After an eight-year hiatus, Po, the Dragon Warrior, returns to the big screen in Kung Fu Panda 4. The franchise, known for its winning combination of heartwarming storytelling and jaw-dropping martial arts sequences, has been a source of joy for audiences of all ages. Po’s journey from a bumbling panda with dreams of becoming a Kung Fu master to a skilled warrior has resonated with viewers worldwide. With each installment, the movie series has managed to surpass expectations, leaving fans eagerly awaiting the next adventure.

However, as the countdown to the release of Kung Fu Panda 4 begins, it’s essential to approach the viewing experience responsibly. StreamSafely is committed to fostering a culture that discourages piracy and sharing legal ways to stream the movies you love.

Everything You Should Know Before Seeing Kung Fu Panda 4

Kung Fu Panda 4 is the latest installment of the Kung Fu Panda franchise which began in 2008 with sequels in 2011 and 2016. The animated comedy adventure is expected to bring back several characters from previous films, so, while it’s not required, it is best to view the other Kung Fu Panda films and features.

Here is how to view all the prior Kung Fu Panda movies and TV shows in chronological order:

• Kung Fu Panda: Streaming on Vix
• Kung Fu Panda Holiday: Not currently available on any streaming service
• Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness: Streaming on Paramount+, Amazon Prime Video, and The Roku Channel
• Kung Fu Panda 2: Available to buy or rent on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu
• Kung Fu Panda 3: Streaming on Netflix
• Kung Fu Panda: The Paws of Destiny: Available to buy on Apple TV and Vudu
• Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight: Streaming on Netflix

What to Know About the Previous Kung Fu Panda Films (Spoilers)

The major plot points to get you up to speed are that Po, a clumsy, food-loving panda, is chosen to be the Dragon Warrior by Master Oogway over his more dedicated disciples, the Furious Five. This is generally seen as an egregious mistake. After Oogway’s passing, Po discovers that being the Dragon Warrior means being true to his most authentic self, and, in doing so, he unlocks his full potential.

In the second film, it’s revealed that Po’s family clan, the pandas, were exterminated by the peacock Lord Shen who feared a prophecy that a warrior of black and white would impede his conquest of China. After Shen is defeated, the movie ends with the discovery that some of the panda clan are still alive. In the third feature, Po is reunited with his biological father, Li, and learns to master the power of chi in order to defeat Kai, Oogway’s estranged brother in arms who escaped his banishment to the spirit realm.

After sending Kai back to the spirit realm and destroying him there, Po interacts with the spirit of Master Ooway who gives Po his Staff of Wisdom, which allows him to return to the mortal plane.

There are callbacks to the previous films’ villains, especially the snow leopard Tai Lung of the first film voiced by Ian McShane. However, the newest enemy in Kung Fu Panda 4 is a shapeshifting sorceress called the Chameleon, voiced by Viola Davis.

In a departure from the previous films, however, the Furious Five — Tigress, Viper, Monkey, Mantis, and Crane voiced by Angelina Jolie, Lucy Liu, Jackie Chan, Seth Rogen, and David Cross, respectively — are not expected to reprise their roles in this film.

In their place are the additions of two new characters: Zhen, a wanted criminal fox voiced by Awkwafina, and Han, a pangolin and leader of a band of thieves voiced by Ke Huy Quan.

Creators

Mike Mitchell and Stephanie Stine take the reins in Kung Fu Panda 4 as directors. The first film was directed by Mark Osborn and John Stevenson, with Jennifer Yuh Nelson taking over for Kung Fu Panda 2, making her the first woman to solo-direct a major Hollywood animated feature. Alessandro Carolini joined Yuh Nelson in co-directing Kung Fu Panda 3.

Both Mitchell and Stine are veterans in the world of animation. Mitchell had previously directed Shrek Forever After (2010) and The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part (2019). Stine worked on How To Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World (2019) and Disney’s Raya and the Last Dragon (2021) as a storyboard artist. She also directed five episodes of the animated Netflix series She-Ra and the Princess of Power, which ran from 2018 to 2020.

While the directors of the Kung Fu Panda franchise have changed, the principal writers have not, so you can expect the same hilariously enjoyable writing. Jonathan Aible, Glenn Berger, and Ethan Reiff worked on the first three films with only Reiff dropping out for Kung Fu Panda 4.

Movie Plot

After a storied time as the Dragon Warrior, the panda Po is called to become the Spiritual Leader Valley of Peace, which means learning about spiritual leadership and finding his replacement. The balance of power is disrupted by a shapeshifting sorceress called the Chameleon who seeks Po’s Staff of Wisdom in order to re-summon all the villains Po has previously vanquished to the spirit realm.

Po partners with Zhen, a quick-talking criminal-minded fox, to rally an army against the Chameleon. Should the Staff of Wisdom fall into her claws, it would be the end of the Valley of Peace as they know it.

Runtime

Kung Fu Panda 4 has an official runtime of 1 hour and 34 minutes.

Rating

The Motion Picture Association has given Kung Fu Panda 4 a rating of PG. The film is generally suited for all audiences, but parental caution may be advised in the case of small children.

Theatrical Release Date

Kung Fu Panda 4 is set to hit theaters on March 8, 2024.

Streaming Options

The film will initially be released in theaters with no current streaming option. However, the film is expected to be available for streaming following its theatrical run.

When it does become available, StreamSafely recommends using only well-known, legitimate platforms to stream the film. You may encounter fraudulent websites that claim to offer free access to the movie before it is released for streaming; however, it’s important to resist the urge to visit such sites. Knowing how to recognize illegal streaming sites helps protect you, your device, and your wallet.

Kung Fu Panda 4 Official Trailer

Check out the film’s official trailer to get a first look at some of the action and comedy in the latest Kung Fu Panda release.

Cast & Crew

Jack Black returns to his iconic role voicing Po, the Dragon Warrior. Black is in good company with the returning talents of Dustin Hoffman, James Hong, Bryan Cranston, and Ian McShane. Joining the cast is Awkwafina as Zhen and Viola Davis as the Chameleon.

Take a closer look at the main voice actors and their characters below:

• Jack Black: Po
• Awkwafina: Zhen
• Viola Davis: Chameleon
• Dustin Hoffman: Shifu
• James Hong: Mr. Ping
• Bryan Cranston: Li
• Ian McShane: Tai Lung
• Ke Huy Quan: Han

The crew includes:

• Directors: Mike Mitchell, Stephanie Stine
• Writers: Jonathan Aibel, Glenn Berger
• Producer: Rebecca Huntley
• Composers: Steve Mazzaro, Hans Zimmer
• Production Companies: DreamWorks Animation, Universal Pictures, NBCUniversal, Comcast

How To Stream Kung Fu Panda Safely

Upon its release, Kung Fu Panda 4 will be available exclusively in theaters, but it is expected to make its way to streaming service afterward — though no specified service has been announced yet.

In a world filled with options, StreamSafely is here to guide you toward legal streaming options where you can stream the current Kung Fu Panda films and countless other titles. Remember, piracy is illegal and should be avoided in every circumstance. Your support helps ensure the sustainability of the entertainment industry.