View source for Kung Fu Panda (film)

{{Short description|2008 DreamWorks Animation film}}
{{Use American English|date=September 2019}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2019}}
{{Infobox film
| name           = Kung Fu Panda
| image          = kungfupanda.jpg
| caption        = Theatrical release poster
| director       = {{Plainlist|
* [[John Stevenson (director)|John Stevenson]]
* [[Mark Osborne (filmmaker)|Mark Osborne]]
}}
| producer       = Melissa Cobb
| screenplay     = {{Plainlist|
* [[Jonathan Aibel and Glenn Berger|Jonathan Aibel]]
* [[Jonathan Aibel and Glenn Berger|Glenn Berger]]}}
| story          = [[Ethan Reiff and Cyrus Voris|Ethan Reiff<br />Cyrus Voris]]
| starring       = {{Plainlist|
* [[Jack Black]]
* [[Dustin Hoffman]]
* [[Angelina Jolie]]
* [[Ian McShane]]
* [[Seth Rogen]]
* [[Lucy Liu]]
* [[David Cross]]
* [[Randall Duk Kim]]
* [[James Hong]]
* [[Jackie Chan]]
}}
| music          = {{Plainlist|
* [[Hans Zimmer]]
* [[John Powell (composer)|John Powell]]}}
| editing        = Clare Knight
| studio         = [[DreamWorks Animation]]<ref name="AFI Catalog">{{Cite web|url=http://catalog.afi.com/Film/64680-KUNG-FUPANDA?sid=de3efe00-24a9-404d-9e47-56e2c4f75fb3|title=AFI{{pipe}}Catalog|access-date=July 12, 2021|archive-date=December 20, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221220081306/https://catalog.afi.com/Film/64680-KUNG-FUPANDA?sid=de3efe00-24a9-404d-9e47-56e2c4f75fb3|url-status=live}}</ref>
| distributor    = [[Paramount Pictures]]<ref name="AFI Catalog"/>
| released       = {{Film date|2008|5|15|[[2008 Cannes Film Festival|Cannes]]|2008|06|06|United States}}
| runtime        = 92 minutes<!--Theatrical runtime: 91:56--><ref>{{cite web|title=KUNG FU PANDA|access-date=December 7, 2020|url=https://www.bbfc.co.uk/releases/kung-fu-panda-film|publisher=[[British Board of Film Classification]]|date=June 24, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804054035/https://www.bbfc.co.uk/releases/kung-fu-panda-film|archive-date=August 4, 2020|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| country        = United States
| language       = English
| budget         = $130 million<ref name="BOM" />
| gross          = $631.7 million<ref name="BOM" />
}}

'''''Kung Fu Panda''''' is a 2008 American animated [[Martial arts film|martial arts]] [[comedy film]] produced by [[DreamWorks Animation]] and distributed by [[Paramount Pictures]]. The first installment in the [[Kung Fu Panda|''Kung Fu Panda'' franchise]], it was directed by [[John Stevenson (director)|John Stevenson]] and [[Mark Osborne (filmmaker)|Mark Osborne]], from a screenplay and story respectively written by the writing teams of [[Jonathan Aibel and Glenn Berger]], and [[Ethan Reiff and Cyrus Voris]]. The film stars the voices of [[Jack Black]], [[Dustin Hoffman]], [[Angelina Jolie]], [[Ian McShane]], [[Seth Rogen]], [[Lucy Liu]], [[David Cross]], [[Randall Duk Kim]], [[James Hong]] and [[Jackie Chan]]. The film, set in a version of ancient China populated by [[Anthropomorphism|anthropomorphic]] animals, centers on a bumbling [[giant panda]] named [[Po (Kung Fu Panda)|Po]] (Black), a kung-fu enthusiast living in the Valley of Peace. When the savage snow leopard Tai Lung (McShane) is foretold to escape imprisonment and attack the Valley, Po is unwittingly named the "Dragon Warrior", a prophesied hero worthy of reading a scroll that has been intended to grant its reader limitless power.

The film's publicized work began in October 2004, and was conceived by Michael Lachance, a DreamWorks Animation executive, originally as a parody of martial arts films. However, director Stevenson decided to instead make an action-comedy [[wuxia]] film that incorporates the [[hero's journey]] narrative [[archetype]] for the lead character. The main characters' animation was more complex than anything DreamWorks had done before. The project was officially announced in September 2005. Like most DreamWorks Animation films, the score for ''Kung Fu Panda'' was composed by [[Hans Zimmer]], this time collaborating with [[John Powell (composer)|John Powell]]; the former visited China to absorb the culture, and used the [[China National Symphony Orchestra]] as part of the scoring process.
  
''Kung Fu Panda'' premiered at the [[2008 Cannes Film Festival]] on May 15, 2008, and was theatrically released in the United States on June 6. It grossed $631.7 million on a budget of $130 million, making it [[2008 in film|the third most successful film of 2008]] and the highest-grossing animated film of the year worldwide, in addition to having the fourth-largest opening weekend for a DreamWorks film at the American and Canadian box office, behind the ''[[Shrek (franchise)|Shrek]]'' franchise.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/37302907/ns/today-entertainment/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100526010221/http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/37302907/ns/today-entertainment/|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 26, 2010|title='Shrek Forever After' roars to top of box office|publisher=MSNBC|date=May 23, 2010|access-date=May 23, 2010}}</ref> It received positive reviews from critics, and was nominated for an [[Academy Award for Best Animated Feature|Academy Award]], as well as a [[Golden Globe Award for Best Animated Feature Film|Golden Globe Award]] for Best Animated Film, but lost both awards to ''[[WALL-E]]''. The film's success spawned a [[Kung Fu Panda|multimedia franchise]], which comprises the sequels ''[[Kung Fu Panda 2]]'' (2011), ''[[Kung Fu Panda 3]]'' (2016) and ''[[Kung Fu Panda 4]]'' (2024).

== Plot ==
<!-- Per WP:FILMPLOT, the plot summary should be around 400-700 words. Current wordcount is at 696. -->
In the Valley of Peace, a land in Ancient China inhabited by [[anthropomorphic]] animals, a [[giant panda]] named Po helps his [[goose]] father Mr. Ping run their noodle restaurant, but dreams of fighting alongside the Furious Five – Tigress, Monkey, Crane, Viper and Mantis – a group of kung fu masters who live in the Jade Palace, where they are trained by Master Shifu, a cranky [[red panda]]. One day, the wise [[tortoise]], Master Oogway, the founder of kung fu and the Valley's spiritual leader, predicts that Shifu's former beloved apprentice, the [[snow leopard]] Tai Lung, will escape from prison and attack the Valley to obtain the Dragon Scroll, a legendary artifact said to grant limitless power to its reader, which he had previously been denied. Panicked, Shifu sends his goose assistant, Zeng, to fortify the security at Chorh-Gom Prison, where Tai Lung is held.

Shifu holds a tournament for the Five so that Oogway can identify the Dragon Warrior, the prophesied hero worthy of reading the Scroll, and Po arrives too late to enter the arena. Desperate to see his idols, he accidentally launches himself into the middle of the tournament off a chair propelled by fireworks. Oogway proclaims Po the Dragon Warrior, much to Po's and the Masters' shock. Shifu refuses to believe that Po can be the Dragon Warrior, and the Five dismiss him after he has a horrible first day of training, so Po is dejected and considers quitting. However, after receiving encouragement from Oogway, he endures a frustrated Shifu's harsh training and gradually befriends the Five with his resilience, culinary skill and good humor. During this time, Tigress informs him that Shifu's distant behavior stems from his shame over Tai Lung's betrayal owing to being denied the Dragon Scroll, as Oogway sensed darkness in his heart, having raised him from infancy.

At Chorh-Gom Prison, Zeng's warnings are ridiculed before Tai Lung uses one of Zeng's feathers to easily escape and subdue his guards before sending Zeng back. Shifu informs Oogway, who makes him promise to believe in Po as the Dragon Warrior, names him as his successor as the Valley's leader, and [[sacrifice|ascends into the Spirit Realm]]. Shifu then informs Po and the Five of Tai Lung's escape and Oogway's passing, and tells Po he is the only one who can stop him. Horrified by the bad news, Po runs away, but Shifu stops him. When Shifu asks Po why he chose to stay, Po tells him that he hated who he was, and he felt that despite Shifu's harsh treatment, he still believed Shifu could change him. Po then makes Shifu admit that he does not know how to train him to be the Dragon Warrior. Tigress overhears this and leads the Five in an attempt to stop Tai Lung.

