Theatrical runtime: 94:47--><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.bbfc.co.uk/releases/kung-fu-panda-3-film-0 | title=''KUNG FU PANDA 3'' [2D] (PG) | work=[[British Board of Film Classification]] | date=January 8, 2015|access-date=January 8, 2015 | archive-date=December 29, 2019| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191229065210/https://bbfc.co.uk/releases/kung-fu-panda-3-film-0 | url-status=live }}</ref>
| country        = {{plainlist|
* United States<ref name=bfi>{{cite web|url=https://www2.bfi.org.uk/films-tv-people/56b139423bd91|title=Kung Fu Panda 3 (2016)|work=[[British Film Institute]]|accessdate=2022-04-17|archive-date=April 17, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220417041341/https://www2.bfi.org.uk/films-tv-people/56b139423bd91|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* China<ref name=bfi/>
}}
| language       = English
| budget         = $145 million<ref name="BOM"/>
| gross          = $521 million<ref name="BOM">{{cite Box Office Mojo |id=2267968|title=Kung Fu Panda 3 |access-date=February 18, 2021}}</ref>
}}

'''''Kung Fu Panda 3 ''''' is a 2016 animated [[martial arts film|martial arts]] [[comedy film]] produced by [[DreamWorks Animation]], [[China Film Group Corporation]], [[Oriental DreamWorks]] and Zhong Ming You Ying Film, and distributed by [[20th Century Fox]]. It is the third installment in the [[Kung Fu Panda|''Kung Fu Panda'' franchise]] and the sequel to ''[[Kung Fu Panda 2]]'' (2011). The film was directed by [[Jennifer Yuh Nelson]] and [[Alessandro Carloni]] and written by the writing team of [[Jonathan Aibel and Glenn Berger]].

[[Jack Black]], [[Dustin Hoffman]], [[Angelina Jolie]], [[Jackie Chan]], [[Lucy Liu]], [[Seth Rogen]], [[David Cross]], and [[James Hong]] reprise their roles from the previous films, and [[Randall Duk Kim]] reprises his role of Oogway from the [[Kung Fu Panda (film)|first film]]. They are joined by [[Bryan Cranston]] (replacing [[Fred Tatasciore]], who went on to voice Master Bear), [[J. K. Simmons]] and [[Kate Hudson]] as new characters. In the film, [[Po (Kung Fu Panda)|Po]] is reunited with his birth father, and discovers the existence of a secret Panda Village, but must soon learn to master ''[[Qi|chi]]'' and prepare the pandas to fight against General Kai, a spirit warrior intent on destroying Master Oogway's legacy. The film is dedicated to the memory of [[Nancy Bernstein]], who served as Head of Production at DreamWorks Animation, and died on September 18, 2015.

''Kung Fu Panda 3'' premiered at the [[Grauman's Chinese Theatre|TCL Chinese Theatre]] in Los Angeles on January 16, 2016.<ref name="VarietyPerformersDragonsNoodles">{{cite news|last1=Flores|first1=Terry|title=DreamWorks Animation Celebrates 'Kung Fu Panda 3' With Chinese Performers, Dragons and Noodles|url=https://variety.com/2016/scene/vpage/chinese-performers-cuisine-highlight-kung-fu-panda-premiere-1201681664/|access-date=October 14, 2017|work=Variety|date=January 16, 2016|archive-date=October 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221013064758/https://variety.com/2016/scene/vpage/chinese-performers-cuisine-highlight-kung-fu-panda-premiere-1201681664/|url-status=live}}</ref> It received a [[limited release]] in China on January 23, for a sneak preview, and was released in the United States on January 29, in [[3D film|3D]]. It grossed $521 million worldwide against its $145 million budget, becoming the second-highest-grossing film released in the month of January (behind ''[[American Sniper]]''). The film received generally positive reviews with the [[Rotten Tomatoes]] critical consensus praises the visuals and narrative.<ref name=rt/> A [[Spin-off (media)|sequel]] [[animated series]], ''[[Kung Fu Panda: The Paws of Destiny]]'', aired on [[Amazon Prime Video]] from November 16, 2018, to July 4, 2019. Another animated series, ''[[Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight]]'', began airing on [[Netflix]] in July 2022, and features Black reprising his role as Po. A fourth film, ''[[Kung Fu Panda 4]]'', was theatrically released on March 8, 2024.

==Plot==
In the Spirit Realm, [[List of Kung Fu Panda characters#Oogway|Master Oogway]] fights General Kai, a spirit [[bull]] who has stolen the [[Qi|chi]] from all the other deceased [[Chinese martial arts|kung fu]] masters. He steals Oogway's chi, but not before Oogway warns Kai that someone is destined to stop him. Kai uses the stolen chi to return to the Mortal Realm and is enraged to find he has been forgotten from history.

Meanwhile, [[List of Kung Fu Panda characters#Shifu|Master Shifu]] announces his retirement from teaching and names [[Po (Kung Fu Panda)|Po]] as his successor. Po's first attempts to teach inadvertently injure the [[List of Kung Fu Panda characters#Furious Five|Furious Five]], and Shifu, who predicted the calamity, advises Po to teach more like himself and less like Shifu. Disheartened, Po returns home, where he meets Li Shan, a [[panda]] who received a message from the universe that his son was alive. Both quickly realize Li is Po's biological father and they immediately bond, much to the dismay and jealousy of Po's adoptive father, Mr. Ping.

After introducing Li to Shifu and the Five, Po and the Five defend the Valley of Peace from Kai's [[jade]] [[zombies]], the remains of the kung fu masters who had their chi stolen. The group learns that Kai and Oogway were once brothers-in-arms, and that Kai saved Oogway's life by taking him to a secret panda village after he was injured in battle. The pandas taught Oogway to give chi, but Kai learned to take chi from others for his own personal gain, forcing Oogway to banish him to the Spirit Realm. Li offers to take Po to the village to learn chi so he can defeat Kai, while Shifu and the Five prepare to protect the Valley. Mr. Ping travels with Po, hoping to drive a wedge between him and Li. At the village, Li tells Po he will teach him chi once he has learned to live like a panda.

Intent on erasing Oogway's legacy, Kai steals the chi of every living kung fu master, including Shifu, Crane, Mantis, Monkey, and Viper, and turns them into jade zombies, while Tigress escapes, tracks down Po and tells him what happened. When Po demands that Li teach him how to use chi immediately, Li confesses that he lied about knowing it out of fear of losing him again. Hurt by Li's misdirection, Po disowns him and trains alone to defeat Kai. Mr. Ping sympathizes with Li and assures him that Po will forgive him. While training, Po tells Tigress that he hopes to get close enough to Kai to put him in a Wuxi Finger Hold and send him back to the Spirit Realm. Li, Mr. Ping and the pandas ask Po to teach them kung fu so they can defeat Kai together. Realizing what earlier made him fail when attempting to teach, Po trains them not to imitate his kung fu, but instead to use their everyday activities as kung fu skills. Between training sessions, Po and Li reconcile.

Kai arrives with his jade zombies and attacks the village. Po's students fight them, distracting Kai long enough for Po to use the Wuxi Finger Hold on him. However, Kai reveals that the technique works only on mortals, not on spirit warriors like himself, then overpowers Po. To save the others, Po uses a trick from Shifu, grabs Kai and executes the Wuxi Finger Hold on himself, banishing them both to the Spirit Realm. Enraged, Kai furiously attacks Po and begins to steal his chi and turn him into a jade zombie. In the Mortal Realm, Li leads the others to give their chi to Po in the Spirit Realm, rejuvenating him and empowering his chi. As they fight, Po overloads Kai with excessive chi, returning the kung fu masters to normal and restoring their chi.

