The vast and vibrant animated franchise of Kung Fu Panda has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. Starring Jack Black as the lovable panda turned Dragon Warrior Po, the film series has now become a cultural phenomenon. However, with the release of Kung Fu Panda 4, fans found themselves in utter disappointment over how the film ended.
Shifting the responsibility of a Dragon Warrior onto the next generation, Kung Fu Panda 4 severely upset fans as they dismissed Jack Black’s Po to appoint Awkwafina’s Zhen in the new role. Fans wage war on social media as they call out the film for appointing Zhen over the deserving candidate – Tigress.
Zhen Becomes the New Dragon Warrior After Jack Black’s Po
Kung Fu Panda 4 released in 2024 witnessed the end of Po’s (Jack Black) journey as the dragon warrior. While the movie mostly received positive reviews, from fans and critics, it got slammed for one specific reason. The decision of Po to give up his role as the dragon warrior to Awkwafina’s Zhen.
The end of Kung Fu Panda 4 saw Zhen deciding to help Po defeat the shape-shifting villain Chameleon, following which he announced Zhen as his successor, while himself becoming the Spiritual Leader of the Valley of Peace. But unfortunately, this very decision in the movie got slammed by fans.
Although Zhen is a well-designed character with great potential, fans believe she is a highly predictable one. Further calling out her shabby character arc, fans point out how she is not passionate about Kung Fu like Po, Tigress, or even Tai Lung. Therefore calling Zhen a newly introduced character, fans claim there were more deserving candidates.
Fans Are Upset as Tigress Deserved the Role Over Zhen
Waging war on social media, fans criticized Kung Fu Panda 4 for taking away the opportunity of being the next dragon warrior from deserving and fan-favorite characters like Tigress and even Tai Lung. Addressing how those characters have been in the franchise for a long time and how people connect with them more, netizens stated that the fourth installment did them dirty.
Considering how Tai Lung showed a natural talent in Kung Fu and was lovingly trained by Master Shifu, fans were convinced that the character could have played the role of Dragon Warrior with utmost intensity. More than anything, Tai Lung was indeed a kung-fu prodigy, which is why he would have made more sense as the next Dragon Warrior.
But more than anyone, fans wanted Tigress to be the next dragon warrior after Po. Praising her strength, dedication, and resilience, fans claimed that the character was far more deserving than the newly introduced Zhen played by Awkwafina. Criticizing the film for appointing Zhen over Tigress, fans slammed the randomness of the decision.
I still can't believe they made the dumb Aquafina fox the dragon warrior instead of tigress or tai lung… pic.twitter.com/Vf475ya9s6
— 🦖 thegaminghyena 🦕 (@crocutamatata) April 20, 2024
Tai Lung didn't deserve it, Tigress on the other hand, DID! What were they thinking?! https://t.co/QvduRhnHho
— MyTimeToShineHello (@MyTimeToShineH) April 20, 2024
The whole Dragon Warrior successor thing is so lame and feels really forced
— ari (@aerxilyng) April 20, 2024
Tai Lung didn't deserve it and his development was based on knowing he doesn't have to be in order to be Worth something
Tigress on the other hand
— JoJo's Art Gallery/Bioshock Era/🍉🍉🍉🍉 (@Joseph22Flowers) April 20, 2024
Tigress was the redemption arc for Tai lung done right, she understands that she doesn't need to be dragon warrior, it would had been awesome that she got selected when realized that. She changed her stoic and strong demeanor to be kind and warm to others. She should be the one
— Crimson Crow and Associate (@CronistaBeta) April 20, 2024
Claiming that appointing Tigress or Tai Lung would’ve made the most sense, since they’ve been appearing in the film series for years, and are aware of the responsibilities, fans openly call out Zhen as the undeserving one. However, amid waves of criticism, there were a few netizens who justified the appointment by stating that initially, even Po was undeserving because of being comically overweight.
Therefore, while most fans express disappointment in the movie, a few appear to embrace the unpredictable moments.
Kung Fu Panda 4 is available to buy/rent on Prime Video.
