Are you a fan of the Kung Fu Panda film series? Well, then be ready to muster your forces, because Kung Fu Panda 4’s original plan for Angelina Jolie & Jackie Chan’s characters will have you bouncing with grief. Or perhaps swinging from the trees like Monkey and Tigress themselves!
DreamWorks Animation’s latest release debuted in theaters earlier this month (March 8), continuing the adventures of Jack Black’s character, Dragon Warrior Po. With a new city and a deadly new enemy to defeat in order to keep the valley peaceful, Po must find himself in the fourth installment, which is helmed by Mike Mitchell.
However, DreamWorks is under fire from fans for its initial idea regarding Chan and Jolies roles in a dispute over artistic control. Furious Five’s absence was discussed by director Mike Mitchell in a recent interview. During the process, he also disclosed the reasons behind Jolie and Chan’s possible limited appearances in Kung Fu Panda 4.
Behind the Scenes: Why Were Jackie Chan and Angelina Jolie Left Out of Kung Fu Panda 4?
Together with Po, characters like Seth Rogen’s Mantis, Jackie Chan’s Monkey, David Cross’ Crane, Lucy Liu’s Viper, and Angelina Jolie’s Tigress made their movie debut in the first movie. Subsequently, each of them has been involved in two or three major films. Fans are therefore left wondering about them (especially Monkey and Tigress) when they did not show up in the trailers for the fourth film.
However, Kung Fu Panda 4 opens with confirmation that each of the Furious Five was away on their own missions. They are involved in a surprise that occurs during the credits at the very end. However, they remain absent throughout the entire movie, and viewers are curious as to why.
In an interview with The Direct, Mike Mitchell, the director, gave an explanation for the decision to move forward without Tigress and Monkey, saying:
“Well, you know, it’s a part four, and we wanted to expand the world, and we wanted to take Po out of the Valley of Peace for the first time. And already, we’re inheriting a great cast. Dustin Hoffman, as Shifu, has to come along.“
He further continued, saying:
“Definitely, James Hong, as his dad, Mr. Ping, he’s a must In my mind. I’m a super fan. He’s got to be there. And then Bryan Cranston is such a great combo platter as the new dad that was introduced as Li in the last film. So it starts to get really crowded.”
Kung Fu Panda 4 Ending Scene Leaked: Fans Are Not Happy With a Massive Spoiler Days Ahead of Release
If the Furious Five had been given significant story arcs, it would have taken up less room to develop the new ones. Plus, Jackie Chan, Angelina Jolie, and the others are all well-known actors. Thus, by not giving them major roles again, the film was able to devote its meager budget to the new characters and the remainder of the production.
Fans’ Reactions: Tigress and Monkey’s Absence from Kung Fu Panda 4
When Kung Fu Panda first burst onto the screen in 2008, viewers were entranced by the lovable characters, hysterical behavior, and touching messages of the film. Tigress and Monkey, two of the Furious Five members who were crucial to Po’s transformation into the Dragon Warrior, were two of the adored characters.
However, as the franchise has evolved over time with sequels, spin-offs, and TV shows, fans have noticed that Tigress and Monkey have been largely overlooked in the latest release. Their absence from recent projects has left many fans confused as to why these much-loved characters have vanished. Let’s hear some fans’ comments:
Definitely saw the internet backlash 💀
— Joe (@hzjoe03) March 11, 2024
Didn't they show up in the credits if I remember right. Yeah we're going to need a furious five origin film or something. They're too interesting to not establish more but we only have crumbs through 4 films.
— Eddie (@OHMYDIAZ) March 11, 2024
Not having the Furious 5 at all especially in the final battle ruined it for me ngl also Shifu not seeing Tai Lung one last time
— Sebastrigol (@Sebastrigol) March 11, 2024
Now i don't wanna watch this crap
— BRUNO El Kbron (@BrunoKbron) March 12, 2024
Missed opportunities man ..
— Rob The Entertainer (@RobGradyVO) March 11, 2024
The entire Furious Five is recently confirmed to return in Kung Fu Panda 4. However, since this is being hinted at as an “appearance”, it is possible that the characters will only have small, silent parts and that the actors will not be returning for this installment. Let’s see!
Rebecca Huntley is the producer of Kung Fu Panda 4, which is directed by Mike Mitchell. The voices of Ronny Chieng, Awkwafina, Viola Davis, Dustin Hoffman, James Hong, Ian McShane, Ke Huy Quan, Lori Tan Chinn, and other actors are also featured in the movie.
The current Rotten Tomatoes reviews for Kung Fu Panda 4 are 71% among critics and 87% among viewers.
Kung Fu Panda 4 is in theaters, watch now!