Po encounters Oogway, who reveals that he sent the message to Li, and explains that he chose Po as the Dragon Warrior because, as a panda, he had the potential to become a master of both kung fu and chi. Oogway proudly names Po his successor and gives him his mystic staff, which Po uses to return to the Mortal Realm. After happily reuniting with the others and his fathers, Po takes on his new role at the restored Jade Palace, where he trains the pandas and the residents of the Valley in kung fu and chi.

==Voice cast==
{{Main|List of Kung Fu Panda characters{{!}}List of ''Kung Fu Panda'' characters}}
{{div col}}
* [[Jack Black]] as [[Po (Kung Fu Panda)|Po]], the [[panda]] [[protagonist]] and the Dragon Warrior.
* [[J. K. Simmons]] as General Kai, a chi-stealing [[bull]] spirit warrior and former friend of Oogway.
* [[Bryan Cranston]] as Li Shan, Po's biological father.<ref name=TWLivingDream /><ref name=PRNCranston /><ref name=USATSneakPeak>{{cite web|last1=Alexander|first1=Bryan|title=Sneak peek: 'Panda 3' amps up bear count|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/movies/2015/06/10/kung-fu-panda-3-jack-black-bryan-cranston-rebel-wilson/28736983/|work=[[USA Today]]|access-date=June 11, 2015|date=June 10, 2015|archive-date=June 11, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150611000113/http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/movies/2015/06/10/kung-fu-panda-3-jack-black-bryan-cranston-rebel-wilson/28736983/|url-status=live}}</ref> Cranston replaces [[Fred Tatasciore]], who had briefly voiced Li Shan in ''[[Kung Fu Panda 2]]''.
* [[Angelina Jolie]] as Master Tigress, a [[South China tiger]]<ref name=PRNCranston /><ref name=USATVillain>{{cite news|last1=Alexander|first1=Bryan|title='Kung Fu Panda 3' unveils trailer, villain|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/movies/2015/06/17/kung-fu-panda-3-kai-villain-reveal-teaser-trailer/28811597/|access-date=June 18, 2015|work=[[USA Today]]|date=June 18, 2015|archive-date=June 20, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150620231544/http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/movies/2015/06/17/kung-fu-panda-3-kai-villain-reveal-teaser-trailer/28811597/|url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[Dustin Hoffman]] as Master Shifu, a [[red panda]] and Po’s master.<ref name=ColliderSynopses>{{cite web|last1=Chitwood|first1=Adam|title=Synopses Revealed for KUNG FU PANDA 3, JOY, THE MARTIAN, and More|url=https://collider.com/kung-fu-panda-3-synopsis-revealed-plus-synopses-for-the-martian-joy/|website=[[Collider (website)|Collider]]|access-date=April 25, 2015|date=April 23, 2015|archive-date=April 25, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150425165336/http://collider.com/kung-fu-panda-3-synopsis-revealed-plus-synopses-for-the-martian-joy/|url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[James Hong]] as Mr. Ping, Po's adoptive [[Chinese goose]] father.
* [[Jackie Chan]] as Master Monkey, a [[golden snub-nosed monkey]]
* [[Seth Rogen]] as Master Mantis, a [[Chinese mantis]]
* [[David Cross]] as Master Crane, a [[red-crowned crane]]
* [[Lucy Liu]] as Master Viper, a [[Trimeresurus stejnegeri|green tree-viper]]
* [[Randall Duk Kim]] as Grand Master Oogway, a [[tortoise]] and former friend of Kai.
* [[Kate Hudson]] as Mei Mei, a [[ribbon dancing]] panda.<ref name=TWLivingDream>{{cite web|last=Cooke|first=Nick|title=Living the Dream|url=https://issuu.com/johnnyfdesigns/docs/digital_edition_7db1ff96c80046/65|publisher=Toy World|access-date=March 11, 2015|date=January 2015|archive-date=April 12, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160412053424/https://issuu.com/johnnyfdesigns/docs/digital_edition_7db1ff96c80046/65|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=PRNCranston /><ref name=THRHudsonReplace>{{cite news|last1=Kit|first1=Borys|title=Kate Hudson to Replace Rebel Wilson in 'Kung Fu Panda 3' (Exclusive)|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/kate-hudson-replace-rebel-wilson-820343|access-date=September 4, 2015|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=September 4, 2015|archive-date=September 5, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150905053848/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/kate-hudson-replace-rebel-wilson-820343|url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[Steele Gagnon]] as Bao, a panda cub. 
* Liam Knight as Lei Lei, a panda cub. Knight previously voiced Baby Po in ''[[Kung Fu Panda 2]]''.
* [[Wayne Knight]] as Big Fun, Hom-Lee
* [[Barbara Dirikson]] as Grandma Panda
* [[Willie Geist]] as Sum
* [[Al Roker]] as Dim
* [[Jean-Claude Van Damme]] as Master Croc
* [[Fred Tatasciore]] as Master Bear. Tatasciore previously voiced Li Shan in ''[[Kung Fu Panda 2]]'' and Master Shifu in the ''[[Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness]]'' [[animated series]].
* Stephen Kearin as Master [[Chicken]]
* [[Pax Jolie-Pitt]] as Yoo
* [[Knox Jolie-Pitt]] as Ku Ku
* [[Zahara Jolie-Pitt]] as Meng Meng
* [[Shiloh Jolie-Pitt]] as Shuai Shuai
* [[Ming Tsai]] as Ming
* [[Mike Mitchell (director)|Mike Mitchell]] as Male Palace Goose, Smart Panda Villager
* Kelly Cooney as Female Palace Goose
* [[Mick Wingert]] as the Goose and Rabbit farmers. Wingert previously voiced Po in the ''[[Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness]]'' [[animated series]], further reprising the role after ''Kung Fu Panda 3'' in the direct [[Spin-off (media)|spin-off]] animated series ''[[Kung Fu Panda: The Paws of Destiny]]''.
{{div col end}}

==Production==
===Development===
In 2010, [[DreamWorks Animation]] (DWA) CEO [[Jeffrey Katzenberg]] announced that the ''[[Kung Fu Panda]]'' franchise was planned to have six movies, or "chapters", altogether.<ref name=Future>{{cite news|last=O'Hara|first=Helen|title=Katzenberg Talks DreamWorks Sequels |url=https://www.empireonline.com/news/story.asp?NID=29638|access-date=September 7, 2011 |newspaper=[[Empire (magazine)|Empire]] |date=December 3, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110531191349/http://www.empireonline.com/news/story.asp?NID=29638|archive-date=May 31, 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> In July 2012, ''Kung Fu Panda 3'' was officially confirmed by [[Bill Damaschke]], DWA's chief creative officer.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Oldham|first1=Stuart|last2=Maxwell|first2=Erin|title=Comic-Con: D'Works fires up 'Kung Fu Panda 3'|url=https://variety.com/2012/film/markets-festivals/comic-con-d-works-fires-up-kung-fu-panda-3-1118056504/|access-date=July 12, 2012|newspaper=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|date=July 12, 2012|archive-date=July 17, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120717024304/http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118056504|url-status=live}}</ref>

