Kung Fu Panda
Kung Fu Panda is an American martial arts comedy media franchise that originally started in 2008 with the release of the animated film of the same name produced by DreamWorks Animation. Following the adventures of the titular Po Ping (primarily voiced by Jack Black and Mick Wingert), a giant panda who is improbably chosen as the prophesied Dragon Warrior and becomes a master of kung fu, the franchise is set in a fantasy wuxia genre version of ancient China populated by anthropomorphic animals. Although everyone initially doubts him, including Po himself, he proves himself worthy as he strives to fulfill his destiny.
For the film released in 2008, see Kung Fu Panda (film). For the title character, see Po (Kung Fu Panda). For other uses, see Kung Fu Panda (disambiguation).Kung Fu Panda
Kung Fu Panda (2008)
2008–present
- Kung Fu Panda (2008)
- Kung Fu Panda 2 (2011)
- Kung Fu Panda 3 (2016)
- Kung Fu Panda 4 (2024)
- Secrets of the Furious Five (2008)
- Secrets of the Masters (2011)
- Secrets of the Scroll (2015)
- Panda Paws (2016)
- Legends of Awesomeness (2011–2016)
- The Paws of Destiny (2018–2019)
- The Dragon Knight (2022–2023)
Kung Fu Panda Holiday (2010)
- Kung Fu Panda (2008)
- Kung Fu Panda 2 (2011)
- Kung Fu Panda 3 (2016)
- Kung Fu Panda 4 (2024)
The franchise consists mainly of four CGI-animated films: Kung Fu Panda (2008), Kung Fu Panda 2 (2011), Kung Fu Panda 3 (2016) and Kung Fu Panda 4 (2024), as well as three television series: Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness (2011–2016), The Paws of Destiny (2018–2019), and The Dragon Knight (2022–2023). The first two films were distributed by Paramount Pictures, the third film was distributed by 20th Century Fox and the fourth was distributed by Universal Pictures, while the television series respectively aired on Nickelodeon and Nicktoons, Amazon Prime, and Netflix. Four short films, Secrets of the Furious Five (2008), Secrets of the Masters (2011), Secrets of the Scroll, and Panda Paws (both 2016), and a television special, Kung Fu Panda Holiday (2010), have also been produced.
The franchise's first two features were nominated for the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature as well as numerous Annie Awards, the first television series won 11 Emmy Awards and the third television series won two Emmy Awards. All four films were critical and commercial successes,[1] grossing over $2 billion overall, making it the seventh highest-grossing animated film franchise, while the second film was the highest-grossing film worldwide directed solely by a woman (Jennifer Yuh Nelson) until Wonder Woman (2017). The series is additionally popular in China as an outstanding Western interpretation of the wuxia film genre.[2]
Reception[edit]
Box office performance[edit]
The film series has grossed over $2.2 billion, making it the seventh highest-grossing animated franchise and DreamWorks Animation's second highest-grossing franchise behind Shrek.
Arena show[edit]
Directed by entertainment director Franco Dragone, Kung Fu Panda: Arena Spectacular is an in-progress live arena show, featuring characters from the Kung Fu Panda. Combining circus and Chinese acrobatics as well as arena show effects, the production was supposed to be released around the same time of Kung Fu Panda 2.[40] After a multi city casting tour in 2010,[41] the production went behind closed doors until late 2011 when a new set of audition dates were announced for the following year.[42] However, shortly before the announced January 2012 auditions, both Franco Dragone and DreamWorks decided to postpone the live show's opening date, canceling all auditions.[43] No further announcements have been made since.
Attractions[edit]
A themed area Po's Kung Fu Garden was opened in 2012 at DreamWorks Experience, one of the themed lands at the Australian theme park Dreamworld. At opening Po's Kung Fu Garden consisted only of a small area featuring a Po photo opportunity. In late 2012, additional rides and attractions were added to the area. All of the rides were moved to Ocean Parade since DreamWorks Experience was rethemed as Kenny and Belinda's Dreamland in 2023.[44]
A multi-sensory attraction, based on Kung Fu Panda, opened at the DreamWorks Theatre on June 15, 2018, at Universal Studios Hollywood.[45]
A Kung Fu Panda-themed children's play area opened at DreamWorks Water Park on October 1, 2020.[46]
Universal Studios Beijing also has a Kung Fu Panda themed area called Kung Fu Panda Land of Awesomeness, which opened alongside the park in September 2021.
Universal Studios Florida's upcoming DreamWorks Land will include the play area Po's Kung Fu Training Camp and the digital meet-and-greet Po Live!.[47]