Kung Fu Panda 4 is now storming theaters and bringing back the good old nostalgia. Apart from introducing new cast members, director Mike Mitchell also takes pride in the film’s animation. What’s special about it this time?
As one of the long-enduring animated franchises in Hollywood, with the first one released in 2008, the film has indeed stood the test of time. It appeals to viewers of all ages, and people end up getting amazed at the fantastic techniques used in the entire production.
Kung Fu Panda 4’s Mike Mitchell Revealed The Impressive Work Behind The Film
During his interview with Times of India, Mike Mitchell revealed the creative vision they wanted to improve and step up in the latest installment of Kung Fu Panda.
“One of the things we wanted to do was add even more action than we’ve already seen in this franchise, and we also wanted to introduce and explore new camera work that hasn’t been brought into animation yet—the kind of stuff you see in live-action films.”
Speaking with Discussing Film, the director explained more about the action sequences that entailed rigorous efforts from each member of the team. In fact, they even hired a stunt group to perform the choreography instead of just designing the moves on a computer.
“We hired a stunt team, many of whom worked on Marvel films, and they would act out and do the kung fu moves. We would videotape [the stunt team] and the woman who played Zhen even wore a big tail so the animators could watch the follow-through of all her movements.”
Another incredible aspect of the movie is the fact that they also had a team of animators who would draw the moves by hand and then animate them by hand as well.
“I call it mixing old school with new school. They would hand draw the moves with a pencil and then we would hand animate it.”
Just hearing about the process of what happens behind the scenes of Kung Fu Panda 4 already makes fans believe how much love, passion, and effort is devoted to the creation of this beloved animated movie.
Jack Black Got Very Physical In Kung Fu Panda 4
Even Jack Black is not exempted from performing his own stunts. He serves as the voice of Po the Panda, but the actor is required to use his entire body to portray the character. He shared via his interview with Hindustan Times:
“I actually do the action. That’s how I do it. When Po is physical, I’m physical. When he kicks, I kick. That was important for the director too. He wanted me to sound like I was physical. And that’s the only way.”
The actor did not miss the opportunity to crack a joke, advising that one should “take the change out of your pocket so that there isn’t any jingling.” It really does seem like he exerted so much physical effort in playing Po.
Kung Fu Panda 4 is now showing in theaters.
