Po is back! Kung Fu Panda 4 opened at the box office for previews this Thursday and began its wide release today. The film seems to have maintained its audience after 8 years since the last installment as the previews drew in $3.8 million. Jack Black returns as Po, the titular Kung Fu panda. The film is directed by Mike Mitchell, who has been at the head of films such as Shrek Forever After, Sky High, and Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked. 

According to The Hollywood Reporter, “returning members of the 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 to protect their world. Ke Huy Quan also joins the franchise.” THR also stated, “The animated film is tipped to win the Oscar-weekend box office with a domestic opening north of $50 million, in a boost for the animated family marketplace.”

According to IMDb, The film follows Po as he is given the role of spiritual leader. In this role, he must train a new dragon warrior. But, unfortunately, an evil sorceress (voiced by Davis) is plotting to summon all of the master villains Po has previously defeated. 

The film is currently sitting at a 70% on Rotten Tomatoes, a 17% decrease from King Fu Panda 3. That being said, it seems like it will still pull in audiences this Oscar weekend.