Details regarding the review embargo for Universal Pictures and Dreamworks Animation’s upcoming animated martial arts comedy film, Kung Fu Panda 4 have been revealed.
Directors Jennifer Yuh Nelson and Alessandro Carloni discussed the possibility of a fourth film before the release of the third installment in January 2016. Nelson expressed openness to the idea in August 2018. DreamWorks officially confirmed Kung Fu Panda 4 in August 2022, with Mitchell, Ma Stine, and Rebecca Huntley involved as director, co-director, and producer respectively by April 2023. The majority of the main voice cast was announced in December 2023, following Awkwafina’s casting in May of that year.
Review Embargo Details
The review embargo for Kung Fu Panda 4 is expected to lift in a few weeks, on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, at 9AM PT/ 12PM ET/ 6PM CET. The movie is set for release 2 days later on March 8, 2024. Fans can, therefore, look forward to hearing what critics have to say about the fourth installment in the Kung Fu Panda series, as Po, who is set to become the Spiritual Leader of the Valley of Peace, seeks out his successor as the new Dragon Warrior while combating a fresh adversary known as “The Chameleon”.
Mitchell described Kung Fu Panda 4 as a homage to the original film. While maintaining ties to previous installments, he aimed for the narrative to be self-contained. He sought to develop Po’s character further, introduce new characters, and expand the franchise’s universe. Po, portrayed as having a simplistic worldview, would be paired with a morally ambiguous character named Zhen, creating frustration akin to that between Po and Shifu. In designing the character of the Chameleon, Mitchell aimed for a more cerebral rather than physical adversary. He envisioned her as the most intelligent and supernaturally gifted foe Po has encountered. Mitchell drew parallels between Chameleon and Po, both initially underestimated by society for their appearances but ultimately achieving high status.