Meanwhile, Shifu discovers that Po is capable of impressive physical feats when motivated by food, and successfully trains Po by incorporating these feats into an innovative style of kung fu. The Five fight Tai Lung, but he ultimately defeats them with his nerve-strike technique, leaving only Crane, who carries the rest back to the Valley as a warning. Shifu decides that Po is ready to receive the Dragon Scroll, but when Po opens it, he discovers that the Scroll is nothing but a blank reflective surface. Believing the Scroll to have no power, Shifu has Po and the Five evacuate the inhabitants of the Valley while he faces Tai Lung alone to help everyone else escape. Trying to console a distraught Po, Mr. Ping reveals that his "secret ingredient soup" has no secret ingredient at all, explaining that things can become special with belief. Realizing that this is the message of the Dragon Scroll, Po rushes back to help Shifu.

At the Jade Palace, Tai Lung brutally defeats Shifu, but he discovers that the Scroll is missing. Po arrives with the Scroll, saving Shifu's life and prompting them to fight. Po proves to be a formidable opponent, gaining an edge on Tai Lung with his confusing fighting techniques. Tai Lung eventually obtains the Scroll, but does not comprehend its blank surface. Furious, Tai Lung uses his nerve-strike technique on Po, but he proves to be immune to it due to his body fat absorbing the impact. Po overpowers Tai Lung in combat and banishies him to the Spirit Realm by using the legendary Wuxi Finger Hold technique {{efn|This ability of the Wuxi Finger Hold is depicted in ''[[Kung Fu Panda 3]]'' (2016)}}, which he taught himself. Po is honored by the Valley and the Five, and relaxes with a recovered Shifu.

== Voice cast ==
{{Main|List of Kung Fu Panda characters{{!}}List of ''Kung Fu Panda'' characters}}
[[File:Kung Fu Panda The Five.jpg|upright=1.36|thumb|right|From left to right: Master Viper, Master Monkey, Master Mantis (on Monkey's head), Master Shifu, Master Tigress and Master Crane.<br />
<br />The Furious Five are homages to the actual [[Snake Kung Fu|Snake]], [[Monkey Kung Fu|Monkey]], [[Northern Praying Mantis|Praying Mantis]], [[Hung Ga|Tiger]] and [[Fujian White Crane|Crane]] styles of [[Chinese martial arts]].<ref>{{cite web |access-date=September 1, 2008 |url=http://www.kungfupanda.com/ |title=''Kung Fu Panda''-production-five fighting warriors |publisher=DreamWorks |archive-date=February 17, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150217110245/http://www.kungfupanda.com/ |url-status=live }}</ref>]]
* [[Jack Black]] as [[Po (Kung Fu Panda)|Po]], an energetic and accident-prone yet heroic [[giant panda|panda]] and die-hard kung-fu fan who eventually becomes The Dragon Warrior, utilizing an unorthodox (but ultimately effective) training method involving food.
* [[Ian McShane]] as Tai Lung, an arrogant and aggressive [[snow leopard]] who was formerly Shifu's adoptive son and student.
** Riley Osborne as young Tai Lung.
*[[Dustin Hoffman]] as Master Shifu, an elderly and strict [[red panda]] and kung fu master to the Furious Five, and Po and Tai Lung's old master/adopted father.
* The Furious Five:
** [[Angelina Jolie]] as Master Tigress, a no-nonsense and tough-as-nails [[South China tiger|tiger]] and leader of the Furious Five.
** [[Seth Rogen]] as Master Mantis, a dry-humored [[Chinese mantis|mantis]].
** [[Lucy Liu]] as Master Viper, a sweet and good-natured [[Trimeresurus stejnegeri|viper]].
** [[David Cross]] as Master Crane, a pragmatic and sarcastic [[black-necked crane|crane]].
** [[Jackie Chan]] as Master Monkey, an easy-going [[golden snub-nosed monkey|monkey]]. Chan reprised his role in the [[Chinese language|Chinese]] dubbings of the movie. 
* [[Randall Duk Kim]] as Grand Master Oogway, an ancient [[Galápagos tortoise]] and Shifu's mentor.
* [[James Hong]] as Mr. Ping, Po's adoptive father, a happy-go-lucky [[Chinese goose|goose]] who runs a [[noodle]]-restaurant. 
* [[Dan Fogler]] as Zeng, a timid [[swan goose|palace goose]] and Shifu's messenger.
* [[Michael Clarke Duncan]] as Commander Vachir, a [[hubris]]tic and boastful [[Javan rhinoceros|rhinoceros]] who is the warden of Chorh-Gom Prison, where Tai Lung is imprisoned.

[[Kyle Gass]] and [[JR Reed (actor)|JR Reed]] voice KG Shaw and JR Shaw, respectively, two pigs who come across Po before the Dragon Warrior tournament.<ref name="Hough 2020">{{cite web|url=https://screenrant.com/kung-fu-panda-character-voices-actors-who/|title=Kung Fu Panda Cast Guide: Who Voices Which Character|last=Hough|first=Q.V.|date=December 8, 2020|website=[[Screen Rant]]|access-date=April 25, 2021|archive-date=December 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211216192151/https://screenrant.com/kung-fu-panda-character-voices-actors-who/|url-status=live}}</ref> Other actors with minor voice roles include [[Wayne Knight]], [[Laura Kightlinger]] and [[Kent Osborne]].<ref name="Hough 2020" /> The film's directors, John Stevenson and Mark Osborne, also have small voice roles.<ref name="Hough 2020" />

== Production ==
{{quote box
| width = 40%
| quote = ... we love [[Martial arts film|martial arts movies]]. I wasn't interested in making fun of them, because I really think [[Martial arts film|martial arts movies]] can be great films, they can be as good as any genre movie when they're done properly ...

Let's try to make it a real martial arts movie albeit one with a comic character and let's take our action seriously. Let's not give anything up to the big summer movies. Let's really make sure that our kung fu is as cool as any kung fu ever done so that we can take our place in that canon and make sure it's a beautiful movie because great martial arts movies are really beautiful-looking movies and then let's see if we can imbue it with real heart and emotion.
| source = ~co-director [[John Stevenson (director)|John Stevenson]] on the comedic approach to the martial arts film.<ref name="John CS">{{cite web |url=https://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=45494 |title=EXCL: ''Kung Fu Panda'' Co-Director John Stevenson |first=Edward |last=Douglas |work=ComingSoon.net |date=June 2, 2008 |access-date=June 5, 2008 |archive-date=June 5, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080605013742/http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=45494 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
}}

[[DreamWorks Animation]] had previously produced a [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]] video game with a similar premise, ''[[T'ai Fu: Wrath of the Tiger]]'', in 1999 under its defunct video game division, DreamWorks Interactive (now known as [[Danger Close Games]]).<ref>{{Cite web|title=T'ai Fu: Wrath of the Tiger (PlayStation) - Pixelpendium (Beta)|url=https://www.pixelpendium.com/platforms/playstation/tai-fu-wrath-of-the-tiger|access-date=2020-10-18|website=www.pixelpendium.com|language=en}}{{Dead link|date=June 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> In spring 2004, [[Eric Whitacre]] wrote a setting of ''The Seal Lullaby'', the opening poem of ''[[The White Seal]]'' by [[Rudyard Kipling]], which DreamWorks intended to adapt for an animated feature. A few weeks later, it was decided to abandon the idea and start production on ''Kung Fu Panda'' instead.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Seal Lullaby – Music Catalog – Eric Whitacre|url=https://ericwhitacre.com/music-catalog/the-seal-lullaby|publisher=EricWhitacre.com|access-date=7 April 2023|archive-date=April 7, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407091745/https://ericwhitacre.com/music-catalog/the-seal-lullaby|url-status=live}}</ref> Publicized work on the film began in October 2004.<ref>{{cite news|last=Aggerholm |first=Barbara |access-date=September 16, 2017 |date=October 5, 2004 |work=[[Waterloo Region Record|Kitchener Record]] |url=http://www.tjgalda.com/About/Appearances_files/record_shark_some_bite.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080609204156/http://www.tjgalda.com/About/Appearances_files/record_shark_some_bite.html|archive-date=June 9, 2008|title=Giving a shark some bite; Local animator swims with the big boys}}</ref> In September 2005, DreamWorks announced the film alongside Jack Black, who was selected to be the main voice star.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.empireonline.com/News/story.asp?nid=17136 |title=Dreamworks Animation Plans Kung Fu Panda |magazine=[[Empire (magazine)|Empire]] |date=September 21, 2005 |access-date=June 5, 2008 |archive-date=May 31, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110531193820/http://www.empireonline.com/news/story.asp?NID=17136 |url-status=live }}</ref>

