Jack Black’s Panda power for Easter break opening
School’s out for Easter, and if you’re stuck for a way to keep the kids entertained, Jack Black has got your back.
It’s 16 years since the comic icon first voiced rotund hero Po in the original Kung Fu Panda. He reprises the highkicking role for the fourth instalment of the computeranimated franchise, which hits UK cinemas this weekend.
Directed by Mike Mitchell and co-directed by Stephanie Ma Stine, Kung Fu Panda 4 opens with Po poised to ascend to the lofty position of spiritual leader of the Valley of Peace under the guidance of his mentor, Master Shifu (Dustin Hoffman).
He must find a worthy successor as Dragon Warrior to watch over the realm and protect from the re-emergent threat of villainous Tai Lung (Ian McShane).
Powerful sorceress The Chameleon (Viola Davis), who can mimic the kung fu fighting styles of her opponents, is helping Tai Lung to return to power.
Po aligns with fox thief Zhen (Awkwafina) to halt
Tai Lung’s reign of terror by neutralising The Chameleon.
The daredevil plan is risky and littered with unforeseen obstacles.
And if that wasn’t enough JB, or it’s a little pricey, the voice of Po will appear on our small screens, also kickstarting Easter weekend with CBeebies Bedtime Stories, alongside new tales from Joanne Froggatt, Justin Fletcher and Tom Hardy.
Black will pay homage to his panda protagonist film character by reading a story about a panda named Pom Pom from author Sophy
Henn today.
The book, titled Pom Pom Is Super, is billed as a story about a panda who attempts to work out what his talents are with the help of his friends.
Downton Abbey actress Froggatt will next read Like A Girl from author Lori Degman, illustrated by Mara Penny tomorrow.
The story follows 24 women who took risks, broke barriers and transformed the world – from civil rights activist Rosa Parks to astronaut Sally Ride.
Meanwhile, CBeebies star Fletcher will read a rendition of Bunnies In A Boat by Philip Ardagh and illustrated by Ben Mantle on Sunday.