The character of the dumpling-obsessed bear, voiced by Jack Black, will return in the latest installment of the animated film series "Kung Fu Panda" after an eight-year hiatus. Black found it easy to return to the character of Po after this time, as he only needed to remember a few things. Speaking to Reuters, Black said, "I had to prepare... and remember what it was like when I was a kid and the things I loved. What did I love as much as Po loves Kung Fu? What did I love that much? The answer is 'The Six Million Dollar Man.' It was my favorite show," referring to the series that aired in the 1970s.
He added, "There was a man with mechanical parts, and I loved that show. I watched it once a week and I also loved 'The Hulk'... I would pretend I had mechanical parts and I would draw pictures of a man with mechanical parts, and that's what Po is about—this youthful excitement. You can actually hear it seep into my voice, and it's that simple, just remembering the childhood thrill."
In "Kung Fu Panda 4," Po will be tasked with finding a successor to be the next Dragon Warrior. This successor will take the form of the cunning fox, Jin, voiced by actress Awkwafina, who agrees to help Po fight the power-hungry Kamileen, voiced by Oscar-winning actress Viola Davis. Awkwafina said in a joint interview with Black, "There's something I feel is very personally connected to her, so I feel that this is probably one of the most animated characters I’ve voiced that is closest to my personality and voice."
"Kung Fu Panda 4" will be released in American theaters tomorrow, Friday.