In November 2005, DreamWorks announced that Dustin Hoffman, Jackie Chan, Lucy Liu and Ian McShane would join Black in the cast.<ref>{{cite news |publisher=UPI Entertainment News |date=November 9, 2005 |url=http://movies.about.com/od/moviesinproduction/a/kungfu110905.htm |title=DreamWorks Announces the Cast of ''Kung Fu Panda'' |access-date=September 1, 2008 |archive-date=September 17, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110917215935/http://movies.about.com/od/moviesinproduction/a/kungfu110905.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref> This is also the second DreamWorks Animation film in which Black and Angelina Jolie have co-starred together (the first being 2004's ''[[Shark Tale]]'').<ref>{{cite news|last1=Bowles|first1=Scott|title=Jolie, Black perfect for 'Kung Fu Panda 2'|url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/life/movies/news/2011-05-06-kungfupanda06_cv_N.htm|access-date=December 31, 2014|work=USA Today|date=May 6, 2011|archive-date=December 31, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141231132224/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/life/movies/news/2011-05-06-kungfupanda06_cv_N.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>

The idea for the film was conceived by Michael Lachance, a DreamWorks Animation executive.<ref>{{cite news|title=Imagi Announces Strategic Alliance for Gatchaman and Astro Boy Toy Development|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/press-release/2007-08-07/imagi-announces-strategic-alliance-for-gatchaman-and-astro-boy-toy-development|access-date=March 22, 2012|newspaper=Anime News Network|date=August 7, 2007|archive-date=October 8, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131008070757/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/press-release/2007-08-07/imagi-announces-strategic-alliance-for-gatchaman-and-astro-boy-toy-development|url-status=live}}</ref> Initially, the idea was to make it a [[parody|spoof]], but co-director [[John Stevenson (director)|John Stevenson]] was not particularly keen on it and instead chose the direction of a character-based [[wuxia]] comedy.<ref name="John CS"/>

The screenplay for the film was written by [[Jonathan Aibel and Glenn Berger]], whom before were writers and producers for various TV series, including ''[[The George Carlin Show]]'', ''[[Mad TV]]'', and ''[[King of the Hill]]'', with a story conceived by [[Ethan Reiff and Cyrus Voris]]. Reportedly inspired by [[Stephen Chow]]'s 2004 [[martial arts film|martial arts]] action comedy film, ''[[Kung Fu Hustle]]'',<ref>{{cite news|last=Gaul |first=Lou |date=November 4, 2005 |work=[[Bucks County, Pennsylvania#Industry and commerce|Bucks County Courier Times]] |url=https://news.google.com/archivesearch?q=%22Kung+Fu+Panda.%22+The+computer-animated+picture+was+reportedly+inspired+by+Stephen+Chow%27s+action+comedy%2C+%22Kung+Fu+Hustle.%22&btnG=Search+Archives&ned=us&ie=UTF-8 |title=1104 Film Clips |access-date=September 1, 2008}}</ref> the directors wanted to make sure the film had an authentic Chinese and kung fu feel to it. Production designer Raymond Zibach and art director Tang Heng spent years researching [[Chinese painting]], sculpture, architecture and kung fu films to help create the look of the film.<ref name="dailynews">{{cite news |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/movies/2008/06/01/2008-06-01_kung_fu_panda_gets_cuddly.html |title=''Kung Fu Panda'' gets cuddly |work=Daily News |location=New York |date=May 31, 2008 |access-date=June 5, 2008 |archive-date=June 4, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080604040240/http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/movies/2008/06/01/2008-06-01_kung_fu_panda_gets_cuddly.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Zibach said that some of the biggest influences for him were the more artful martial arts films, such as ''[[Hero (2002 film)|Hero]]'', ''[[House of Flying Daggers]]'' and ''[[Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon]]''.<ref name="dailynews"/> Stevenson's aim for the film, which took four years to make, was to make "the best looking film DreamWorks has ever made".

{{quote box
| width = 40%
| quote = We've had some productions that were stressful, but this one ran very smoothly and DreamWorks is {{bracket|''sic''}} this production as a template on how they would like future productions to run. We lucked out, and there really was a sense of harmony on the animation. Even the production people. We all seemed like we were on the same page, believing in the film. That doesn't happen very often. I tell animators, you will be working on dumpers for most of your career, but every once in a while you get a gem. Kung Fu Panda was a gem.
| source = ~Dan Wagner, Head of Character Animation.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://features.cgsociety.org/story_custom.php?story_id=4549&page=2 |title=''Kung Fu Panda'' - One For Life |first=Renne |last=Dunlop |work=CG Studios |access-date=August 29, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080830074837/http://features.cgsociety.org/story_custom.php?story_id=4549&page=2 |archive-date=August 30, 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
}}

The hand-drawn animation sequence at the beginning of the film was made to resemble Chinese [[Shadow play|shadow puppetry]].<ref name="twincities">{{cite news|url=http://www.twincities.com/movies/ci_9488296?nclick_check=1 |title=''Kung Fu Panda'' is fresh, surprising and beautiful |first=Chris |last=Hewitt |work=TwinCities.com |date=June 6, 2008 |access-date=June 7, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080609195347/http://www.twincities.com/movies/ci_9488296?nclick_check=1 |archive-date=June 9, 2008 }}</ref> The opening, which was directed by [[Jennifer Yuh Nelson]] and produced by [[James Baxter (animator)|James Baxter]], was praised by ''[[The New York Times]]'' reviewer [[Manohla Dargis]] as "striking" and "visually different from most mainstream American animations".<ref name="nyt">{{cite news |url=https://movies.nytimes.com/2008/06/06/movies/06pand.html |title=Fuzzy Outsider, Kicking His Way Toward His Dream |first=Manohla |last=Dargis |work=The New York Times |date=June 6, 2008 |access-date=June 10, 2008 |archive-date=June 9, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080609031543/http://movies.nytimes.com/2008/06/06/movies/06pand.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

Other reviewers have compared the opening to the evocative style of [[Genndy Tartakovsky]]'s [[Cartoon Network]] series ''[[Samurai Jack]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.kungfucinema.com/?p=2198 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120629195720/http://www.kungfucinema.com/?p=2198 |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 29, 2012 |title=Kung Fu Cinemapoo ''Kung Fu Panda'' review |work=Kung Fu Cinema |access-date=September 1, 2008 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.timeout.com/film/newyork/reviews/85508/kung-fu-panda.html |title=Timeout ''Kung Fu Panda'' review |first=Stephen |last=Garrett |work=[[Time Out (company)|Time Out]] |access-date=September 1, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080816161710/http://www.timeout.com/film/newyork/reviews/85508/kung-fu-panda.html |archive-date=August 16, 2008  }}</ref> The rest of the film is modern [[computer animation]], which uses bright, offbeat colors to evoke the natural landscape of China.<ref name="twincities"/> The end credit sequence also features hand-drawn characters and still paintings in the background.<ref name="twincities"/>

The computer animation used throughout the film was more complex than anything DreamWorks had done before. When the head of the production handed the script to VFX Supervisor Markus Manninen, she reportedly laughed and wished him "good luck". "When we started talking", said Manninen, "the movie was still a high concept. But for everyone that looked at it, it screamed complexity. We launched off by saying, how can you make this movie tangible? How can you find smart ways to bring this world to life in a way that makes it a great movie and not feel like the complexity becomes the driver of the story, but the story and the emotion being the driver?"<ref>{{cite news |url=http://features.cgsociety.org/story_custom.php?story_id=4549 |title='Kung Fu Panda' |first=Renne |last=Dunlop |work=CG Studios |access-date=August 29, 2008 |archive-date=December 27, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081227084434/http://features.cgsociety.org/story_custom.php?story_id=4549 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In preparation, the animators took a six-hour kung fu class.<ref name="Roberts1">{{cite web |url=http://www.moviesonline.ca/movienews_14790.html |title=Jack Black Interview, Kung Fu Panda |access-date=December 22, 2008 |last=Roberts |first=Sheila |work=MoviesOnline |archive-date=June 20, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090620082950/http://www.moviesonline.ca/movienews_14790.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

Producer Melissa Cobb said that Po was originally "more of a jerk", but that the character changed after they heard Black.<ref name="Roberts1"/> According to Black, he worked mostly "in isolation", although he and Dustin Hoffman did spend a day together, which Cobb said helped with the scene in which their characters face off.<ref name="Roberts1"/> Lucy Liu said that the film "was quite different because it was such a long process".<ref name="Roberts2">{{cite web |url=http://www.moviesonline.ca/movienews_14789.html |title=Lucy Liu Interview, Kung Fu Panda |access-date=December 22, 2008 |last=Roberts |first=Sheila |work=MoviesOnline |archive-date=March 28, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090328135409/http://www.moviesonline.ca/movienews_14789.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Liu said that when she was presented with the project, they already had artwork of her character, as well as a "short computerized video version of what she would look like when she moved".<ref name="Roberts2"/>

