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Here's Everything Fans Should Know About Kung Fu Panda 4

Start making plans to see Kung Fu Panda 4 when this animated sequel hits theaters. 

By Chris Phelan

Kung Fu Panda 4 is coming to theaters and many longtime fans and newcomers to the franchise alike may have some questions about what they can expect. Luckily for them, here's everything you need to know about the highly-anticipated animated adventure.

When Will Kung Fu Panda 4 Be Released?

(from left) Po (Jack Black) and Zhen (Awkwafina) in Kung Fu Panda 4

You won't have to wait long to experience Kung Fu Panda 4 in theaters – it will premiere on Friday, March 8, with many theaters offering an early preview of the film on Thursday, March 7. That gives you plenty of time to secure tickets!

Watch the Kung Fu Panda 4 Trailer

Nothing can hype us up better than watching an immersive trailer of an upcoming film – and Kung Fu Panda 4 is no exception. Feast your eyes on the above teaser for what to expect from the film.

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Judging by the animation and picture quality alone, it seems like Universal Pictures has another bonafide hit on its hands. As fans worldwide already know, Jack Black's trademark energy and comedy chops translate flawlessly to animated feature films, and Kung Fu Panda 4 looks to build upon the trademark fun of the first three films. 

What is the Plot of Kung Fu Panda 4?

Jack Black as Po in Kung Fu Panda 4

The Kung Fu Panda films have traditionally followed Jack Black's Po as he grapples with the effects of being deemed the Dragon Warrior. Po has gone up against many adversaries as he learns to embrace his destiny over the years – and thankfully, he's made a lot of friends along the way as well!

Kung Fu Panda 4 ups the ante even more – it looks like Po will meet his most daunting adversary yet: the shape-shifting Chameleon that seems too powerful to overcome. According to theater previews, Po has his work cut out for him once again.

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"Po must train a new warrior when he's chosen to become the spiritual leader of the Valley of Peace," the film's synopsis reads. "However, when a powerful shape-shifting sorceress sets her eyes on his Staff of Wisdom, he suddenly realizes he's going to need some help. Teaming up with a quick-witted corsac fox, Po soon discovers that heroes can be found in the most unexpected places."

Sounds like an adventure of a lifetime! It's fitting, actually: Nearly ten years have passed since the third Kung Fu Panda film, so needless to say, fans are suitably excited for the fourth iteration!

Who Was Cast in Kung Fu Panda 4?

Kung Fu Panda 4

Fans of the film franchise will be happy to know that Jack Black will be reprising his iconic role as Po in Kung Fu Panda 4! This time, he'll enlist the help of Awkwafina, who plays the role of Zhen, a quick-fitted, thieving fox who helps him in his mission to defeat the evil Chameleon, voiced by Oscar winner Viola Davis.

Awkwafina looks to add another instant classic movie to her resume – she's quickly becoming the go-to Hollywood voiceover star!

The rest of the movie's cast is packed with many of your favorite Hollywood stars looking to make their mark on the legacy of the Kung Fu Panda franchise. 

According to Universal Pictures, "The film features the voice talent of returning stars Academy Award winner Dustin Hoffman as Kung Fu master, Shifu; James Hong (Everything Everywhere All at Once) as Po's adoptive father, Mr. Ping; Academy Award nominee Bryan Cranston as Po's birth father, Li, and Emmy Award nominee Ian McShane as Tai Lung, Shifu's former student and arch-nemesis. Oscar winner Ke Huy Quan (Everything Everywhere All at Once) joins the ensemble as a new character, Han, the leader of the Den of Thieves.

Kung Fu Panda 4 premieres in theaters on March 8.