Different story that goes to another level

Your character, Mr Ping, is Po’s adoptive goose father who, a er meeting his birth father in the third movie of the series, has an interesting dynamic regarding the parenting of Po that will continue to evolve here in ‘Kung Fu Panda 4’.

Yes, it is not just between me and Po, it is between me and Li, the other father. We are two fathers fighting for the attention of Po, so it is now a different type of story that goes to another level in Kung Fu Panda 4, with a number of fun situations.

How was it to bring this great character back to life again?

Well, it’s easy when you are working with these wonderful filmmakers and animators. I like to adlib a bit here and there and have a little fun to give them more to work with.

I was happy to hear that my character, Mr Ping, is one of the favourites of the animation team – that makes me feel I must be doing something right. After 15 years of this, I have to say that it has been a wonderful journey from the beginning to today.

The father/son relationship between Mr Ping and Po is just so special, right?

Yes, it’s about love, forgiveness, helping each other, and trying to understand each other too. I hope this message resonates throughout the whole world because I believe we have to hold our hands together and think of love and forgiveness, and that is what this story is all about. I am so happy that DreamWorks has been constantly working on it and improving the product.

So, what new adventure are they facing?

In Kung Fu Panda 4 there is a new story for Po’s two fathers, his birth father and his adopted one, who are out looking for their son in the middle of nowhere.

Just imagine the adventures that await.

How would you say you relate to Mr Ping?

Mr Ping embodies the way I feel a lot of times when I want to do something and do it well, but it doesn’t turn out exactly the way I thought it would, then I get frustrated and don’t know what to do. You try your best and maybe it’s not good enough for you, even if it’s excellent.

Mr Ping’s experiencing these emotions, going one way and then another, trying to think of the best thing he can do for Po and their relationship.

Did you enjoy coming back to the studio for the recording sessions?

I love when they call me to come to DreamWorks to work, as it’s a great adventure just to enter the studio. It’s probably the most beautiful studio in Hollywood. With other studios, you feel you’re just entering another business company, but DreamWorks gives you that sense of entering a place precisely where dreams come to life.

It’s a very comforting place where I feel free in the recording booth, and my feelings echo out into the different spaces of the room.

And why do you believe fans will love seeing ‘Kung Fu Panda 4’ in a movie theatre?

I am sure people will love seeing Kung Fu Panda 4 in a movie theatre because of many things: the special effects, the action, the comedy, the visuals… Each year it seems like the animators come up with something new.

This film is very colourful, and it just jumps out at you. You can watch it at home, but it is another feeling going to the theatre to see this movie with the family. It is a love affair, let’s admit it. –