== Release ==
=== Theatrical ===
The film held its [[world premiere]] at the [[2008 Cannes Film Festival|61st Cannes Film Festival]] May 15, 2008,<ref>{{cite news|title=DreamWorks Animation's 'Kung Fu Panda' Kicks Off Cannes Film Festival 2008|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/2008/05/14/idUS240913+14-May-2008+PRN20080514|access-date=March 28, 2012|work=Reuters|date=May 14, 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120725172925/http://www.reuters.com/article/2008/05/14/idUS240913+14-May-2008+PRN20080514|archive-date=July 25, 2012}}</ref> where it received massive and sustained applause at the end of the film's screening.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/entertainmentNews/idUSN1631324020080516 |title=''Kung Fu Panda'', a martial arts masterpiece |work=[[Reuters]] |date=May 16, 2008 |access-date=June 1, 2008 |archive-date=May 20, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080520015352/http://www.reuters.com/article/entertainmentNews/idUSN1631324020080516 |url-status=live }}</ref> ''Kung Fu Panda'' later had national premieres in IMAX in the US June 1, 2008, at [[AMC Theatres|AMC]] and [[Regal Cinemas]] in [[Hollywood, Los Angeles|Hollywood]], California,<ref>{{cite news|last=Giardina|first=Carolyn|title=Helmers talk 'Kung Fu Panda'|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/helmers-talk-kung-fu-panda-112905|access-date=March 27, 2012|newspaper=The Hollywood Reporter|date=June 1, 2008|archive-date=November 5, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105082154/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/helmers-talk-kung-fu-panda-112905|url-status=live}}</ref> and in the UK June 26, 2008, at [[Leicester Square]] in [[London]].<ref>{{cite news |access-date=September 10, 2008 |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/hi/entertainment/newsid_7477000/7477138.stm |title=Kung Fu Panda, London premiere |work=BBC |date=June 27, 2008 |archive-date=March 25, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120325110231/http://news.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/hi/entertainment/newsid_7477000/7477138.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> To promote the film's Japanese release, a [[manga]] based on the story was released in Japan in the September 2008 issue of [[Kerokero Ace]] magazine.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-08-04 |title=America's Kung Fu Panda Film Gets Manga in Japan (Updated) |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-07-29/america-kung-fu-panda-film-gets-manga-in-japan |access-date=2024-08-04 |website=Anime News Network |language=en}}</ref> The illustrations were done by Takafumi Adachi.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2010-10-13 |title=Anime Central - Kung Fu Panda Manga Released in Japan |url=http://animecentral.com/news/story.aspx?ID=447 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101013221547/http://animecentral.com/news/story.aspx?ID=447 |url-status=dead |archive-date=2010-10-13 |access-date=2024-08-04 }}</ref>

=== Home media ===
''Kung Fu Panda'' was released on [[DVD]] and [[Blu-ray]] November 9, 2008,<ref name=CNWDVDBluray>{{cite press release|author1=DreamWorks Animation SKG|title=Pandamonium Breaks Loose on Sunday, November 9th When the Year's Biggest Comedy Debuts on DVD and Blu-ray Along With DreamWorks Animation's World Premiere of Po's All-New Adventure|url=http://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/pandamonium-breaks-loose-on-sunday-november-9th-when-the-years-biggest-comedy-debuts-on-dvd-and-blu-ray-along-with-dreamworks-animations-world-premiere-of-pos-all-new-adventure-536615491.html|publisher=CNW|access-date=August 21, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160821091249/http://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/pandamonium-breaks-loose-on-sunday-november-9th-when-the-years-biggest-comedy-debuts-on-dvd-and-blu-ray-along-with-dreamworks-animations-world-premiere-of-pos-all-new-adventure-536615491.html|archive-date=August 21, 2016|date=September 15, 2008|url-status=live}}</ref> and on 3D Blu-ray December 6, 2011, as a [[Best Buy]] exclusive.<ref>{{cite news|title='Kung Fu Panda - 3D' and 'Kung Fu Panda 2 - 3D' Blu-ray 3D Best Buy Exclusives|url=http://bluray.highdefdigest.com/news/show/DreamWorks/Disc_Announcements/Kung_Fu_Panda_-_3D_and_Kung_Fu_Panda_2_-_3D_Blu-ray_3D_Best_Buy_Exclusives/8240|access-date=March 27, 2012|newspaper=High-Def Digest|date=December 6, 2011|archive-date=January 12, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120112044039/http://bluray.highdefdigest.com/news/show/DreamWorks/Disc_Announcements/Kung_Fu_Panda_-_3D_and_Kung_Fu_Panda_2_-_3D_Blu-ray_3D_Best_Buy_Exclusives/8240|url-status=live}}</ref> The DVD double-disc release of ''Kung Fu Panda'' also includes the short animated film, ''[[Secrets of the Furious Five]]''.<ref name=CNWDVDBluray /> The film was released on [[4K UHD]] March 12, 2024, and included the short film [[Kung Fu Panda: Secrets of the Scroll|Secrets of the Scroll.]]<ref>{{Citation |title=Kung Fu Panda |date=2024-03-12 |url=https://www.amazon.com/Kung-Panda-UHD-Blu-ray-Digital/dp/B0CSHHGQS3 |access-date=2024-03-15 |publisher=Studio Distribution Services}}</ref> On June 6, 2024, it was announced that ''Kung Fu Panda'' was released on Peacock on June 6, 2024.

With 7,486,642 DVD units sold in 2008, ''Kung Fu Panda'' was the fourth highest-selling film and the highest-selling animated film of 2008, above ''[[WALL-E]]'', which sold 7,413,548 units.<ref>{{cite web|title=Top-Selling DVDs of 2008|url=https://www.the-numbers.com/dvd/charts/annual/2008.php|publisher=The Numbers|access-date=March 27, 2012|archive-date=June 11, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110611122923/http://www.the-numbers.com/dvd/charts/annual/2008.php|url-status=live}}</ref> As of February 2010, 17.4 million home entertainment units were sold worldwide.<ref>{{Cite press release|url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dreamworks-animation-reports-fourth-quarter-and-full-year-2009-financial-results-85085287.html|title=DreamWorks Animation Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2009 Financial Results|access-date=October 31, 2019|archive-date=October 31, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191031164744/https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dreamworks-animation-reports-fourth-quarter-and-full-year-2009-financial-results-85085287.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Reception ==
=== Box office ===
The film topped the box office in its opening weekend, grossing $60.2 million for a $14,642 average from 4,114 theaters,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://boxofficemojo.com/weekend/chart/?yr=2008&wknd=23&p=.htm|title=Weekend Box Office Results for June 6–8, 2008|work=[[Box Office Mojo]]|date=June 8, 2008|access-date=May 30, 2011|archive-date=June 2, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110602143905/http://www.boxofficemojo.com/weekend/chart/?yr=2008&wknd=23&p=.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> and performing much better than analysts had been expecting.<ref name="DeadlineJun062008">{{cite news|url=https://deadline.com/2008/06/kung-fu-panda-kicks-off-weekend-solid-1-adam-zandlers-zohan-close-2-5974/|title=COMEDIES KICK BUTT! 'Kung Fu Panda' $60M Wkd; Adam Sandler's 'Zohan' $40M; #4 'Sex And The City' Nears $100M Cume|last=Finke|first=Nikki|website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|publisher=[[Mail.com Media]]|date=June 6, 2008|access-date=May 30, 2011|archive-date=December 30, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111230030158/http://www.deadline.com/2008/06/kung-fu-panda-kicks-off-weekend-solid-1-adam-zandlers-zohan-close-2/|url-status=live}}</ref> It was also the highest-grossing opening for a non-sequel DreamWorks Animation film at the time.<ref name="DeadlineJun062008"/> In its second weekend, the film retreated 44% to second place behind ''[[The Incredible Hulk (film)|The Incredible Hulk]]'', grossing $33.6 million, for a $8,127 average, from expanding to 4,136 theaters.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://boxofficemojo.com/weekend/chart/?yr=2008&wknd=24&p=.htm|title=Weekend Box Office Results for June 13–15, 2008|work=[[Box Office Mojo]]|date=June 15, 2008|access-date=May 30, 2011|archive-date=June 16, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110616132821/http://boxofficemojo.com/weekend/chart/?yr=2008&wknd=24&p=.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> It closed October 9, 2008, after 125 days of release, grossing $215.4 million in the United States and Canada, and $416.3 million overseas, for a worldwide total of $631.7 million.<ref name="BOM">{{cite Box Office Mojo|id=0441773|title=Kung Fu Panda|access-date=February 18, 2021}}</ref> ''Kung Fu Panda'' was the highest-grossing non-''[[Shrek (franchise)|Shrek]]'' film from DreamWorks Animation in the United States and Canada before it was surpassed by ''[[How to Train Your Dragon (2010 film)|How to Train Your Dragon]]'' in 2010.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.slashfilm.com/how-to-train-you-dragon-has-become-dreamwork-animations-highest-grossing-non-shrek-movie/|title=How To Train Your Dragon Has Become Dreamwork Animation's Highest Grossing Non-Shrek Movie|last=Sciretta|first=Peter|publisher=[[/Film]]|date=June 30, 2010|access-date=May 30, 2011|archive-date=August 23, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110823092338/http://www.slashfilm.com/how-to-train-you-dragon-has-become-dreamwork-animations-highest-grossing-non-shrek-movie/|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Critical response ===
[[Rotten Tomatoes]] reports that {{RT data|score}} of {{RT data|count}} reviewers gave the film a positive review; the average rating is {{RT data|average}}. The website's consensus reads: "''Kung Fu Panda'' has a familiar message, but the pleasing mix of humor, swift martial arts action, and colorful animation makes for winning summer entertainment."<ref name=rt>{{cite Rotten Tomatoes|id={{RT data|rtid|noprefix=y}} |type=m |title=Kung Fu Panda |access-date={{RT data|access date}}}}{{RT data|edit}}</ref> At [[Metacritic]], the film has an average score of 74 out of 100, based on 36 reviews, indicating "generally favourable reviews".<ref>{{cite Metacritic|id=kung-fu-panda |type=movie |title=Kung Fu Panda |access-date=July 23, 2021}}</ref> Audiences polled by [[CinemaScore]] gave the film an average grade of "A−" on a scale of A+ to F.<ref name="CinemaScore">{{Cite web |first=Anthony |last=D'Alessandro |url=https://deadline.com/2016/02/weekend-box-office-kung-fu-panda-3-finest-hours-fifty-shades-of-black-1201692571/ |title='Kung Fu Panda 3' Gets Leg Up On Fierce 1st Quarter & Scores Record January Toon Opening – Monday B.O. Postmortem |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |date=February 1, 2016 |access-date=May 1, 2022 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220412003904/https://deadline.com/2016/02/weekend-box-office-kung-fu-panda-3-finest-hours-fifty-shades-of-black-1201692571/ |archive-date=April 12, 2022}}</ref>

