Kung Fu Panda 4 will be the latest entry in a franchise that has entertained the masses for over fifteen years with the adventures of Po, an anthropomorphic giant panda, as he takes it upon himself to become a kung fu master.
With how well-loved the animated series is, it’s only natural for the stakes to have been elevated for this upcoming release. Not only through the narrative, but also through behind-the-scenes techniques that were used to accentuate and enhance the film’s fight sequences.
Of course, to champion modern technologies and fight scenes relevant to the intricate world these films have established, one ought to get the help of the industry heavyweights. And who better in that department than Marvel? Throughout innumerable movies, the action that has characterized the colossal superhero franchise has thrilled and stimulated many.
Hence, it is no surprise to learn that stunt performers from the Marvel films graced the production to assist with new moves, styles, and techniques that animators could incorporate!
In an interview, director Mike Mitchell revealed all about it.
How Kung Fu Panda 4 Employed The Help Of Marvel Stunt Performers
Talking with NBC Insider, the director of the fourth Kung Fu Panda installment, Mike Mitchell, delved deep into the details of the upcoming animated martial arts comedy film that could excite fans and ignite anticipation.
Among the ample information divulged by the helmer to give us an idea of what Po is about to undertake in this movie, Mitchell also asserted the techniques and elements used to elevate the characteristics we’ve come to love about the franchise.
That, of course, includes the martial arts and the fight choreographies—the most innate aspect of the series.
Intending to attain new heights and exceed expectations, animators studied and incorporated live-action fight techniques from stunt experts into the animated choreography. Unsurprisingly, those who worked on Marvel films were brought along to help with this facet.
Following was Mike Mitchell’s statement:
“In fact, we had stunt performers from the Marvel films come in and give us very specific, authentic moves. […] We had a really cool stunt team that came in and did specific staff moves for our animators.”
He further explained:
“That’s something I don’t think we’ve done on any of our films before, to have real live-action fight techniques, and then we took them into animation and elevated them even more and made it even crazier.”
It has been suggested that these new choreographies and fight sequences will involve Po using the staff he obtained last time.
With stunt specialists from Marvel productions expanding the animated movie’s scope of utilizing new martial arts moves, one can tell that a lot was done behind the scenes to ensure Kung Fu Panda 4 parallels its previous entries, if not surpass it.
What To Expect From Kung Fu Panda 4?
After several risky escapades through the course of three films, which saw Po (Jack Black) take on the most challenging adversaries and overcome impossible scenarios, the fourth entry into the Kung Fu Panda franchise re-introduces audiences to the Dragon Warrior as he’s chosen to become the Spiritual Leader of the Valley of Peace.
As demonstrated in the trailer, this task will not be easy. As we observe Po attempting to embrace this spiritual identity, his mind wanders off in mid-meditation and rests on food-related thoughts. We watch him say, “This is not working at all.” It’s not only that, though. Our protagonist must find a new Dragon Warrior to train at the behest of Master Shifu (Dustin Hoffman) before assuming his spiritual role.
There’s danger looming in the corner, of course. A new villain, a powerful shapeshifting sorceress, The Chameleon (Viola Davis), is in town. And her eyes are settled on Po’s Staff of Wisdom. Not only is the reptilian foe a danger to the Valley of Peace, but she also seeks to possess the kung fu of every master villain, including the main antagonist from the first film, Tai Lung (Ian McShane).
Accompanying Po in this latest adventure is presumed protégé and fox thief Zhen (Awkwafina). With this new ally—who, in the official synopsis, is said to get ‘under Po’s fur’—the to-be Spiritual Leader must fight off the forces of evil. And with this adventure, our present hero will eventually learn that “heroes can be found in the most unexpected places.”
Of the endeavor, Mike Mitchell confirmed that it’ll be a “love letter” to the first movie. In a separate interview with Collider, he also acknowledged that this film has been greatly influenced by anime than its prior installments.
With everything the director has teased, it’s understandable that people expect greatness. If it’s any assurance, Mike Mitchell did conclude, “It is going to be hard to top this one.” Take that as you will. Whether or not Kung Fu Panda 4 stands to impress or live up to its predecessors shall be revealed on March 8, 2024, when it hits theatres.
You can check out the trailer below:
