The highly anticipated sequel to a cherished DreamWorks film is on the horizon, and the trailers have already sent Kung Fu Panda superfans like me into a frenzy.
Kung Fu Panda 4 is set to release on the 8th of March this year, featuring returning characters and new ones alike: Po, Master Shifu, the Furious Five, and unexpectedly — Tai Lung.
With the introduction of a new villain — Chameleon (or so I assumed, since that’s what they have introduced the character in the trailer) — a character capable of shapeshifting into anyone that it wishes. With this villain reveal, I had so many questions in my head, especially with Tai Lung’s appearance — who else are going to make a return? What lesson will Po learn to master from the encounter this time around? And most importantly — will it reach up to the expectations from avid fan of KFP 2 like me?
First Off, Let’s Address Tai Lung’s Return
Not even the first minute of the official trailer of this movie, and the audience is teased with a scene of the returning character — Tai Lung. The very first villain shown in the first Kung Fu Panda who, ultimately, brought the movie to such a powerful leap in popularity.
The fight scenes, the tensions, the upbringing of chaos all to the climatic point between him and his caretaker, Master Shifu (which still gives me chills to this day) — all of these remained deeply rooted within the fans of Kung Fu Panda, and the thrill of it returned when he was revealed.
Though I must say, returning him as a villain would definitely risk damaging his reputation as a whole. Tai Lung was brought to his destructive act because of the misguided upbringing Shifu led him on.
When he finally was realised of his blind quest for the Dragon Scroll to prove himself of his worth by Po (even though he appeared to be denying it), it was a bit too late before he was thought to be ‘killed’ where he was actually sent to the Spirit Realm. This is further proven when we see him in one of the jade pendants worn by Kai in KFP 3.
So, if he is brought back to the mortal world by Chameleon in Kung Fu Panda 4 just to make him into a villain, it would disregard Tai Lung’s opportunity to redeem himself of his past actions.
Believe me, we all would want him to reunite with Master Shifu once again.
I wouldn’t say that he should be treated as a token cameo, either. Bringing back Tai Lung means the film is bringing back the pure thrill and fear he has instilled on the audience when they first saw him. He shouldn’t be underutilised, or serve purely for nostalgic purposes in Kung Fu Panda 4 — he should come about with a strong role in the film, or at the very least, a strong supportive role.
Let’s hope they won’t disappoint us.
I Hope the Other Two Villains Won’t Make a Return
With the appearance of Tai Lung in the trailer, there are rumours of the other two villains in the sequels making a comeback as well, which, honestly, I don’t find appealing as much.
Look, I absolutely LOVED Kung Fu Panda 2. Even more so than I did with the first one, and that was an absolutely difficult decision to choose. But Lord Shen from the second title has to end his story right then and there after the battle — his story was concluded the way he would’ve wanted it: finding inner peace at last.
In the case of Kai, I honestly wouldn’t want him to return, either. Don’t get me wrong, but he didn’t inflict much emotional impact as the other two main villains did in the previous two titles (which I will talk more later).
Kai, as a whole, had little to no ties with any of the characters in the movie (apart from Master Oogway). Reviving him to return in Kung Fu Panda 4 would only stir confusion to his role in the story, apart from being a minor supporting character. Not to mention that he was, for the lack of a better word, ‘re-killed’ in the Spirit Realm.
It would only create more confusion among the viewers if Kai was re-introduced in the upcoming film. So no, while it is logical for Tai Lung to make a return (because he wasn’t technically ‘killed’), the other two wouldn’t make much sense if they were to appear in Kung Fu Panda 4.
The Atmosphere — I Wish It Would Imitate the First Two Films
The atmosphere in the first two Kung Fu Panda films is just magnificent. It’s a combination of both comedy and seriousness at times, each which suits the scenes in the films perfectly. That’s what made Kung Fu Panda, Kung Fu Panda.
While KFP 1 and 2 captivated audiences with their distinctive tone and atmosphere, Kung Fu Panda 3 takes a noticeably lighter approach. The audience can’t connect with the villain of the film in KFP 3, Kai, as well as they could with both Tai Lung and Lord Shen in KFP 1 and 2, respectively. The backstory of Kai wasn’t explored enough, the rivalry between Master Oogway and Kai wasn’t explored enough, and there’s no connection between Po and Kai to truly bring out Kai’s true motive.
In the trailer of Kung Fu Panda 4, we can see Chameleon’s ability to shape-shift, and the powers the villain has led Po to say in the trailer that they need to gather “an army of their own” to take down the sorceress. If they need a battalion of fighters, this may yet to be the strongest villain we can encounter in the series.
Which brings me to question: will they repeat what they did with Kai in KFP 3? Po doesn’t seem to know her, at least not that we know of in the trailer. The sorceress doesn’t have any connection to any of the known characters in the film, either. So, how will they make the audience empathise with the villain this time around?
But then again, seeing how well they have made the previous film that have insanely good critics, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, I somehow feel a bit relieved knowing that DreamWorks still have quite the tricks up their sleeves to really bring out such a cinematic masterpiece.
If DreamWorks can somehow make the villain fit into the story well and connect with the audience, then they would do an insanely good job. Besting previous titles are usually a difficult task for sequels.
Verdict
I’m honestly just hyped to watch this film regardless. I want to see how well the efforts DreamWorks have put in. The first three Kung Fu Panda movies beautifully explored Po’s journey through body, mind, and soul. Seeing how Po’s responsibility is believed to be shifted over to something more (apart from being a Dragon Warrior) as shown in the film trailer for the fourth title in the series, it’s probably about handing over the legacy to someone new, possibly the fox shown to be with Po most of the time in the trailer.
Maybe the series is coming to a closure at last? We may yet to know. Let us know what you think of, and we will see what Kung Fu Panda 4 has in store for us soon enough.
you’re really a good webmaster. The website loading speed is incredible. It seems that you are doing any unique trick. Furthermore, The contents are masterwork. you’ve done a great job on this topic!
I want examining and I believe this website got some genuinely useful stuff on it! .
Great tremendous issues here. I?¦m very glad to peer your post. Thanks so much and i’m taking a look forward to contact you. Will you please drop me a mail?
Simply want to say your article is as surprising. The clarity for your post is simply cool and that i can suppose you’re a professional on this subject. Well along with your permission allow me to clutch your feed to keep up to date with approaching post. Thanks a million and please keep up the rewarding work.
Some genuinely great information, Glad I noticed this.
Youre so cool! I dont suppose Ive learn anything like this before. So good to seek out somebody with some authentic ideas on this subject. realy thanks for beginning this up. this web site is something that is wanted on the internet, someone with somewhat originality. helpful job for bringing one thing new to the web!
Nice post. I learn something more challenging on different blogs everyday. It will always be stimulating to read content from other writers and practice a little something from their store. I’d prefer to use some with the content on my blog whether you don’t mind. Natually I’ll give you a link on your web blog. Thanks for sharing.
Respect to website author, some fantastic selective information.
It is really a nice and useful piece of information. I am glad that you just shared this helpful info with us. Please keep us up to date like this. Thank you for sharing.
Only wanna comment on few general things, The website style is perfect, the subject matter is really good : D.
Woah! I’m really digging the template/theme of this site. It’s simple, yet effective. A lot of times it’s very hard to get that “perfect balance” between superb usability and visual appearance. I must say you’ve done a awesome job with this. Additionally, the blog loads super fast for me on Internet explorer. Superb Blog!
This design is incredible! You certainly know how to keep a reader entertained. Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved to start my own blog (well, almost…HaHa!) Great job. I really enjoyed what you had to say, and more than that, how you presented it. Too cool!
I believe this is among the so much important information for me. And i’m satisfied reading your article. But should commentary on some common things, The site taste is great, the articles is actually nice : D. Just right job, cheers
Hiya, I’m really glad I’ve found this information. Today bloggers publish only about gossips and web and this is really annoying. A good website with interesting content, that is what I need. Thanks for keeping this web site, I will be visiting it. Do you do newsletters? Cant find it.
Hey there, I think your blog might be having browser compatibility issues. When I look at your website in Ie, it looks fine but when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping. I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other then that, superb blog!
Great work! That is the type of info that are meant to be shared across the internet. Shame on Google for not positioning this post upper! Come on over and consult with my website . Thank you =)
You made some nice points there. I looked on the internet for the topic and found most people will go along with with your site.
I was recommended this blog through my cousin. I am no longer sure whether this post is written by means of him as no one else recognize such precise about my problem. You are wonderful! Thanks!
Good day! This is my first visit to your blog! We are a team of volunteers and starting a new initiative in a community in the same niche. Your blog provided us useful information to work on. You have done a extraordinary job!
Hello there, You’ve done a fantastic job. I will definitely digg it and for my part recommend to my friends. I am sure they’ll be benefited from this site.
There are definitely numerous particulars like that to take into consideration. That is a great level to convey up. I offer the thoughts above as basic inspiration however clearly there are questions just like the one you carry up where crucial thing shall be working in honest good faith. I don?t know if best practices have emerged round things like that, however I’m positive that your job is clearly recognized as a good game. Each girls and boys really feel the impact of only a second’s pleasure, for the remainder of their lives.
Regards for helping out, wonderful information. “Nobody can be exactly like me. Sometimes even I have trouble doing it.” by Tallulah Bankhead.
Your place is valueble for me. Thanks!…
Hmm it looks like your site ate my first comment (it was extremely long) so I guess I’ll just sum it up what I wrote and say, I’m thoroughly enjoying your blog. I as well am an aspiring blog blogger but I’m still new to everything. Do you have any helpful hints for newbie blog writers? I’d definitely appreciate it.
Hello would you mind letting me know which web host you’re working with? I’ve loaded your blog in 3 different browsers and I must say this blog loads a lot quicker then most. Can you suggest a good web hosting provider at a reasonable price? Thanks, I appreciate it!
It¦s really a cool and useful piece of information. I¦m happy that you just shared this helpful information with us. Please stay us informed like this. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks , I have just been searching for information about this subject for ages and yours is the greatest I’ve discovered till now. But, what about the conclusion? Are you sure about the source?
F*ckin’ amazing things here. I’m very glad to peer your article. Thanks a lot and i’m taking a look ahead to contact you. Will you kindly drop me a mail?
Hi, I think your site might be having browser compatibility issues. When I look at your website in Chrome, it looks fine but when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping. I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other then that, great blog!
I’m very happy to read this. This is the kind of manual that needs to be given and not the accidental misinformation that is at the other blogs. Appreciate your sharing this greatest doc.