The film is a co-production between DreamWorks Animation and [[Oriental DreamWorks]], a [[Shanghai]]-based animation studio founded in 2012 as a partnership between DreamWorks Animation and Chinese companies. One third of the film was made in China, and the rest in the United States at DWA.<ref name=SeekingAlphaQ32012>{{cite news |title=DreamWorks Animation SKG Management Discusses Q3 2012 Results - Earnings Call Transcript |url=http://seekingalpha.com/article/971501-dreamworks-animation-skg-management-discusses-q3-2012-results-earnings-call-transcript?page=4&p=qanda&l=last |access-date=November 26, 2012 |newspaper=Seeking Alpha |date=November 1, 2012 |archive-date=April 13, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130413071322/http://seekingalpha.com/article/971501-dreamworks-animation-skg-management-discusses-q3-2012-results-earnings-call-transcript?page=4&p=qanda&l=last |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=THRProduction /> This was the first time that any major American animated feature film had been co-produced with a Chinese firm.<ref name=PRNXuhui>{{cite press release|author1=DreamWorks Animation|title=Rising Dreams in the Orient: Oriental DreamWorks To Establish Headquarters in Xuhui|url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/rising-dreams-in-the-orient-oriental-dreamworks-to-establish-headquarters-in-xuhui-165209436.html|publisher=PR Newswire|access-date=December 10, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121204165459/http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/rising-dreams-in-the-orient-oriental-dreamworks-to-establish-headquarters-in-xuhui-165209436.html|archive-date=December 4, 2012|date=August 6, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> The filmmakers worked closely with [[State Administration of Radio, Film, and Television#Role in regulating film, television, and internet content|SAPPRFT]] to ensure the film's release in China.<ref name=NYT011413>{{cite news|title=To Get Movies Into China, Hollywood Gives Censors a Preview|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/15/business/media/in-hollywood-movies-for-china-bureaucrats-want-a-say.html|access-date=January 15, 2013|newspaper=The New York Times|date=January 14, 2013|author=Michael Cieply|author2=Brooks Barnes|archive-date=January 15, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130115125525/http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/15/business/media/in-hollywood-movies-for-china-bureaucrats-want-a-say.html|url-status=live}}</ref> As a film with a co-production status in China, it allowed the production companies to circumvent the country's strict import quota, and take a greater share of box-office revenue than imported films.<ref name=THRProduction>{{cite news|last=Tsui|first=Clarence|title='Kung Fu Panda 3' to Begin Production in August|url=http://rewired.hollywoodreporter.com/news/kung-fu-panda-3-begin-569896|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130619233932/http://rewired.hollywoodreporter.com/news/kung-fu-panda-3-begin-569896|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 19, 2013|access-date=June 17, 2013|newspaper=The Hollywood Reporter|date=June 17, 2013}}</ref><ref name=DeadlineChinaStatus>{{cite web|last1=Jaafar|first1=Ali|title='Kung Fu Panda 3′ To Get China Co-Production Status|url=https://deadline.com/2015/01/kung-fu-panda-3-to-get-china-co-production-status-1201356517/|website=Deadline Hollywood|access-date=March 7, 2015|date=January 23, 2015|archive-date=March 13, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150313190123/http://deadline.com/2015/01/kung-fu-panda-3-to-get-china-co-production-status-1201356517/|url-status=live}}</ref> To ensure the film's success in China, in addition to the English version, the Chinese version of the film was also fully animated, making them the only versions that have the characters' lips synchronized with their voices.<ref name=VarietyPumpsUp>{{cite news|last1=Frater|first1=Patrick|title=Jeffrey Katzenberg Pumps Up 'Panda 3,' Puts Down Deal Talk|url=https://variety.com/2015/film/news/jeffrey-katzenberg-kung-fu-panda-1201475355/|access-date=April 19, 2015|work=Variety|date=April 19, 2015|archive-date=April 21, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150421223101/http://variety.com/2015/film/news/jeffrey-katzenberg-kung-fu-panda-1201475355/|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Casting===
''Kung Fu Panda 3'' saw the crew from the second film reunite, including director [[Jennifer Yuh Nelson]], producer Melissa Cobb, screenplay writers [[Jonathan Aibel and Glenn Berger]], and [[Guillermo del Toro]] as executive producer.<ref name=Slate2016>{{cite press release|author1=DreamWorks Animation SKG|title=New Distributor Twentieth Century Fox Unveils DreamWorks Animation's Release Slate Through 2016|url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-distributor-twentieth-century-fox-unveils-dreamworks-animations-release-slate-through-2016-169123176.html|publisher=PR Newswire|access-date=September 5, 2015|date=September 9, 2012|archive-date=October 6, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006094204/http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-distributor-twentieth-century-fox-unveils-dreamworks-animations-release-slate-through-2016-169123176.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Initially, Nelson was to direct the film alone, but by February 2015, [[Alessandro Carloni]] had joined her as a co-director. According to the report, Carloni, who had worked as an animation supervisor on the first film and a story artist on the second, joined Nelson after she requested strengthening "the director's bench" to ensure that the film be completed in a timely manner.<ref name=DeadlineCodirector>{{cite web|last1=Patten|first1=Dominic|title='Kung Fu Panda 3′ Gets Co-Director As DWA Looks To Shore Up Franchises|url=https://deadline.com/2015/02/kung-fu-panda-3-director-alessandro-carloni-jennifer-yuh-1201378811/|website=Deadline Hollywood|access-date=February 28, 2015|date=February 24, 2015|archive-date=February 27, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150227190239/http://deadline.com/2015/02/kung-fu-panda-3-director-alessandro-carloni-jennifer-yuh-1201378811/|url-status=live}}</ref>

On April 9, 2013, DreamWorks Animation announced that [[Rebel Wilson]], [[Bryan Cranston]] and [[Mads Mikkelsen]] had joined the cast.<ref name=PRNCranston /> By April 2015, [[J. K. Simmons]] had replaced Mikkelsen, whose character had been rewritten.<ref name=RotoMadsLeaves>{{cite web|last1=den Hartog|first1=Max|title=Mads Mikkelsen Leaves 'Kung fu Panda 3′ Voice Cast + More New Details!|url=http://www.rotoscopers.com/2015/04/27/mads-mikkelsen-leaves-kung-fu-panda-3-voice-cast-more-new-details/|publisher=Rotoscopers|access-date=April 27, 2015|date=April 27, 2015|quote=The studio confirmed that Mads Mikkelsen is indeed no longer on the project, but because his character has been rewritten.|archive-date=May 2, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150502214942/http://www.rotoscopers.com/2015/04/27/mads-mikkelsen-leaves-kung-fu-panda-3-voice-cast-more-new-details/|url-status=live}}</ref> Five months later, Wilson was replaced by [[Kate Hudson]] due to an extended production schedule.<ref name=THRHudsonReplace /> The studio had to reanimate previously completed scenes to reflect Hudson's interpretation of the character.<ref name=THRHudsonReplace />

