Ke Huy Quan, Viola Davis, and more onboard Kung Fu Panda 4

Earlier, we reported that Universal Pictures' fourth film in the Kung Fu Panda franchise, will hit theatres on March 8, 2024. The latest announcements come with regards to the cast of the upcoming sequel. 

Jack Black, who voices the titular character, took to his social media accounts to make the cast announcements. Ke Huy Quan and Viola Davis have been added to the voice cast of the film. Additionally, Awkwafina will star as Zhen, the second lead in  Kung Fu Panda 4. 

The ensemble cast of the Kung Fu Panda film series includes the ensemble of Angelina Jolie, Seth Rogen, Lucy Liu, David Cross, and Jackie Chan, apart from Black. Mike Mitchell is set to helm the upcoming film along with Stephanie Ma Stine. The first three films in the franchise were helmed by various other filmmakers including John Stevenson, Mark Osborne, Jennifer Yuh Nelson, and  Alessandro Carloni.

The fourth film will have the protagonist. Po Ping transitioning into the role of the mentor, Grand Master Oogway. When his spot as Dragon Warrior empties, he searches for the next in line, only for a powerful villain to cause trouble. The Chamaleon (the villain) will spell out to be the most dangerous enemy Po has faced, as he can bring former villains back to life. 

The Kung Fu Panda series, developed by DreamWorks Animation, released the first film in 2008 and ended its trilogy in 2016. The CGI animated film series received critical as well as commercial praise, quickly expanding into television series, games, and theme park attractions.