Released this spring, Kung Fu Panda 4 has rekindled fans’ love for the franchise by embarking the titular character, Po (voiced by Jack Black), on a new journey. The clumsy Panda learned another valuable lesson in a new thrilling adventure with a fox bandit aka his Dragon warrior successor, Zhen (Awkwafina). With the new movie makes success yet again, it would be interesting to see what the franchise has kept in store for audiences in the future.
Before its release, the franchise made headlines for the upcoming installments that would continue Po’s journey. The fourth installment director Mike Mitchell reflected on the same, giving an optimistic update on the Kung Fu Panda 5 that might not be all good.
Mike Mitchell Got Candid About Kung Fu Panda 5 Plans
With the massive success of the Kung Fu Panda 4, film director Mike Mitchell has already addressed the possibility of a fifth installment. Stating that the director has ideas about where he wants to take the franchise forward, he reflected on the tentative release window of when can fans expect to witness Kung Fu Panda 5 on the big screen.
Talking to Comicbook, he admitted that fans would have to wait for about three years to see Jack Black’s Po back in action. He shared,
The technology does move ahead, but somehow these things always take three years to make.
The significant time gap between films is due to the franchise’s commitment to making the sequels “five times better” than their predecessors.
He shared,
I don’t know why that is. I think it’s because it’s actually harder to make a sequel because we have to make it now five times better than the first one.
Apart from technological limitations, the director also threw light on the creative challenges that often arise in the writers’ room. This is another reason why they take their time with each installment.
It’s very difficult to do, especially when you love all the stuff that’s there I think that’s what takes the longest, is all of us passionately arguing from within about what’s the coolest aspect of Kung Fu Panda. It’s worth it. I think it’s going to be worth the wait.
While the fifth installment has yet to get the green light, there is still optimistic news for fans. This suggests that Po could potentially embark on another adventure in the late 2020s.
What’s Next After Kung Fu Panda 4?
The newest installment proved itself as another banger in the franchise, surging past over $541.8 million at the worldwide box office against an $85 million budget as per The Numbers.
Not just that, it also became the third highest-grossing movie of this year, receiving positive reviews from critics. While it was not as profitable as the first two sequels, it surely creates room for new stories that the franchise can explore in the future.
Even the director himself has addressed moving the franchise forward with new stories. He told the outlet in another interview,
I think no matter what, we keep going bigger. Whether I’m working on it or not, I’m in the theater watching these things.
Whether it be a spin-off revolving around the Furious Five or making space for another Po-Zhen adventure, fans would love to witness the new adventures that are yet to unfold.
Whereas, Jack Black has reprised his Po Ping role in the fourth installment alongside Dustin Hoffman, James Hong, Bryan Cranston, and Ian McShane who returned to their previous roles. Whereas, the new cast includes Awkwafina, Ke Huy Quan, Ronny Chieng, Lori Tan Chinn, and Viola Davis.
Kung Fu Panda 4 is available for purchase on 4K UHD, Blu-ray, and DVD from May 28.