The film's antagonist, General Kai, is the first supernatural villain of the ''Kung Fu Panda'' film series.<ref name=EWSuperVillain /> Described by del Toro as "the most formidable villain yet",<ref>{{cite news |last=Chitwood |first=Adam |title=Guillermo del Toro Talks Puss in Boots 2, Kung Fu Panda 3 & Trollhunters; Says Panda 3 Has the 'Most Formidable Villain in the Series' |url=https://collider.com/puss-in-boots-2-sequel-kung-fu-panda-3-guillermo-del-toro/210271/ |access-date=November 12, 2012 |publisher=Collider.com |date=November 12, 2012 |archive-date=November 13, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121113175611/http://collider.com/puss-in-boots-2-sequel-kung-fu-panda-3-guillermo-del-toro/210271/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> the creators wanted him to stand apart from his predecessors.<ref name=EWSuperVillain /> Nelson reasoned, "You can't go brawler because Tai Lung was brawler. You can't go smarter because Shen was smarter. Where can you go? You have to go supernatural, bigger, and even more intimidating."<ref name=EWSuperVillain>{{cite magazine|last1=Smith|first1=C. Molly|title=Kung Fu Panda 3 filmmaker explains why Kai is the series' first supernatural villain|url=https://www.ew.com/article/2015/07/28/kung-fu-panda-3-co-director-first-supernatural-villain-hes-villain-po|access-date=September 5, 2015|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|date=July 28, 2015|archive-date=September 1, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150901115227/http://www.ew.com/article/2015/07/28/kung-fu-panda-3-co-director-first-supernatural-villain-hes-villain-po|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Music===
{{Main|Kung Fu Panda 3 (soundtrack){{!}}''Kung Fu Panda 3'' (soundtrack)}}
On July 25, 2014, it was announced that [[Hans Zimmer]], who co-scored the first two ''Kung Fu Panda'' movies with [[John Powell (composer)|John Powell]], would return to score the film.<ref name=KFP3Music /> The score is performed by the [[The London Session Orchestra|London Session Orchestra]], includes choir pieces performed by [[Metro Voices|The Metro Voices]] and Shanghai Roxi Musical Studio Choirs, and features performances from renowned Asian musicians, such as Chinese pianist [[Lang Lang (pianist)|Lang Lang]], Chinese cellist [[Jian Wang (cellist)|Jian Wang]], ''[[erhu]]'' musician [[Guo Gan]], Chinese [[pipa]] player [[Wu Man]], Taiwanese pop singer [[Jay Chou]], and Canadian-Taiwanese singer [[Patrick Brasca]], who, with Chou, performs the main theme, "Try", in the end credits.

The soundtrack album was released January 29, 2016, on [[Sony Classical Records|Sony Classical]].<ref>{{cite web |author=陈博渊 |url=http://www.china.org.cn/arts/2015-11/07/content_37005429.htm |title=Jay Chou sings for very Chinese 'Kung Fu Panda 3' |publisher=China.org.cn |date= |accessdate=2022-08-05 |archive-date=April 20, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160420153039/http://www.china.org.cn/arts/2015-11/07/content_37005429.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> Powell did not return for the third installment, but, despite this, most of the themes on which he collaborated with Zimmer were worked into the score. Many themes from the score contain portions of the [[garage rock]] song, "[[I'm So Sorry]]", by the American [[pop rock|pop-rock]] band, [[Imagine Dragons]]. For the soundtrack, the song was portioned in the tracks, "The Arrival of Kai", "The Hall of Heroes", "The Legend of Kai", "Jaded", "Po Belongs", "Kai Is Closer", "The Battle of Legends" and "The Spirit Realm". The soundtrack also includes additional music composed by Chinese-American composer [[Nathan Wang]], and Scottish composers [[Lorne Balfe]], and [[Paul Mounsey]]. The orchestrator for the ethnic instruments overdub sessions was Derrick Werlé.

==Release==
[[File:Jack Black (25747103295).jpg|thumb|Jack Black at the film's Australian premiere in [[Sydney]] in 2016]]

===Theatrical ===
In September 2012, it was announced that ''Kung Fu Panda 3'' would be released on March 18, 2016.<ref name=Slate2016 /> On April 9, 2013, the film's release date was moved back to December 23, 2015.<ref name=PRNCranston>{{cite press release|title=DreamWorks Animation Packs A Powerful Punch With New Cast Additions For Kung Fu Panda 3|url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dreamworks-animation-packs-a-powerful-punch-with-new-cast-additions-for-kung-fu-panda-3-202219191.html|publisher=PR Newswire|access-date=January 30, 2014|author=DreamWorks Animation|date=April 9, 2013|archive-date=February 1, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201203620/http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dreamworks-animation-packs-a-powerful-punch-with-new-cast-additions-for-kung-fu-panda-3-202219191.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In December 2014, the film was pushed forward to its original release date of March 18, 2016, to avoid competition with ''[[Star Wars: The Force Awakens]]''.<ref>{{cite news|title='Kung Fu Panda 3' Moves Out of 2015 to Avoid 'Star Wars'|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/kung-fu-panda-3-moves-756636|access-date=December 11, 2014|newspaper=The Hollywood Reporter|date=December 11, 2014|archive-date=January 3, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150103233552/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/kung-fu-panda-3-moves-756636|url-status=live}}</ref> In April 2015, the release date was again shifted, this time to January 29, 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/kung-fu-panda-3-release-788851|title='Kung Fu Panda 3' Release Date Moves Up Two Months|author=Rebecca Ford|work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|publisher=([[Prometheus Global Media]])|date=April 14, 2015|access-date=April 15, 2015|archive-date=April 17, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150417191205/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/kung-fu-panda-3-release-788851|url-status=live}}</ref> [[AMC Theatres]] partnered with Fox and DreamWorks Animation to play the movie in [[Mandarin Chinese|Mandarin]] at seven theaters, and in Spanish at 14 locations in the U.S and Canada, creating a mix of subtitled and dubbed formats of ''Kung Fu Panda 3''. This marked the first time that AMC presented a major theatrical release in Mandarin.<ref name="track"/> The film had a [[Simultaneous release|day-and-date release]] in [[South Korea]], [[Russia]], [[Ukraine]], [[Jamaica]], [[Puerto Rico]] and [[China]] January 28, and in the U.S. and Canada January 29. Other markets followed in March and April.<ref name="Deadlinetrack"/><ref name="BOMtrack"/>{{Update inline|date=June 2020}} According to ''[[Deadline Hollywood]]'', the strategy behind such a staggered release was to take advantage of certain opportunistic dates that presented themselves, such as the [[Chinese New Year]] in February for China.<ref name="Deadlinetrack"/>

===Home media ===
The film was released on [[Blu-ray]] and [[DVD]] on June 28, 2016. On June 6, 2024, it was announced that ''Kung Fu Panda 3'' was released on Peacock on June 26, 2024.

