Kung Fu Panda is the closest we shall ever get to modern-era philosophy. When Master Oogway said, “One often meets his destiny on the road he takes to avoid it,” I sat on it for 2 hours and slept on it for more 6 hours. Every pearl of wisdom bestowed on the Kung Fu Panda franchise applies to all aspects of our being, as it reflects on our approach, prerogative, and outlook on life.
At the heart of the movie, our adorable warrior panda, Po, shows how ordinary people have immense powers to change the world. Through his eyes, we navigate the discipline of Kung Fu and the responsibility of using our skills for the greater good.
If he is the heart, the Furious Five were the spinal cord– hear me out; every member, Angelina Jolie’s Tigress, Lucy Liu’s Viper, Jackie Chan’s Monkey, David Cross’ Crane, and Seth Rogen’s Mantis have imparted their fragments into Po’s greatness.
While the first two movies arched out each character, Po became the sole focal in the third movie, and we say the five dissipating. And now, fans are concerned whether they will ever get to see the legends in action, considering they were nowhere to be seen in the next installment.
Let’s talk about something tickling the curiosity of every pop culture fanatic – what’s up with the Furious Five in the much-anticipated “Kung Fu Panda 4”? The trailers have been out, and excitement is in the air, but wait a minute… where’s our favorite quintet of kung fu masters?
Kung Fu Panda 4 trailer was released on December 13, 2023, where Po and Master Shifu were the only original characters seen. Rest all new characters are introduced to fight against the new shape-shifting antagonist Chameleon, played by Viola Davis. We also see Tai Lung make an appearance after Po Skadoosh in the first movie. But fans were disappointed with the absence of Furious Five. However, the director, Mike Mitchell, assured that the Furious Five will be making an iconic appearance in the movie.
The Mysterious Absence of the Furious Five
Remember those days when Po and the Furious Five were inseparable? Tigress, Viper, Monkey, Crane, Mantis – they weren’t just supporting characters; they were the heart and soul of the “Kung Fu Panda” series.
Their combination of unique martial arts styles and A-list voice talents (hello, Angelina Jolie, and Jackie Chan!) made them more than just sidekicks. They were stars in their own right. But in the latest teaser for “Kung Fu Panda 4”, they’re nowhere to be seen. Has the franchise decided to sideline these beloved characters, or is there more to this story? Let’s dig in!
Where Are The Furious Five Now? What Happened to the Furious Five?
Since 2016, we haven’t seen much of the Furious Five, and their absence in recent shows has been felt. “Kung Fu Panda 4” seems to continue this trend, focusing more on Po’s individual growth as the Spiritual Leader of the Valley of Peace.
The group, although present, might not be as central to the storyline as in the past.
Is the Furious Five going to be in Kung Fu Panda 4?
The Furious Five are set to appear in “Kung Fu Panda 4,” confirmed by the movie’s director, Mike Mitchell, and producer, Rebecca Huntley. But don’t expect them to hog the limelight this time. Po’s off on a grand adventure, leaving the Valley of Peace for a giant city filled with new challenges and characters.
The burning question on everyone’s mind gets a definitive answer from director Mike Mitchell:
“They make an appearance, I’ll tell you that much. But to be fair, Po is leaving the Valley of Peace and he’s going on a huge adventure to this giant city…”
The Evolution of the Furious Five’s Role:
However, the spotlight is on Po’s journey as he ventures out of his comfort zone into an urban jungle of sorts. This shift signifies a new chapter for Po, possibly with less reliance on his old pals.
Who Will Be the Villain in Kung Fu Panda 4?
Villainy takes a new face in “Kung Fu Panda 4” with Viola Davis’ Chameleon. She’s a shape-shifting sorceress, a formidable foe that might require the collective might of Po and his friends, including the Furious Five, to overcome.
Producer Huntley stirred some more pot as she teased a whole bunch of characters to add new layers to the franchise. She said–
“Encounter many, many new characters on this journey,” including the one prominent character Zhen seen in the trailer played by Shang-Chi’s actress Awkwafina.
Is Tai Lung coming back in Kung Fu Panda 4?
Tai Lung, the formidable antagonist from the first movie, makes a comeback, adding to the excitement. But this time, he might be just one of many challenges Po faces in his new adventure.
Mitchell also spoiled that most old characters, including Bryan Cranston, Dustin Hoffman, and James Hong, will reprise their iconic roles. But the main highlight of this installment will be Po’s collaboration with a whole legion of anti-hero characters.
“Loads. And he has to work with this entire band of thieves to fight the villain. By the way, all the old characters are back – Mr Ping, Li, played by Bryan Cranston, Shifu, played by Dustin Hoffman, and then James Hong who plays Ping. Tons of characters. All the characters come back.”
He further reiterates the core of the movies, saying–
“Every single character that you remember comes back, and a few villains that I don’t want to spoil. But really, we wanted to introduce a whole slew of new characters which we did.”
This new direction, focusing on Po’s individual journey, suggests a shift in the franchise’s storytelling approach. But don’t lose hope, Furious Five fans – their presence, though less pronounced, remains a vital part of the narrative tapestry of “Kung Fu Panda 4”.
So, are you excited to see how the Furious Five fit into Po’s latest escapade? Will they play a pivotal role or take a backseat to new characters and challenges?
Share your thoughts, theories, and predictions. Let’s keep the conversation going and see if our favorite kung fu masters still pack a punch in the new chapter of their journey!
Source: Collider
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