It’s definitely a family movie affair in the upcoming “Kung Fu Panda 3” as the lead actors’ voices along with their brood’s voices are in the movie too! In recent interviews, Jack Black, Angelina Jolie Pitt and Dustin Hoffman shared that their children recorded voices in the latest installment of the blockbuster family global franchise.
Angelina Jolie's kids Pax, 12, Zahara, 10, Shiloh, 9, and Knox, 7, record animal voices for the movie, says that they weren’t really expecting to be in the movie, "They were kind of shy. They don't really want to be actors, but I didn't want them to miss the opportunity. They came in, and they had a lot of fun with it," shares Jolie Pitt.
Lead star Jack Black's son Sammy, 9, did voiceover too, "My boy actually has a voice in it, He plays one of the bunnies. I wish there was only one bunny so I could say, 'My boy plays the bunny,' but he's like one of the bunnies. There's like a thousand bunnies. Black says his kids are "stoked" about the movie, but said, "they have to be a little contrary. It's part of being a kid. It's like, your dad is not the cool one. No matter how cool your dad is they have to rebel against me."
And Dustin Hoffman's grandson Gus is also heard in the movie. Additionally, franchise newcomer Kate Hudson says, "My kids have always loved the Kung Fu Pandas, so this is really exciting for me because, you know, I'm cool mom right now."
Po’s (voiced by Jack Black) adventure began in “Kung Fu Panda,” where he fulfilled his destiny and became the Dragon Warrior. The film showcased amazing fight sequences, hilarious comedy and a lot of heart. Audiences around the globe cheered the Kung Fu Panda, and the film grossed over $633 million worldwide, was nominated for an Oscar for Best Animated Feature, and took home ten Annie Awards.
In “Kung Fu Panda 2,” Po had to uncover the secrets of his mysterious origins, in order to unlock the strength he needed to succeed. The film topped the blockbuster numbers of the first picture, earned an Oscar nomination for Best Animated Feature, and won two Annie Awards, including Best Director, for Jennifer Yuh Nelson.
Now, in “Kung Fu Panda 3,” which has recently ruled the US box-office for weeks, Po’s his adventure brings him full circle as he continues his evolution as a hero. Po realizes he still has a lot to learn when he leaves his comfort zone as a martial arts student to take on the responsibilities of a teacher. At the same time, he must bring together his biological family and his kung fu family – and become a master of the past and the future.
Po’s enthusiasm is contagious. Director Alessandro Carloni, another veteran of the trilogy, says: “In this film, Po must help others reach that same kind of epiphany and to embrace their unique qualities to become truly empowered.” Whatever the obstacles, Po never gives up. “He’s got a great attitude,” says screenwriter Glenn Berger. “Po is very positive and unrelenting, and no matter how many times he falls, he keeps getting back up.”
The first of those new challenges for Po is to make a daunting, if not insurmountable professional transition. He’s been living large and loving life as the Dragon Warrior, until his beloved teacher Shifu presents Po with the next step in his evolution as the Kung Fu Panda: Po must become a teacher. According to Jack Black, who once again voices the iconic role, that scene points to the fact that “Po is no Shifu, let’s be honest. He’s freaking out and doesn’t think he’s up to these new responsibilities, which are weighing him down even more than the countless dumplings he consumes.”
“Kung Fu Panda 3” opens March 9 in cinemas nationwide from DreamWorks Animation and 20th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros. Available in 2D, 3D and IMAX 3D screens. (PR)
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