==Reception==

===Box office===
''Kung Fu Panda 3'' grossed $143.5 million in the United States and Canada, and $377.6 million in other territories, for a worldwide total of $521.2 million; it is the lowest-grossing film in the series.<ref name=BOM /> According to ''Deadline Hollywood'', the film made a net profit of $80.65 million, making it one of the top-20 most profitable releases of 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2017/03/kung-fu-panda-3-box-office-profit-2016-1202048256/|title=No. 16 'Kung Fu Panda 3' Box Office Profits – 2016 Most Valuable Movie Blockbuster Tournament|author=Mike Fleming Jr|website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|date=March 22, 2017|access-date=March 23, 2017|archive-date=March 22, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170322220701/http://deadline.com/2017/03/kung-fu-panda-3-box-office-profit-2016-1202048256/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In the United States and Canada, early speculation anticipated that the film would open to about $40–45 million from 3,955 theaters, with [[Box Office Mojo]] reporting as high as a $53 million opening, on par with ''Kung Fu Panda 2''{{'}}s $47.7 million opening in 2011, but a significant decrease from the first film's $60.2 million opening in 2008.<ref name="track">{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2016/01/kung-fu-panda-3-finest-hours-fifty-shade-of-black-jane-got-a-gun-box-office-preview-1201691337/|title='Kung Fu Panda 3' Will Dig Box Office Out Of The Snow With $40M+ Opening – Preview|author=Anthony D'Alessandro|website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|date=January 27, 2016|access-date=January 28, 2016|archive-date=January 28, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160128030749/http://deadline.com/2016/01/kung-fu-panda-3-finest-hours-fifty-shade-of-black-jane-got-a-gun-box-office-preview-1201691337/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="THRtrack">{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/box-office-preview-kung-fu-859817|title=Box-Office Preview: 'Kung Fu Panda 3' Prepares to Capsize 'The Finest Hours'|author=Pamela McClintock|work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|date=January 27, 2016|access-date=January 28, 2016|archive-date=January 29, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160129051702/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/box-office-preview-kung-fu-859817|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Varietytrack">{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2016/film/box-office/kung-fu-panda-3-box-office-us-debut-1201690227/|title='Kung Fu Panda 3' to Deliver a Punch to the U.S. Box Office|author=Dave McNary|work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|date=January 27, 2016|access-date=January 28, 2016|archive-date=January 29, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160129080621/https://variety.com/2016/film/box-office/kung-fu-panda-3-box-office-us-debut-1201690227/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="BOMtrack">{{cite web|url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/news/?id=4149|title=Weekend Preview: 'Kung Fu Panda 3' To Top 'Fifty Shades of Black' and 'Finest Hours'|author=Brad Brevet|work=[[Box Office Mojo]]|date=January 28, 2016|access-date=January 29, 2016|archive-date=January 29, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160129083719/http://www.boxofficemojo.com/news/?id=4149|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.ew.com/article/2016/01/28/box-office-preview-kung-fu-panda-3-finest-hours-fifty-shades-of-black|title=Box office preview: Kung Fu Panda 3 eyes $40+ million opening|author=Devan Coggan|magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]|date=January 28, 2016|access-date=January 29, 2016|archive-date=January 29, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160129181803/http://www.ew.com/article/2016/01/28/box-office-preview-kung-fu-panda-3-finest-hours-fifty-shades-of-black|url-status=live}}</ref> However, DreamWorks Animation and Fox gave a more conservative estimate of a "mid-$40 million" opening.<ref name="THRtrack"/> Paul Dergarabedian, a senior analyst at [[Rentrak]], said that the film's opening "should land somewhere between the first two installments", noting that the film will likely appeal to families "with few options for appropriate entertainment at the multiplex of late".<ref name="Varietytrack"/> On January 27, two days before the film's release, [[Fandango (website)|Fandango]] reported that ''Kung Fu Panda 3'' was the top advance-ticket seller for the weekend, outperforming previous DreamWorks Animation films, ''[[Home (2015 film)|Home]]'' and ''Kung Fu Panda 2'', at the same point in their sale cycles.<ref name="track" /> Box-office pundits also noted that the film did not face any serious competition with other new releases, such as ''[[The Finest Hours (2016 film)|The Finest Hours]]'' and ''[[Fifty Shades of Black]]'', nor with holdovers ''[[The Revenant (2015 film)|The Revenant]]'' and ''[[Star Wars: The Force Awakens]]''; all were expected to gross close to $10 million.<ref name="track"/>

In North America, ''Kung Fu Panda 3'' topped the box office in its debut weekend, with $41.3 million, making it the best opening weekend for an animated film in January, and the third-highest weekend debut ever for the month.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2016/02/weekend-box-office-kung-fu-panda-3-finest-hours-fifty-shades-of-black-1201692571/|title='Kung Fu Panda 3' Gets Leg Up On Fierce 1st Quarter & Scores Record January Toon Opening – Monday B.O. Postmortem|author=Anthony D'Alessandro|work=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|date=February 1, 2016|access-date=March 11, 2019|archive-date=April 12, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220412003904/https://deadline.com/2016/02/weekend-box-office-kung-fu-panda-3-finest-hours-fifty-shades-of-black-1201692571/|url-status=live}}</ref> The film continued to top the North American box office during its second weekend, grossing $21.2 million.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.providencejournal.com/entertainmentlife/20160211/at-box-office-kung-fu-panda-3-keeps-top-spot|title=At the Box Office: 'Kung Fu Panda 3' keeps top spot|author=Anthony D'Alessandro|agency=[[Associated Press]]|date=February 11, 2016|access-date=March 11, 2019|archive-date=May 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210524225923/https://www.providencejournal.com/entertainmentlife/20160211/at-box-office-kung-fu-panda-3-keeps-top-spot|url-status=live}}</ref>

In China, expectations were high for the film, with Nancy Tartaglione of ''Deadline Hollywood'' anticipating a bigger opening weekend than in the U.S., and a higher total gross. Conservative estimates for ''Kung Fu Panda 3'''s opening in China ranged from $35 million to $50 million.<ref name="Deadlinetrack">{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2016/01/kung-fu-panda-3-china-international-box-office-preview-1201691538/|title='Kung Fu Panda 3' China Debut To Dominate U.S. In Day-And-Date Release|author=Nancy Tartaglione|website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|date=January 27, 2016|access-date=January 28, 2016|archive-date=January 28, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160128024914/http://deadline.com/2016/01/kung-fu-panda-3-china-international-box-office-preview-1201691538/|url-status=live}}</ref> Before the film's official Chinese release, it was already projected to surpass ''[[Monkey King: Hero Is Back]]'' as the country's highest-grossing animated film — it had earned $153 million at the box office in 2015<ref name="CFItrack">{{cite web|url=http://chinafilminsider.com/bear-hug-commence-kung-fu-panda/|title=On Screen China: Let the Bear Hug Commence—'Kung Fu Panda 3'|author=Jonathan Papish|work=China Film Insider|date=January 29, 2016|access-date=January 29, 2016|archive-date=January 30, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160130161150/http://chinafilminsider.com/bear-hug-commence-kung-fu-panda/|url-status=live}}</ref> — because ''Kung Fu Panda 3'' had the advantages of opening a week before the Chinese New Year and [[Valentine's Day]], as well as debuting during the school holidays in the [[Lunar New Year]] "blackout" period that prohibits the release of foreign films; it therefore did not face competition from major Hollywood productions.<ref name="Deadlinetrack" /><ref name="CFItrack" />

