DreamWorks’ Kung Fu Panda 4 is directed by Mike Mitchell, co-directed by Stephanie Ma Stine and produced by Rebecca Huntley. I first spoke with them back in December at the launch of the film’s first trailer. Now that I’ve seen the entire movie (which opens in theaters this Friday March 8th), here’s my new Animation Scoop Q&A with this trio about what fans of this long-running, nearly $2 Billion franchise should get ready “4”. (This interview was edited for length and clarity.)
Jackson Murphy: As I was watching it, Mike, I thought, “This film embraces the idea of legacy.” What was your goal with this when it comes to legacy?
Mike Mitchell: Well, I like to call it a love letter to the first “Kung Fu Panda”. I think it’s the best franchise that this studio has ever created. It is terrific. And that’s not just because Jack Black is so amazing as this Kung Fu Panda, but it’s also because I think it’s created the best villains I’ve ever seen in any animated feature, ever. And I just love the villains. So our goal for this one was to really build on the legacy of not just Po, but all those villains to try to make the best movie ever.