The Kung Fu Panda franchise largely focuses on the laziest, clumsiest panda in the Valley of Peace, Po (Jack Black) and his absorbing and hilarious journey that sees him train under Master Shifu and fulfill an ancient prophecy.
But as much as the franchise is about its hero and his high-kicking adventures, it is also about its wide range of villains, who have been a crucial part of the narrative across three installments due to their formidable powers, which time and again have made things difficult for Po and his friends. Interestingly, it seems Kung Fu Panda 4 might shed light on their villains even more than its predecessors.
Who Is the Most Badass Villain of All Time in Jack Black’s Kung Fu Panda 4
Ever since the story of Jack Black‘s Clumsy Panda started in 2008, Kung Fu Panda and its various spinoff series have seen ferocious villains like Bad Po, Boss Wolf, and Ke-Pa among others threaten the Valley of Peace with their evil forces.
However, the original villain, Tai Lung, remains the most fearsome and badass adversary the Dragon Warrior and the Furious Five have ever faced. Voiced by Ian McShane, he was the adoptive son and former student of Master Shifu (Dustin Hoffman).
Raised under the impression that he was to become the Dragon Warrior, the villainous snow leopard loses it all after he doesn’t get his wish and unleashes attacks to ruin the peace of the Valley, which forces Po to join hands with Furious Five to stop him.
He was so powerful and smart that he managed to escape an entire prison made just for him with the help of a single feather. His pure, raw power and deep understanding of martial arts made him the most badass villain in the franchise.
To beat him, Po had to adopt an unorthodox move of utilizing the Wuxi Finger Hold on him. This sends Tai Lung to the Spirit Realm. Since then, McShane’s voice has only been heard in flashback sequences. But that might soon change.
How Jack Black’s Kung Fu Panda 4 Could See the Return of the Most Badass Villain
DreamWorks Animation has unveiled the synopsis of Kung Fu Panda 4 and confirmed Oscar winners Viola Davis and Ke Huy Quan are joining the voice cast. The story follows Po’s venture to the big city where he meets a new villain called the Chameleon (Davis).
Chameleon is a wicked, powerful sorceress with the ability to shapeshift into any creature. The tiny lizard has her eyes on Po’s Staff of Wisdom, which would give her the power to re-summon all the master villains whom Po has vanquished to the spirit realm.
In the event Davis’ character succeeds, it might open doors for Tai Lung to return. Considering DreamWorks has relied on McShane’s voice even after the powerful villain’s supposed death, it won’t surprise many if the makers decide to give him another go at attacking Po.
Read more: Viola Davis Wants to “Kick People’s A**” For a Weird Reason That Has To Do With Grown Men in Tears