The film had a [[limited theatrical release]] in China January 22, 2016, a week before its release in the United States. A three-hour special sneak preview was screened, earning $6.4 million from two different versions of the film,<ref name="THR">{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/china-box-office-kung-fu-858877|title=China Box Office: 'Kung Fu Panda 3' Earns Impressive $6.4M in Previews|author=Patrick Brzeski|work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|date=January 25, 2016|access-date=January 26, 2016|archive-date=March 31, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190331220041/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/china-box-office-kung-fu-858877|url-status=live}}</ref> topping the daily box-office charts.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://m.screendaily.com/5099346.article|title=China Box Office: 'Star Wars' holds lead; 'Kung Fu Panda 3' previews strongly|author=Silvia Wong|work=[[Screendaily]]|date=January 26, 2016|access-date=January 28, 2016|archive-date=February 6, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160206113518/http://m.screendaily.com/5099346.article|url-status=live}}</ref> Buoyed by [[word of mouth]],<ref name="CFItrack" /> the film had a single-day opening of $16.3 million, the biggest of 2016 to that point, earning a total of $23.1 million, including previews from its Saturday showings, giving ''Kung Fu Panda 3'' one of China's highest-grossing openings.<ref name="FDay1">{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/scottmendelson/2016/01/29/box-office-kung-fu-panda-3-opens-to-16-3m-in-china-has-now-earned-23-1m/#546c7ff331c8|title='Kung Fu Panda 3' China Box Office: A Huge $16.3M Debut For A Boffo $23.1M Total|author=Scott Mendelson|work=[[Forbes]]|date=January 29, 2016|access-date=January 29, 2016|archive-date=February 1, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160201020401/http://www.forbes.com/sites/scottmendelson/2016/01/29/box-office-kung-fu-panda-3-opens-to-16-3m-in-china-has-now-earned-23-1m/#546c7ff331c8|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Critical response===
On [[Rotten Tomatoes]], the film holds a approval rating of 87%, based on 179 reviews, with an average rating of 6.90/10. The site's critical consensus reads, "''Kung Fu Panda 3'' boasts the requisite visual splendor, but like its rotund protagonist, this sequel's narrative is also surprisingly nimble, adding up to animated fun for the whole family."<ref name="rt">{{cite Rotten Tomatoes|id=kung_fu_panda_3|type=m|title=Kung Fu Panda 3|access-date=February 6, 2024}}</ref> On [[Metacritic]], the film has a score of 66 out of 100, based on 34 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews".<ref>{{cite Metacritic|id=kung-fu-panda-3|type=movie|title=Kung Fu Panda 3|access-date=July 23, 2021}}</ref> Audiences polled by [[CinemaScore]] gave the film an average grade of "A" on a scale of A+ to F.<ref name="CinemaScore">{{cite web |first=Anthony |last=D'Alessandro |url=https://deadline.com/2016/02/weekend-box-office-kung-fu-panda-3-finest-hours-fifty-shades-of-black-1201692571/ |title='Kung Fu Panda 3' Gets Leg Up On Fierce 1st Quarter & Scores Record January Toon Opening – Monday B.O. Postmortem |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |date=February 1, 2016 |access-date=May 1, 2022 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220412003904/https://deadline.com/2016/02/weekend-box-office-kung-fu-panda-3-finest-hours-fifty-shades-of-black-1201692571/ |archive-date=April 12, 2022}}</ref>

[[IGN]] gave the film a score of 8.5 out of 10, commenting that "''Kung Fu Panda 3'' offers a fun-filled, action-packed conclusion to DreamWorks' endearing animated series".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://uk.ign.com/articles/2016/01/27/kung-fu-panda-3-review|title = Kung Fu Panda 3 Review - IGN|date = January 27, 2016}}</ref> [[Screen Rant]] awarded it 2.5 out of 5, saying, "At times, it's a beautiful movie, filled with likable characters, as well as digestible gags, that should keep kids smiling and giggling–but, with a plethora of more ambitious animated options out there, passable might not justify the money (or time) required for a viewing."<ref>{{cite web|title = Kung Fu Panda 3 Review|url = https://screenrant.com/kung-fu-panda-3-reviews/|website = Screen Rant|date = January 29, 2016|access-date = February 2, 2016|language = en-US|archive-date = February 2, 2016|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160202070633/http://screenrant.com/kung-fu-panda-3-reviews/|url-status = live}}</ref> [[Glenn Kenny]] of [[RogerEbert.com]] awarded ''Kung Fu Panda 3'' three stars out of four, and wrote that the film, "in spite of its abundant action–and for all the interspecies mashups, this is as much an action-adventure animated movie as it is a funny-animal animated movie–is a pretty relaxing experience for the adult viewer".<ref>{{cite web|title = Kung Fu Panda 3 Movie Review & Film Summary (2016) {{!}} Roger Ebert|url = https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/kung-fu-panda-3-2016|website = www.rogerebert.com|access-date = February 2, 2016|first = Glenn|last = Kenny|archive-date = January 31, 2016|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160131233706/http://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/kung-fu-panda-3-2016|url-status = live}}</ref>

[[Justin Chang]] of ''[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]'' gave a positive review, saying that "a winning lightness of touch prevails in this delightful continuation of the durable DreamWorks franchise".<ref>{{cite web|last1=Chang|first1=Justin|date=2016-01-16|title=Film Review: 'Kung Fu Panda 3'|url=https://variety.com/2016/film/reviews/kung-fu-panda-3-review-1201680767/|access-date=2021-03-28|website=Variety|language=en-US|archive-date=February 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210226045425/https://variety.com/2016/film/reviews/kung-fu-panda-3-review-1201680767/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Christian Holub of ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]'' gave ''Kung Fu Panda 3'' a rating of B, commenting that the film was "just complicated enough to reward steady viewers and just simple enough for parent escorts to enjoy without much prior knowledge".<ref>{{cite web|title = 'Kung Fu Panda 3': EW review|url = https://www.ew.com/article/2016/01/27/kung-fu-panda-3-review|website = Entertainment Weekly's EW.com|access-date = February 2, 2016|archive-date = February 2, 2016|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160202014602/http://www.ew.com/article/2016/01/27/kung-fu-panda-3-review|url-status = live}}</ref>

Michael Rechtshaffen of ''[[The Hollywood Reporter]]'' wrote, "While the storyline, in which Jack Black's dumpling-downing Dragon Warrior is reunited with his biological father, doesn't quite fulfill its prophecies, dramatically speaking, visually speaking it's all quite impressive–one of those very rare animated features that completely justifies its 3D glasses."<ref>{{cite web|title = 'Kung Fu Panda 3': Film Review|url = https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/kung-fu-panda-3-film-856347|website = The Hollywood Reporter|date = January 16, 2016|access-date = February 2, 2016|archive-date = January 20, 2016|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160120001724/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/kung-fu-panda-3-film-856347|url-status = live}}</ref>

Marter Parkinson of ''[[The Escapist (magazine)|The Escapist]]'' gave the film three stars out of five, saying that "''Kung Fu Panda 3'' can best be described as 'another one'", and called it "just a slight variation of the story told in the first film", as well as "a step down from the second film", but concluded that "it's a perfectly fine film, and if all you want is 'more of the same,' it won't disappoint".<ref>{{cite web|title = Kung Fu Panda 3 – Is the Third Time the Charm for Fat Pandas?|url = http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/moviesandtv/reviews/cinemarter/15361-Kung-Fu-Panda-3-2016-Movie-Review.2#&gid=gallery_5558&pid=1|website = The Escapist|date = January 30, 2016|access-date = February 2, 2016|archive-date = February 4, 2016|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160204041419/http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/moviesandtv/reviews/cinemarter/15361-Kung-Fu-Panda-3-2016-Movie-Review.2#&gid=gallery_5558&pid=1|url-status = dead}}</ref>

''[[Forbes]]'' gave a mixed review, negatively comparing ''Kung Fu Panda 3'' to its predecessors, and describing it as "a comedown from the first two superb entries", but conceding that the film was "visually gorgeous and generally entertaining".<ref>{{cite web|title = Review: 'Kung Fu Panda 3' Is A Merely Good Entry In A Great Franchise|url = https://www.forbes.com/sites/scottmendelson/2016/01/18/review-kung-fu-panda-3-is-a-merely-good-installment-in-a-great-franchise/|website = Forbes|access-date = February 2, 2016|first = Scott|last = Mendelson|archive-date = January 23, 2016|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160123011928/http://www.forbes.com/sites/scottmendelson/2016/01/18/review-kung-fu-panda-3-is-a-merely-good-installment-in-a-great-franchise/|url-status = live}}</ref>

