Jack Black's Po is back after nearly a decade, and he's already receiving a hero's welcome from audiences. Kung Fu Panda 4 started off its run on the big screen with a Friday opening gross of $13.8 million, including $3.8 in Thursday previews. The fourth film in the franchise is now estimated to open to a near-series best $55 million domestically over Oscar weekend in a win for the family marketplace, as well as for DreamWorks Animation and parent company Universal. The only other Kung Fu installment to open higher was the first one in 2008 with $62 million, not adjusted for inflation.
Returning members of the Kung Fu 4 voice cast include Dustin Hoffman as Kung Fu master Shifu, James Hong as Po’s adoptive father, Bryan Cranston as Po’s birth father Li, and Ian McShane as Shifu's former student and archnemesis. Series newcomers include Viola Davis as a tiny lizard and shapeshifting sorceress, and Awakawfina as a quick-witted thief whom Po needs in order to protect their world. Ke Huy Quan also joins the franchise as a criminal leader named Han. The film boasts an A- CinemaScore from audiences and strong PostTrak exits.