[[Richard Corliss]] of ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'' magazine gave ''Kung Fu Panda'' a positive review, stating the picture "provides a master course in cunning visual art and ultra-satisfying entertainment".<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.time.com/time/arts/article/0,8599,1812145,00.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080606053949/http://www.time.com/time/arts/article/0,8599,1812145,00.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 6, 2008 |title=''Kung Fu Panda'': Wise Heart, Sweet Art |magazine=Time |author-link=Richard Corliss |first=Richard |last=Corliss |date=June 5, 2008 |access-date=July 28, 2008}}</ref>

''The New York Times'' said, "At once fuzzy-wuzzy and industrial strength, the tacky-sounding ''Kung Fu Panda'' is high concept with a heart," and the review called the film "consistently diverting" and "visually arresting".<ref name="nyt" />

Chris Barsanti of [[Filmcritic.com]] commented, "Blazing across the screen with eye-popping, sublime artwork, ''Kung Fu Panda'' sets itself apart from the modern domestic animation trend with its sheer beauty ... the film enters instant classic status as some of the most gorgeous animation Hollywood has produced since the golden age of Disney."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.filmcritic.com/misc/emporium.nsf/reviews/Kung-Fu-Panda |title='Kung Fu Panda' |first=Chris |last=Barsanti |work=Film Critic |access-date=July 28, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080728045057/http://www.filmcritic.com/misc/emporium.nsf/reviews/Kung-Fu-Panda |archive-date=July 28, 2008  }}</ref>

[[Michael Phillips (critic)|Michael Phillips]] of the ''[[Chicago Tribune]]'' called the film "one of the few comedies of 2008 in any style or genre that knows what it's doing".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://chicago.metromix.com/movies/movie_review/movie-review-kung-fu/444443/content|title=Movie review: 'Kung Fu Panda'|last=Phillips|first=Michael|work=[[Chicago Tribune]]|date=June 8, 2008|access-date=May 30, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110430152733/http://chicago.metromix.com/movies/movie_review/movie-review-kung-fu/444443/content|archive-date=April 30, 2011}}</ref>

However, Tom Charity of [[CNN]] criticized the action for tending "to blur into a whirlwind of slapstick chaos", and considered the character of Po too similar to others played by Black.<ref>{{cite web|first=Tom|last=Charity|url=http://www.cnn.com/2008/SHOWBIZ/Movies/06/06/review.panda/index.html|title=Review: 'Panda' is bear-ly good|publisher=[[CNN]]|date=June 6, 2008|access-date=June 2, 2011|archive-date=November 10, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121110024416/http://www.cnn.com/2008/SHOWBIZ/Movies/06/06/review.panda/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Peter Howell of ''[[The Toronto Star]]'' awarded the film two and a half stars, considering it to have a "lack of story" that "frequently manages to amuse, if not entirely to delight".<ref>{{cite web|first=Peter|last=Howell|url=https://www.thestar.com/ParentCentral/Activities/article/438269|title=Kung Fu Panda: Panders to the predictable|work=[[The Toronto Star]]|date=June 6, 2008|access-date=June 2, 2011|archive-date=February 13, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120213124352/http://www.thestar.com/ParentCentral/Activities/article/438269|url-status=live}}</ref>

''Kung Fu Panda'' was also well received in China.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.toonzone.net/article.php?ID=24549 |title=''Kung Fu Panda'' Received with Enthusiasm in Asia |work=Toonzone |access-date=June 24, 2008 |archive-date=August 25, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120825183659/http://www.toonzone.net/daily-news/ |url-status=live }}</ref> It made nearly 110&nbsp;million [[Yuan (currency)|yuan]] by July 2, 2008, becoming the first animated film to earn more than 100&nbsp;million yuan in China.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/china/2268139/Kung-Fu-Panda-breaks-Chinese-box-office-records.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/china/2268139/Kung-Fu-Panda-breaks-Chinese-box-office-records.html |archive-date=January 12, 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Kung Fu Panda breaks Chinese box-office records |work=The Daily Telegraph |date=July 8, 2008 |access-date=August 27, 2008 | location=London}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.cri.cn/3086/2008/07/08/1821s378282.htm |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120723053946/http://english.cri.cn/3086/2008/07/08/1821s378282.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 23, 2012 |title="Kung Fu Panda" Breaks Box Office Record of Animation |work=CriEnglish |date=July 8, 2008 |access-date=August 27, 2008}}</ref> The Chinese director [[Lu Chuan]] commented, "From a production standpoint, the movie is nearly perfect. Its American creators showed a very sincere attitude about Chinese culture."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/07/03/arts/AS-MOV-China-Kung-Fu-Panda.php |title=''Kung Fu Panda'' reaches Chinese box office milestone |work=International Herald Tribune |access-date=July 28, 2008 |archive-date=June 8, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120608004944/http://www.nytimes.com/marketing/iht/search/?iht |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/news/2008-07-03-kungfupanda_N.htm |title=''Kung Fu Panda'' reaches Chinese box office milestone |work=USA Today |access-date=July 28, 2008 |date=July 3, 2008 |first=Min |last=Lee |archive-date=August 2, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080802040538/http://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/news/2008-07-03-kungfupanda_N.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> The film's critical and commercial success in China led to some local introspection about why no film like ''Kung Fu Panda'' had been produced in China, with commentators attributing the problem variously to lower film budgets in China, too much government oversight, a dearth of national imagination, and an overly reverent attitude to China's history and cultural icons.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/20/weekinreview/20bernstein.html |title=The Panda That Roared |last=Bernstein |first=Richard |date=July 20, 2008 |work=The New York Times |access-date=July 23, 2008 |archive-date=December 17, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111217072147/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/20/weekinreview/20bernstein.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/11/AR2008071103281.html |title=''Kung Fu Panda'' Hits A Sore Spot in China |last=Fan |first=Maureen |date=July 12, 2008 |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=July 23, 2008 |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://archive.today/20150612212044/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/11/AR2008071103281.html |archive-date=June 12, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/audio/2008/jul/08/kungfu.panda.film |title=Kung Fu Panda: "The director has really got in touch with what China is today" |last=Watts |first=Jonathan |date=July 8, 2008 |work=The Guardian |access-date=August 30, 2008 |location=London |archive-date=September 2, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130902121433/http://www.theguardian.com/film/audio/2008/jul/08/kungfu.panda.film |url-status=live }}</ref>

The Slovenian philosopher, cultural theorist and public intellectual, [[Slavoj Žižek]], offered an admiration of ''Kung Fu Panda'' when he was invited to the talk show, [[Charlie Rose (talk show)|''Charlie Rose'']].<ref name="Charlie Rose b697">{{cite web |title=Slavoj Žižek |website=Charlie Rose |url=https://charlierose.com/videos/14434 |access-date=2023-08-08}}</ref>

