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Kung Fu Panda 5 & Po's Future Get Encouraging Update From Co-Director

Summary

  • Kung Fu Panda 5's potential release window is hinted by director Mike Mitchell, who aims to elevate the sequel.
  • The next movie might not come out until 2027 because of how long production time on the films can be.
  • The success of Kung Fu Panda 4 suggests a likely continuation into Kung Fu Panda 5, which can continue Po's journey and Zhen's training.

Kung Fu Panda 4 ended with new character and corsac fox Zhen in the role, with the titular protagonist preparing to train her as a warrior.

Speaking with ComicBook, Mitchell revealed his hopes for when the story can continue, teasing a possible release window for Kung Fu Panda 5. The director says that a sequel could take three years to make, meaning the next movie probably won't come out until 2027 at the earliest. Check out what Mitchell had to say about a follow-up film below:

The technology does move ahead, but somehow these things always take three years to make. I don't know why that is. I think it's because it's actually harder to make a sequel because we have to make it now five times better than the first one.

There's so much story to tell and it never feels to me like it would be something intimate. It's always got big action. It's hard for me to imagine it's just taking place in one room. I mean, we had so many ideas from this film that we just couldn't fit in.

Will Kung Fu Panda 5 Actually Happen?

Zhen looking over her shoulder next to Po getting ready to fight in in the Kung Fu Panda 4

The newest installment was another smash hit for the franchise, grossing $541.8 million at the box office against an $85 million budget. Because of how profitable the movie ended up being, it wouldn't be surprising if DreamWorks confirmed Kung Fu Panda 5 sooner rather than later. While the newest entry wasn't as critically successful as the previous trilogy, it set the stage for even more stories to come, which could be interesting as Po evolves into a kung fu teacher. Zhen's development can also be further explored as she trains to become the Dragon Warrior.

Mitchell's prediction for a release window also aligns with the previous trilogy in the franchise. While the first movie was released in 2008, the other two didn't come out until 2011 and 2016 respectively. Because there could easily be a five-year wait between this entry and the next one, the director's prediction seems like it might be more optimistic than the reality. Depending on when the next movie is greenlit, it might not be until very late into the 2020s until Po and Zhen embark on another adventure together.

Given the confidence Mitchell has in another entry happening, it appears Kung Fu Panda 4 isn't Po's final adventure, and will instead mark a transition point for his role in the series. While it's unclear when news of a potential Kung Fu Panda 5 will be revealed, the success of the latest installment makes it almost certain to happen if there are plenty of ideas for it. With plenty of ways the franchise can continue, it remains to be seen when another movie will be officially announced.

Kung Fu Panda 4 is available to buy and rent digitally, as well as purchase on DVD, Blu-ray, or 4K Ultra HD.

Source: ComicBook

Po in the last movie
Kung Fu Panda 5
Action
Animation
Comedy
Director
Mike Mitchell

Kung Fu Panda 5 continues the journey of Po, the beloved panda warrior, as fans eagerly anticipate the next chapter in his story following the assurances of co-director Stephanie Ma-Stine. This installment promises to further explore Po's adventures and the rich, animated world of Kung Fu Panda.

Studio(s)
DreamWorks Animation
Distributor(s)
Universal Pictures
Main Genre
Action