===Accolades===
Unlike its predecessors, this is the first Kung Fu Panda film not to be nominated for an [[Academy Awards|Academy Award]]. At the [[44th Annie Awards]], ''Kung Fu Panda 3'' received nominations for [[Annie Award for Best Animated Feature|Best Animated Feature]], [[Annie Award for Outstanding Achievement for Animated Effects in an Animated Production|Outstanding Achievement for Animated Effects in an Animated Production]], [[Annie Award for Outstanding Achievement for Character Animation in a Feature Production|Outstanding Achievement for Character Animation in a Feature Production]], and [[Annie Award for Outstanding Achievement for Production Design in an Animated Feature Production|Outstanding Achievement for Production Design in an Animated Feature Production]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Giardina |first=Carolyn |date=February 4, 2017 |title=Annies: ''Zootopia'' Wins Big With 6 Awards Including Best Animated Feature |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lists/annie-awards-winners-2017-list-full-966476/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170205111817/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lists/annie-awards-winners-2017-list-full-966476/ |archive-date=February 5, 2017 |access-date=October 15, 2022 |website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] }}</ref> Jack Black was nominated for Best Virtual Performance at the [[2016 MTV Movie Awards]], and Most Wanted Pet at the [[2017 Kids' Choice Awards]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 9, 2016 |title=MTV Movie Awards Winners: Complete List |url=https://variety.com/2016/film/news/mtv-movie-awards-winner-list-2016-complete-1201748543/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220320235116/https://variety.com/2016/film/news/mtv-movie-awards-winner-list-2016-complete-1201748543/ |archive-date=March 20, 2022 |access-date=October 14, 2022 |website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=March 11, 2017 |title=Kids' Choice Awards: The Winners List |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lists/kids-choice-awards-complete-list-winners-982509/favorite-kids-show-2/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210827004432/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lists/kids-choice-awards-complete-list-winners-982509/favorite-kids-show-2/ |archive-date=August 27, 2021 |access-date=October 14, 2022 |website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] }}</ref> The film was also nominated at the [[Golden Trailer Awards]] for Best Animation/Family TV Spot,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lee |first=Ashley |date=April 8, 2016 |title=Universal, Fox Top Golden Trailer Awards Nominees |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/golden-trailer-awards-2016-nominees-882068/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220430110025/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/golden-trailer-awards-2016-nominees-882068/ |archive-date=April 30, 2022 |access-date=October 14, 2022 |website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Nolfi |first=Joey |date=May 5, 2016 |title=2016 Golden Trailer Awards winners list |url=https://ew.com/article/2016/05/05/2016-golden-trailer-awards-winners-list-spotlight/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220430110039/https://ew.com/article/2016/05/05/2016-golden-trailer-awards-winners-list-spotlight/ |archive-date=April 30, 2022 |access-date=October 14, 2022 |magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]}}</ref> and the [[British Academy Children's Awards]] for Kid's Vote — Film.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Children's in 2016 |url=http://awards.bafta.org/award/2016/childrens |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161020040810/http://awards.bafta.org/award/2016/childrens |archive-date=October 20, 2016 |access-date=November 28, 2023 |publisher=[[British Academy of Film and Television Arts]]}}</ref> It earned a pair of nominations for Best Animated Film from the [[Saturn Awards]] and the [[Georgia Film Critics Association Awards]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nakamura |first=Reid |date=February 24, 2016 |title=''Star Wars: The Force Awakens'' Leads Saturn Awards Nominees |url=https://www.thewrap.com/star-wars-the-force-awakens-leads-saturn-awards-nominees/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220321000705/https://www.thewrap.com/star-wars-the-force-awakens-leads-saturn-awards-nominees/ |archive-date=March 21, 2022 |access-date=October 15, 2022 |website=[[TheWrap]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Cohen |first=David S. |date=June 23, 2016 |title=''The Force Awakens'' Rings Up Eight Saturn Awards |url=https://variety.com/2016/film/awards/saturn-awards-winners-2016-star-wars-crimson-peak-walking-dead-hannibal-william-shatner-bruce-campbell-1201802152/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161228123946/http://variety.com/2016/film/awards/saturn-awards-winners-2016-star-wars-crimson-peak-walking-dead-hannibal-william-shatner-bruce-campbell-1201802152/ |archive-date=December 28, 2016 |access-date=October 15, 2022 |website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Dietz |first=Jason |date=November 29, 2016 |title=Best of 2016: Film Awards & Nominations Scorecard |url=https://www.metacritic.com/feature/2016-film-awards-and-nominations-scorecard |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220920230044/https://www.metacritic.com/feature/2016-film-awards-and-nominations-scorecard |archive-date=September 20, 2022 |access-date=October 15, 2022 |website=[[Metacritic]] }}</ref>

==Video game==
{{Main|Kung Fu Panda: Showdown of Legendary Legends{{!}}''Kung Fu Panda: Showdown of Legendary Legends''}}
''Kung Fu Panda: Showdown of Legendary Legends'' is a fighting video game that features characters from all three ''Kung Fu Panda'' films.<ref name=PRNiOrbitKicks>{{cite web|author1=Little Orbit|title=Little Orbit Kicks Off Totally Epic ''Kung Fu Panda: Showdown of Legendary Legends'' Video Game|url=http://www.ireachcontent.com/news-releases/little-orbit-kicks-off-totally-epic-kung-fu-panda-showdown-of-legendary-legends-video-game-502402021.html|publisher=PR Newswire iReach|access-date=August 1, 2015|date=May 4, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170324080736/http://www.ireachcontent.com/news-releases/little-orbit-kicks-off-totally-epic-kung-fu-panda-showdown-of-legendary-legends-video-game-502402021.html|archive-date=March 24, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> Developed by [[Vicious Cycle Software]], and published by Little Orbit, the game was released December 1, 2015, for [[Microsoft Windows]], [[Xbox 360]], [[PlayStation 3]], [[Nintendo 3DS]], [[Xbox One]] and [[PlayStation 4]].<ref name=GamasutraShowdownLaunches /> The [[Wii U]] version was released December 15, 2015.<ref name=GamasutraShowdownLaunches>{{cite press release|author1=Little Orbit|title=''Kung Fu Panda: Showdown of Legendary Legends'' Video Game Launches Today|url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/pressreleases/260651/KUNG_FU_PANDA_SHOWDOWN_OF_LEGENDARY_LEGENDS_VIDEO_GAMELAUNCHES_TODAY.php|publisher=Gamasutra|access-date=December 5, 2015|date=December 1, 2015|archive-date=December 7, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151207000007/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/pressreleases/260651/KUNG_FU_PANDA_SHOWDOWN_OF_LEGENDARY_LEGENDS_VIDEO_GAMELAUNCHES_TODAY.php|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Future==
===Sequel===
{{Main|Kung Fu Panda 4{{!}}''Kung Fu Panda 4''}}
On December 3, 2010, then-DreamWorks Animation CEO Jeffrey Katzenberg officially confirmed that the series could see three more sequels after ''Kung Fu Panda 3'', bringing it to a six-film series.<ref name=Future /> On January 13, 2016, [[Collider (website)|Collider]] asked the filmmakers of ''Kung Fu Panda 3'' about the possibility of a fourth film, with co-director Jennifer Yuh Nelson answering, "It's one at a time. We want to make this a perfect jewel, and then we'll see what happens after that," and co-director Alessandro Carloni replying, "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 name=Collider>{{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=January 14, 2016|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 any updates on ''Kung Fu Panda 4'', Nelson replied that she did not know and had always seen the series as a trilogy, but that she was open to the idea of a fourth installment, as long as the focus remained on Po.<ref name=metro>{{cite news|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=February 5, 2019|publisher=Metro|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>