=== Accolades ===
''Kung Fu Panda'' was nominated for the [[Academy Award for Best Animated Feature]]<ref name=Reuters3OscarBerths>{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-oscars-idUSTRE4AA0YC20081111 |title=14 cartoons seek 3 Oscar berths |date=November 11, 2008 |work=Reuters |access-date=November 16, 2008 |archive-date=March 17, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160317050457/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-oscars-idUSTRE4AA0YC20081111 |url-status=live }}</ref> and the [[Golden Globe Award for Best Animated Feature Film]].<ref name=Deadline66Golden /> Jack Black joked about the film's underdog status at the [[81st Academy Awards]], saying, "Each year, I do one DreamWorks project, then I take all the money to the Oscars and bet it on Pixar."<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1975321,00.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100328210508/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1975321,00.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 28, 2010|title=Dreaming Up How to Train Your Dragon|last=Corliss|first=Richard|magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]]|date=April 5, 2010|access-date=May 30, 2011}}</ref>

By contrast, ''Kung Fu Panda'' won ten [[Annie Awards]] (including Best Animated Feature) out of sixteen nominations, which sparked [[Annie Awards#Kung Fu Panda upset and Disney boycott|controversy]], with some accusing DreamWorks head [[Jeffrey Katzenberg]] of rigging the vote by buying [[ASIFA-Hollywood]] memberships (with voting power) for everyone at DreamWorks Animation.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://goldderby.latimes.com/awards_goldderby/2009/01/kung-fu-panda-d.html |title=''Kung Fu Panda'' dropkicks ''Wall-E'' at Annie Awards |work=Los Angeles Times |last=O'Neil |first=Tom |access-date=July 12, 2009 |date=January 31, 2009 |archive-date=March 18, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090318130324/http://goldderby.latimes.com/awards_goldderby/2009/01/kung-fu-panda-d.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>
{| class="wikitable"
|+ Awards
|-
! Award
! Category
! Name
! Outcome
|-
|'''[[81st Academy Awards|Academy Awards]]'''<ref name=Reuters3OscarBerths />
| [[Academy Award for Best Animated Feature|Best Animated Feature]]
| [[John Stevenson (director)|John Stevenson]]<br />[[Mark Osborne (filmmaker)|Mark Osborne]]
| {{Nom}}
|-
|style="border-top:10px black" rowspan=16| '''[[36th Annie Awards|Annie Awards]]'''<ref>{{cite web|last1=Moody|first1=Annemarie|title=Oscar Nominations: Bolt, Kung Fu Panda and WALL-E Get Best Animated Feature Nods|url=http://www.awn.com/news/oscar-nominations-bolt-kung-fu-panda-and-wall-e-get-best-animated-feature-nods|publisher=Animation World Network|access-date=October 21, 2015|date=January 22, 2009|archive-date=May 3, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190503051543/https://www.awn.com/news/oscar-nominations-bolt-kung-fu-panda-and-wall-e-get-best-animated-feature-nods|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Debruge|first1=Peter|title='Kung Fu Panda' rules Annie Awards|url=https://variety.com/2009/film/awards/kung-fu-panda-rules-annie-awards-1117999390/|access-date=October 21, 2015|work=Variety|date=January 30, 2009|archive-date=May 12, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220512193357/https://variety.com/2009/film/awards/kung-fu-panda-rules-annie-awards-1117999390/|url-status=live}}</ref>
| [[Annie Awards#Individual achievement|Best Animated Effects in an Animated Production]]
| Li-Ming 'Lawrence' Lee
| {{Won}}
|-
| [[Annie Award for Best Animated Feature|Best Animated Feature]]
|
| {{Won}}
|-
| rowspan=3| [[Annie Awards#Individual achievement|Best Character Animation in a Feature Production]]
| [[James Baxter (animator)|James Baxter]]
| {{Won}}
|-
| Philippe Le Brun
| {{Nom}}
|-
| Dan Wagner
| {{Nom}}
|-
| [[Annie Awards#Individual achievement|Best Character Design in an Animated Feature Production]]
| [[Nico Marlet]]
| {{Won}}
|-
| [[Annie Awards#Individual achievement|Best Directing in an Animated Feature Production]]
| [[John Stevenson (director)|John Stevenson]]<br />[[Mark Osborne (filmmaker)|Mark Osborne]]
| {{Won}}
|-
| [[Annie Awards#Individual achievement|Best Music in an Animated Feature Production]]
| [[Hans Zimmer]]<br />[[John Powell (composer)|John Powell]]
| {{Won}}
|-
| rowspan=2| [[Annie Awards#Individual achievement|Best Production Design in an Animated Feature Production]]
| Tang Kheng Heng
| {{Won}}
|-
| Raymond Zibach
| {{Nom}}
|-
| rowspan=2| [[Annie Awards#Individual achievement|Best Storyboarding in an Animated Feature Production]]
| [[Jennifer Yuh Nelson]]
| {{Won}}
|-
| Alessandro Carloni
| {{Nom}}
|-
| rowspan=3| [[Annie Awards#Individual achievement|Best Voice Acting in an Animated Feature Production]]
| [[Dustin Hoffman]]
| {{Won}}
|-
| [[James Hong]]
| {{Nom}}
|-
| [[Ian McShane]]
| {{Nom}}
|-
| [[Annie Awards#Individual achievement|Best Writing in an Animated Feature Production]]
| [[Jonathan Aibel]]<br />[[Glenn Berger]]
| {{Won}}
|-
| [[ASCAP Award]]
| Top Box Office Films 
| Hans Zimmer and John Powell
| {{Won}}
|-
|rowspan="1"|'''[[14th Critics' Choice Awards|Critics' Choice Awards]]'''<ref>{{cite news|last1=Hayes|first1=Dade|title=Critics Choice favors 'Milk,' 'Button'|url=https://variety.com/2008/film/awards/critics-choice-favors-milk-button-1117997072/|access-date=October 21, 2015|work=Variety|date=December 9, 2008|archive-date=July 25, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150725115939/http://variety.com/2008/film/awards/critics-choice-favors-milk-button-1117997072/|url-status=live}}</ref>
| Best Animated Feature
|
| {{Nom}}
|-
|rowspan="1"|'''[[Chicago Film Critics Association Awards 2008|Chicago Film Critics Association Awards]]'''<ref>{{cite web|title=2008 Chicago Film Critics Awards |url=http://www.chicagofilmcritics.org/awards/79-2008-chicago-film-critics-awards |publisher=Chicago Film Critics Association |access-date=October 21, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121217051402/http://www.chicagofilmcritics.org/awards/79-2008-chicago-film-critics-awards |archive-date=December 17, 2012 }}</ref>
| Best Animated Feature
|
| {{Nom}}
|-
|'''[[66th Golden Globe Awards|Golden Globe Awards]]'''<ref name=Deadline66Golden>{{cite web|last1=Finke|first1=Nikki|title=66th Annual Golden Globe Nominations|url=https://deadline.com/2008/12/66th-annual-golden-globe-nominations-7761/|website=Deadline Hollywood|access-date=October 21, 2015|date=December 11, 2008|archive-date=June 26, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150626130545/http://deadline.com/2008/12/66th-annual-golden-globe-nominations-7761/|url-status=live}}</ref>
| [[Golden Globe Award for Best Animated Feature Film|Best Animated Feature Film]]
|
| {{Nom}}
|-
| rowspan="2" |[[Rotten Tomatoes|Golden Tomato Awards 2008]]<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/guides/golden-tomato-awards-2008/genre/animation/|author=No|title=The 10th Annual Golden Tomato Awards|work=Rotten Tomaoes|date=January 7, 2008|access-date=March 15, 2016|archive-date=April 27, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160427041855/http://www.rottentomatoes.com/guides/golden-tomato-awards-2008/genre/animation/|url-status=live}}</ref>
| Best Animated Feature
| rowspan="2" |Kung Fu Panda
|{{Draw|2nd Place}}
|-
| Wide Release
|{{Draw|5th Place}}
|-
|'''[[Motion Picture Sound Editors|Golden Reel Awards]]'''<ref>{{cite web|title=Best Sound Editing: Sound Effects, Foley, Dialogue and ADR Animation in a Feature Film|url=http://www.mpse.org/goldenreels/nominations/2009nominees/Animation.pdf|publisher=Motion Picture Sound Editors|access-date=October 21, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100715185635/http://www.mpse.org/goldenreels/nominations/2009nominees/Animation.pdf|archive-date=July 15, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Kilday|first1=Gregg|title='Button' among Golden Reel nominees|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/button-golden-reel-nominees-78170|access-date=October 21, 2015|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=January 25, 2009|archive-date=October 11, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161011200643/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/button-golden-reel-nominees-78170|url-status=live}}</ref>
| Best Sound Editing: Sound Effects, Foley, Dialogue and<br />ADR Animation in a Feature Film
| Ethan Van Der Ryn<br />Erik Aadahl<br />Mike Hopkins<br />Jonathan Klein<br />Adam Milo Smalley<br />Peter Oso Snell<br />Wayne Lemmer<br />Paul Pirola<br />P.K. Hooker<br />Dan O'Connell<br />John Cucci
| {{Nom}}
|-
|rowspan="1"|'''[[Golden Trailer Awards]]'''
| Best Animation/Family
|
| {{Nom}}
|-
|rowspan="1"|'''[[Huabiao Awards]]'''
| Outstanding Translated Film
|
| {{Won}}
|-
|rowspan="1"|'''[[National Movie Awards]]'''<ref>{{cite news|title=Mamma Mia! wins best musical at National Movie Awards|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/celebritynews/2709800/Mamma-Mia-wins-best-musical-at-National-Movie-Awards.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/celebritynews/2709800/Mamma-Mia-wins-best-musical-at-National-Movie-Awards.html |archive-date=January 12, 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|access-date=October 21, 2015|work=The Telegraph|date=September 9, 2008}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
| Best Family Film
|
| {{Nom}}
|-
|rowspan="2"|'''[[2009 Kids' Choice Awards|Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards]]'''<ref>{{cite news|last1=Schneider|first1=Michael|title=Miley Cyrus dominates Kids' Choice|url=https://variety.com/2009/film/awards/miley-cyrus-dominates-kids-choice-1117999667/|access-date=October 21, 2015|work=Variety|date=February 5, 2009|archive-date=March 5, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305012909/http://variety.com/2009/film/awards/miley-cyrus-dominates-kids-choice-1117999667/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title='High School Musical 3' wins at Kids' Choice|url=http://www.today.com/id/29933652/ns/today-today_entertainment/t/high-school-musical-wins-kids-choice/|publisher=Today|access-date=October 21, 2015|date=March 28, 2009|agency=The Associated Press|archive-date=June 22, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200622045533/http://www.today.com/id/29933652/ns/today-today_entertainment/t/high-school-musical-wins-kids-choice/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| Favorite Voice from an Animated Movie
| [[Jack Black]]
| {{Won}}
|-
| Favorite Animated Movie
|
| {{Nom}}
|-
|rowspan="1"|'''[[Online Film Critics Society Award for Best Animated Film|Online Film Critics Society]]'''<ref>{{cite web|title=2008 Awards (12th Annual)|date=January 3, 2012|url=http://www.ofcs.org/awards/2008-awards-12th-annual/|publisher=Online Film Critics Society|access-date=October 21, 2015|archive-date=July 14, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160714222316/http://www.ofcs.org/awards/2008-awards-12th-annual/|url-status=live}}</ref>
| Best Animated Film
|
| {{Nom}}
|-
|rowspan="1"|'''[[Producers Guild of America]]'''<ref>{{cite news|last1=King|first1=Susan|title=The producers take it seriously|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2009-jan-06-et-pga6-story.html|access-date=October 23, 2022|work=Los Angeles Times|date=January 6, 2009|archive-date=March 7, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307173039/http://articles.latimes.com/2009/jan/06/entertainment/et-pga6|url-status=live}}</ref>
| Animated Motion Picture
| Melissa Cobb
| {{Nom}}
|-
|rowspan="1"|'''[[35th People's Choice Awards|People's Choice Awards]]'''<ref>{{cite news|title=People's Choice gets into action|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/peoples-choice-gets-action-122715|access-date=October 24, 2015|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=November 11, 2008|agency=Associated Press|archive-date=December 16, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181216031956/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/peoples-choice-gets-action-122715|url-status=live}}</ref>
| Favorite Family Movie
|
| {{Nom}}
|-
|rowspan="1"|'''[[Teen Choice Awards]]'''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://theenvelope.latimes.com/env-2008-teen-choice-awards-scorecard17jun17,0,2603341.htmlstory |work=[[Los Angeles Times]] |date=June 17, 2008 |access-date=August 6, 2013 |title=2008 Teen Choice Awards winners and nominees |archive-url=https://archive.today/20080912051322/http://theenvelope.latimes.com/env-2008-teen-choice-awards-scorecard17jun17,0,2603341.htmlstory |archive-date=September 12, 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
| Choice Summer Movie: Comedy
|
| {{Nom}}
|-
|rowspan="3"|'''[[Visual Effects Society Awards 2008|Visual Effects Society]]'''<ref>{{cite news|title='Iron Man' leads pack at VES noms|url=https://variety.com/2009/film/awards/iron-man-leads-pack-at-ves-noms-1117998754/|access-date=October 21, 2015|work=Variety|date=January 19, 2009|archive-date=October 4, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151004183344/http://variety.com/2009/film/awards/iron-man-leads-pack-at-ves-noms-1117998754/|url-status=live}}</ref>
| Outstanding Animated Character in an Animated Motion Picture
| Jack Black<br />Dan Wagner<br />Nico Marlet<br />Peter Farson
| {{Nom}}
|-
| Outstanding Animation in an Animated Motion Picture
| Markus Manninen<br />Dan Wagner<br />Alex Parkinson<br />Raymond Zibach
| {{Nom}}
|-
| Outstanding Effects Animation in an Animated Motion Picture
| Markus Manninen<br />Alex Parkinson<br />Amaury Aubel<br />Li-Ming 'Lawrence' Lee
| {{Nom}}
|}

