Kung Fu Panda 4: Zhen will be new dragon warrior, replacement for Po
Kung Fu Panda 4: Zhen will be new dragon warrior, replacement for Po – The new character played by Awkwafina comes to replace Po as the protagonist of the franchise.
By Megan Sauer
Kung Fu Panda 4, which will hit theaters in 2024, is preparing to introduce a key character in Po’s story, marking the closure of a franchise that already has 16 years of history.
Female power is present again, now with a character played by the multifaceted Awkwafina.
Although the first trilogy seemed to close Po’s story, in August 2022 DreamWorks Pictures announced that a fourth Kung Fu Panda film was in development.
Since then, much of the plot was kept under wraps until Jack Black made an appearance at CinemaCon 2023 and revealed key details of Kung Fu Panda 4.
Through these plot elements, it was confirmed that a new character will be introduced in the series, who will fight alongside Po and his allies.
Who is Zhen, the new character in Kung Fu Panda 4?
The character who joins the action in Kung Fu Panda 4 is Zhen, a cunning fox, who will be introduced as Po’s apprentice, to become the next Dragon Warrior.
This plot twist represents a significant change in the franchise’s status quo, as the first three Kung Fu Panda films focused on Po learning to become the legendary hero and overcoming the difficulties inherent to that title.
Po and Zhen in the first trailer for Kung Fu Panda 4
The first three films, especially the first from 2008, featured the characters revering the Dragon Warrior as a kind of mythical chosen one.
According to popular belief, only when the right candidate was revealed would the secrets of the Dragon Scroll be revealed, allowing someone to become the legendary kung fu master.
However, Po’s decision to train Zhen to become the next Dragon Warrior challenges this belief, proving that it is simply a title that can be passed down.
Even though this idea of passing on the Dragon Warrior title itself is a plot revision, the concept that someone else could become the legendary master after Po reinforces the franchise’s most important lesson.
The ending of the first Kung Fu Panda movie had already revised the notion of the Dragon Warrior, stating that the person who inherits the title need not be special.
Female power in animated cinema
Movies like Frozen (2013) have played an important role in this change. Elsa, the protagonist, does not need to be rescued by a prince; Instead, she discovers and embraces her own power.
Her song “Let It Go” became an empowerment anthem that inspired many girls and women. Elsa represents independence and inner strength, sending a clear message that women can control her destiny.
Another example is Moana from Moana: A Sea of Adventures (2016). Moana is a brave leader who defies the community’s expectations of her and ventures into the unknown to save the island from her.
Her determination and courage have inspired audiences of all ages, showing that women can be fearless and resilient leaders.
Pixar’s Coco (2017) celebrates the importance of women in passing down culture and family tradition. Although Miguel is the protagonist, her great-grandmother Coco plays a vital role in remembering and preserving her family’s history.
Zootopia (2016) features Judy Hopps, a police bunny who challenges gender discrimination and fights for justice. Judy is an example of perseverance and fight against gender inequality in a world dominated by animals.
