Recently, the first trailer for Kung Fu Panda 4 was released which gave us a look at Po's next action-packed adventure in the Valley of Peace. Most of the characters from the previous films are expected to return in the new installment.
The Kung Fu Panda series remains to be one of the most successful DreamWorks franchises to date as it remains beloved amongst worldwide fans since its launch in 2008.
Some fans have been wondering about the longevity of the franchise and whether it will continue after the upcoming fourth film or potentially spinoffs featuring the fan-favorite supporting characters like what happened with Puss in Boots in the Shrek franchise.
Now, the director of the upcoming fourth film has addressed the franchise's future and it looks like it won't be over anytime soon.
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Director Mike Mitchell Hints New Trilogy Starting with Kung Fu Panda 4
In an interview with Next Best Picture, Kung Fu Panda 4 director Mike Mitchell was asked whether the upcoming film will kick off a new trilogy in the franchise.
He teased that it is "possible" that there will be more installments after the fourth film as he believes that fans are willing to see more of Po.
"It’s very possible. Like, I don’t think anyone will ever get tired of seeing Jack Black as this panda. I mean, he just is this panda," Mitchell said.
"He comes up with all of the 'skadooshes,' all the 'sha-sha-booeys' and stuff. We could watch him forever. That said, we have made the most epic chapter of this franchise here."
Producer Rebecca Huntley also added, "How do you top the prior three? Our focus was how do you live up to those prior three and then add something new and go beyond."
If the upcoming fourth movie ends up becoming a huge box office success as well, it is very likely that there will be a fifth movie that is going to be in development right after and spawn more projects to expand the franchise further.
As long as there is a good story to tell and new ideas that were never explored before, there should be no problem at all to do more films and spinoffs. The franchise already has a solid following at this point that it can sustain some support in whatever project it will release in the future.
Kung Fu Panda 4 is slated for release in theaters on March 8, 2024.
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