== Soundtrack ==
{{Main|Kung Fu Panda (soundtrack){{!}}''Kung Fu Panda'' (soundtrack)}}
As with most DreamWorks animated movies, composer [[Hans Zimmer]] scored ''Kung Fu Panda''. Zimmer visited China to absorb the culture, and got to know the [[China National Symphony Orchestra|Chinese National Symphony]] as part of his preparation. [[Timbaland]] also contributed to the soundtrack.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nationalledger.com/cgi-bin/artman/exec/view.cgi?archive=17&num=16128&printer=1 |title=The Big Screen Scene |first=Stephanie |last=DuBois |author2=Emily Feimster |work=National Ledger |date=September 18, 2007 |access-date=June 7, 2008 |archive-date=June 9, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080609195001/http://www.nationalledger.com/cgi-bin/artman/exec/view.cgi?archive=17&num=16128&printer=1 |url-status=live }}</ref> The soundtrack also includes a partially rewritten version of the classic song, "[[Kung Fu Fighting]]", performed by [[Cee-Lo Green]] and Jack Black for the end credits. In some versions, the end credit was sung by [[Rain (entertainer)|Rain]].{{citation needed|date=January 2024}} Although Zimmer was originally announced as the main composer of the film, CEO of DreamWorks Animation SKG [[Jeffrey Katzenberg]] announced during a test screening that composer [[John Powell (composer)|John Powell]] would also be contributing to the score. This marked the first collaboration in eight years for the two, who had previously worked together on DreamWorks's ''[[The Road to El Dorado]]'' and the action-thriller ''[[Chill Factor (1999 film)|Chill Factor]]''. The soundtrack album was released by [[Interscope Records]] June 3, 2008.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/film/news/e3i595b48df06c95e2eed05e9c3eb45a08c
|title=Jack Black, Cee-Lo cover ''Kung Fu Fighting'' |first=Jonathan |last=Cohen |work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |date=May 12, 2008 |access-date=June 4, 2008 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080517054016/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/film/news/e3i595b48df06c95e2eed05e9c3eb45a08c |archive-date = May 17, 2008}}</ref>

== Spin-offs ==
=== Manga ===
A [[manga]] based on the film was released in Japan in ''[[Kerokero Ace]]'' magazine's September 2008 issue.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-07-29/america-kung-fu-panda-film-gets-manga-in-japan |title=America's Kung Fu Panda Film Gets Manga in Japan (Updated) |work=Anime News Network |date=May 12, 2009 |access-date=May 16, 2009 |archive-date=April 25, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090425205910/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-07-29/america-kung-fu-panda-film-gets-manga-in-japan |url-status=live }}</ref> It was written by Hanten Okuma and illustrated by Takafumi Adachi.<ref name="animecentral">{{cite web|url=http://www.animecentral.com/news/story.aspx?ID=447|title=Kung Fu Panda Manga Released in Japan|publisher=Anime Central|access-date=May 20, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101013221547/http://animecentral.com/news/story.aspx?ID=447|archive-date=October 13, 2010}}</ref>