On August 12, 2022, DreamWorks Animation officially confirmed that ''Kung Fu Panda 4'' was in production and set to be released on March 8, 2024.<ref>{{cite news|last1=D'Alessandro|first1=Anthony|title=DreamWorks Animation's 'Kung Fu Panda 4' Is Happening; Universal Sets 2024 Release|url=https://deadline.com/2022/08/dreamworks-animations-kung-fu-panda-4-is-happening-universal-sets-2024-release-1235091150/|access-date=August 12, 2022|work=Deadline Hollywood|date=August 12, 2022|archive-date=August 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220816145106/https://deadline.com/2022/08/dreamworks-animations-kung-fu-panda-4-is-happening-universal-sets-2024-release-1235091150/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In April 2023, during [[CinemaCon]], it was announced that director [[Mike Mitchell (director)|Mike Mitchell]] will direct the film, with Stephanie Ma Stine as a co-director and Rebecca Huntley as a producer. Black revealed the story, which follows Po trying to find a new Dragon Warrior in a fox named Zhen while facing a new villain, the Chameleon, who can bring back to life deceased villains like Tai Lung, Lord Shen, and General Kai.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Giardina |first1=Carolyn |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/ |website=The Hollywood Reporter |access-date=29 April 2023 |date=26 April 2023 |archive-date=May 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230505092153/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/trolls-band-together-kung-fu-panda-4-cinemacon-1235403300/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

On December 12, 2023, it was announced that [[Awkwafina]], [[Viola Davis]] and [[Ke Huy Quan]] would join the cast, playing Zhen, Chameleon and Han, respectively.<ref>{{Cite Instagram |user=kungfupanda |postid=C0wkZxEpPuy |title=The #KungFuPanda family just got bigger. Welcome @awkwafina and @violadavis. See the trailer for #KungFuPanda4 tomorrow. |date=December 12, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite tweet |user=DiscussingFilm |number=1734610539966578707|title=Ke Huy Quan and Viola Davis have been cast in 'KUNG FU PANDA 4'.}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Gearan |first=Hannah |date=2023-12-12 |title=Kung Fu Panda 4 Synopsis Revealed As Two Oscar-Winners Join Voice Cast |url=https://screenrant.com/kung-fu-panda-4-synopsis-cast-update/ |access-date=2023-12-13 |website=ScreenRant |language=en}}</ref> It was also announced that Dustin Hoffman, Ian McShane, Bryan Cranston and James Hong would reprise their roles from the previous films.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.comingsoon.net/movies/news/1438674-kung-fu-panda-4-cast-viola-davis-awkwafina-join-dreamworks-sequel|title=Kung Fu Panda 4 Cast: Viola Davis & Awkwafina Join DreamWorks Sequel|last=Legacy|first=Spencer|date=December 12, 2023}}</ref>

===Television series===
{{Main|Kung Fu Panda: The Paws of Destiny{{!}}''Kung Fu Panda: The Paws of Destiny''|Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight{{!}}''Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight''}}
On April 12, 2018, a [[Spin-off (media)|spin-off]] animated series of ''Kung Fu Panda 3'', titled ''[[Kung Fu Panda: The Paws of Destiny]]'', received a 26-episode order from [[Amazon Prime Video]].<ref name="POD">{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2018/04/new-rocky-bullwinkle-kung-fu-panda-series-from-dreamworks-ani-tv-headed-to-amazon-1202362999/ |title=New 'Rocky & Bullwinkle', 'Kung Fu Panda' Series From DreamWorks Animation TV Headed To Amazon |work=Deadline |last=Pedersen |first=Erik |date=April 12, 2018 |access-date=August 11, 2021 |archive-date=September 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210926195702/https://deadline.com/2018/04/new-rocky-bullwinkle-kung-fu-panda-series-from-dreamworks-ani-tv-headed-to-amazon-1202362999/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Airing across two 13-episode seasons, respectively released in their entireties November 16, 2018, and July 4, 2019, the series follows Po (voiced by [[Mick Wingert]], reprising his role from the previous ''Kung Fu Panda'' animated series, ''[[Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness]]'') in the aftermath of ''Kung Fu Panda 3'' as he mentors four young pandas — Nu Hai (voiced by [[Haley Tju]]), Jing (voiced by Laya Deleon Hayes), Bao (voiced by Gunnar Sizemore, replacing [[Steele Gagnon]] from ''Kung Fu Panda 3''), and Fan Tong (voiced by Makana Say) — who become imbued with the ''chi'' of the ancient and powerful kung fu warriors known as the Four Constellations, rendering them the only ones able to save the world from an impending evil with their newfound kung fu powers.<ref name="POD" />

On March 16, 2022, during National Panda Day, it was announced that another ''Kung Fu Panda'' animated series, set after ''Kung Fu Panda 3'', and titled ''[[Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight]]'', would premiere on [[Netflix]] in July 2022, with Jack Black reprising his role as Po.<ref name="TDK">{{cite web|url=https://www.slashfilm.com/800952/jack-black-to-reprise-role-as-po-for-kung-fu-panda-the-dragon-knight-netflix-series/|title=Jack Black To Reprise Role As Po For Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight Netflix Series|work=Slash Film|last=Motamayor|first=Rafael|date=March 16, 2022|access-date=March 16, 2022|archive-date=March 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220316154515/https://www.slashfilm.com/800952/jack-black-to-reprise-role-as-po-for-kung-fu-panda-the-dragon-knight-netflix-series/|url-status=live}}</ref> The series follows Po as he must leave his home to embark on a globetrotting quest for redemption and justice that finds him partnered with a no-nonsense English [[knight]] known as the Wandering Blade.<ref name="TDK" />

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
{{Portal|Cartoon|Animation|United States}}
{{Commons}}
{{wikiquote}}
* {{Official website|https://www.dreamworks.com/movies/kung-fu-panda-3}}
* {{IMDb title|2267968|Kung Fu Panda 3}}

{{20th Century Studios theatrical animated features}}
{{Kung Fu Panda}}
{{DreamWorks animated films}}
{{Jennifer Yuh Nelson}}
{{Jonathan Aibel and Glenn Berger}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:2016 films]]
[[Category:2016 3D films]]
[[Category:2016 computer-animated films]]
[[Category:2010s American animated films]]
[[Category:20th Century Fox films]]
[[Category:20th Century Fox animated films]]
[[Category:American 3D films]]
[[Category:American action comedy films]]
[[Category:American computer-animated films]]
[[Category:American martial arts comedy films]]
[[Category:American sequel films]]
[[Category:Films directed by Jennifer Yuh Nelson]]
[[Category:Films scored by Hans Zimmer]]
[[Category:Kung Fu Panda films]]
[[Category:Kung fu films]]
[[Category:2010s martial arts comedy films]]
[[Category:Films with screenplays by Jonathan Aibel and Glenn Berger]]
[[Category:DreamWorks Animation animated films]]
[[Category:2016 martial arts films]]
[[Category:3D animated films]]
[[Category:2016 comedy films]]
[[Category:Animated films about father–son relationships]]
[[Category:2010s English-language films]]
[[Category:2010s Mandarin-language films]]
[[Category:English-language Chinese films]]
[[Category:American animated films about revenge]]
[[Category:English-language action comedy films]]