=== Television series ===
A television series titled ''[[Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness]]'' aired on [[Nickelodeon]], with its premiere September 19, 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nick.com/shows/kung-fu-panda-legends-of-awesomeness/|title=Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness|website=Nickelodeon|access-date=September 18, 2011|archive-date=September 24, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110924041425/http://www.nick.com/shows/kung-fu-panda-legends-of-awesomeness/|url-status=live}}</ref> From the cast of ''Kung Fu Panda'', only Lucy Liu and James Hong reprised their roles of Master Viper and Mr. Ping, respectively.<ref>{{cite press release|author1=Nickelodeon|title=Megahit Martial Arts Panda is Back as Nickelodeon and Dreamworks Animation Premiere Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness, New CG-Animated Series, Monday, Nov. 7, at 5:30 P.M. (ET/PT)|url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/megahit-martial-arts-panda-is-back-as-nickelodeon-and-dreamworks-animation-premiere-kung-fu-panda--legends-of-awesomeness-new-cg-animated-series-monday-nov-7-at-530-pm-etpt-132549638.html|access-date=October 26, 2011|agency=PR Newswire|date=October 25, 2011|archive-date=November 12, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111112164538/http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/megahit-martial-arts-panda-is-back-as-nickelodeon-and-dreamworks-animation-premiere-kung-fu-panda--legends-of-awesomeness-new-cg-animated-series-monday-nov-7-at-530-pm-etpt-132549638.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In the series, Po continues to defend the Valley of Peace from all kinds of villains while making mistakes, learning about the history of kung fu, and meeting other kung fu masters. In the United States, the series ended its run June 29, 2016, with a total of three seasons and 80 episodes. However, prior to premiering in the U.S., the final few episodes premiered in Germany from December 30, 2014, to January 7, 2015.{{citation needed|date=January 2024}}

''[[Kung Fu Panda: The Paws of Destiny]]'' is an animated [[Streaming television|web-television]] series produced by DreamWorks Animation, released for [[Amazon Prime Video|Amazon Prime]] November 16, 2018. It is the second TV series in the ''Kung Fu Panda'' franchise, following ''Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness''. [[Mick Wingert]] reprised his role as Po from ''Legends of Awesomeness''.<ref name="nightfly">{{cite web|title=''The Nightfly with Dave Juskow'' – Live from Los Angeles with Mitch Watson|date=November 9, 2017|url=https://player.fm/series/the-nightfly-with-dave-juskow/live-from-los-angeles-with-mitch-watson|work=Player FM|access-date=June 19, 2018|archive-date=June 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190630052936/https://player.fm/series/the-nightfly-with-dave-juskow/live-from-los-angeles-with-mitch-watson|url-status=dead}}</ref>

A third series, also set after ''Kung Fu Panda 3'', titled ''[[Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight]]'', premiered on [[Netflix]] in July 2022, with Jack Black reprising his role as Po.<ref name="TDK">{{cite web|url=https://www.slashfilm.com/800952/jack-black-to-reprise-role-as-po-for-kung-fu-panda-the-dragon-knight-netflix-series/|title=Jack Black To Reprise Role As Po For Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight Netflix Series|work=Slash Film|last=Motamayor|first=Rafael|date=March 16, 2022|access-date=March 16, 2022|archive-date=March 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220316154515/https://www.slashfilm.com/800952/jack-black-to-reprise-role-as-po-for-kung-fu-panda-the-dragon-knight-netflix-series/|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Holiday special ===
The television holiday special, titled ''[[Kung Fu Panda Holiday]]'', aired on [[NBC]] Wednesday, November 24, 2010.<ref>[http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news/2010/09/07/nbc-and-dreamworks-animation-bring-one-of-a-kind-animated-programming-to-audiences-at-home-for-the-holidays-with-new-original-specials-scared-shrekless-and-kung-fu-panda-holiday-special/20100907nbc01/ NBC and DreamWorks Animation Bring One of a Kind Animated Programming to Audiences at Home For the Holidays with New Original Specials ''Scared Shrekless'' and ''Kung Fu Panda Holiday Special''], NBC via The Futon Critic, September 9, 2010 Retrieved 26 September 26, 2010</ref>

=== Video game ===
{{Main|Kung Fu Panda (video game){{!}}''Kung Fu Panda'' (video game)}}
A video game adaptation of the film was published June 3, 2008, by [[Activision]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Kung Fu Panda Video Game Demo Now Available on Xbox Live Marketplace|url=http://xbox360.gamespy.com/xbox-360/luxoflux-next-gen-project/870948p1.html|access-date=March 27, 2012|newspaper=GameSpy|date=May 1, 2008|archive-date=July 3, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120703230433/http://xbox360.gamespy.com/xbox-360/luxoflux-next-gen-project/870948p1.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The game was released for [[PlayStation 3]], [[Xbox 360]], [[Wii]], [[PlayStation 2]], [[Nintendo DS]] and [[computer platform|PC]] platforms. The plot follows the same basic plot as the film, but with Tai Lung portrayed as the leader of various gangs that surround the Valley of Peace, which Po, who possesses some basic martial art skills that can be upgraded as the game progresses, must defeat. The game was released for [[Microsoft Windows]], as well as multiple [[Video game console|consoles]].

The game received mostly positive reviews. It scored a [[Metacritic]] rating of 76%,<ref>{{cite web |access-date=September 1, 2008 |url=https://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/xbox360/kungfupanda |title=Kung Fu Panda |work=Metacritic |archive-date=September 5, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080905153612/http://metacritic.com/games/platforms/xbox360/kungfupanda |url-status=live }}</ref> and a 7.5 out of 10 from [[IGN]].<ref>{{cite web |access-date=September 1, 2008 |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/06/10/kung-fu-panda-review |title=Kung Fu Panda Review |work=IGN |date=June 9, 2008 |last=Brudvig |first=Erik |archive-date=May 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220520150038/https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/06/10/kung-fu-panda-review |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2009, it won the International Animated Film Society's Annie Award for Best Animated Video Game, "in recognition of creative excellence in the art of animation".<ref>{{cite web |last1=Kilday |first1=Gregg |title="Kung Fu Panda" sweeps Annie Awards |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-animation/kung-fu-panda-sweeps-annie-awards-idUSTRE51109D20090202 |website=Reuters |access-date=December 22, 2021 |date=February 2, 2009 |archive-date=December 23, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211223021022/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-animation/kung-fu-panda-sweeps-annie-awards-idUSTRE51109D20090202 |url-status=live }}</ref>

== Sequels ==
{{Further|Kung Fu Panda{{!}}''Kung Fu Panda''}}
Following the financial success of ''Kung Fu Panda'', DreamWorks Animation began development on a sequel.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kilday |first=Gregg |date=October 1, 2008 |title=''Kung Fu Panda'' sequel set for 2011 |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/kung-fu-panda-sequel-set-120197/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231125003040/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/kung-fu-panda-sequel-set-120197/ |archive-date=November 25, 2023 |access-date=November 25, 2023 |website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |via=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> ''[[Kung Fu Panda 2]]'' surpassed the box-office take of the first film,<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 2, 2011 |title=Paramount Intl First To Pass $2B In 2011 |url=https://deadline.com/2011/08/paramount-intl-first-to-pass-2b-in-2011-152889/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210923121343/https://deadline.com/2011/08/paramount-intl-first-to-pass-2b-in-2011-152889/ |archive-date=September 23, 2021 |access-date=June 23, 2023 |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]}}</ref> and received a similarly positive critical and audience response.<ref>{{Cite Rotten Tomatoes |id={{RT data|rtid|noprefix=y|title=Kung Fu Panda 2}} |type=m |title=Kung Fu Panda 2 |access-date={{RT data|access date|title=Kung Fu Panda 2}} |publisher_hide=yes}}{{RT data|edit|title=Kung Fu Panda 2}}{{cbignore}}</ref> A third film, ''[[Kung Fu Panda 3]]'', was released in 2016,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ford |first=Rebecca |date=April 14, 2015 |title=''Kung Fu Panda 3'' Release Date Moves Up Two Months |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/kung-fu-panda-3-release-788851 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150417191205/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/kung-fu-panda-3-release-788851 |archive-date=April 17, 2015 |access-date=June 23, 2023 |website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]}}</ref> becoming one of the [[2016 in film#Highest-grossing films|highest-grossing films of 2016]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=2016 Worldwide Box Office |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/year/world/2016/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201010084930/https://www.boxofficemojo.com/year/world/2016/ |archive-date=October 10, 2020 |access-date=June 23, 2023 |website=[[Box Office Mojo]]}}</ref> ''[[Kung Fu Panda 4]]'' released on March 8, 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |last=D'Alessandro |first=Anthony |date=August 12, 2022 |title=DreamWorks Animation's ''Kung Fu Panda 4'' Is Happening; Universal Sets 2024 Release |url=https://deadline.com/2022/08/dreamworks-animations-kung-fu-panda-4-is-happening-universal-sets-2024-release-1235091150/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220816145106/https://deadline.com/2022/08/dreamworks-animations-kung-fu-panda-4-is-happening-universal-sets-2024-release-1235091150/ |archive-date=August 16, 2022 |access-date=June 23, 2023 |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]}}</ref>

== Literature ==
* 2008: Susan Korman: ''Kung Fu Panda - The Junior [[Novel]]'' ([[Novelization]]), HarperFestival, {{ISBN|978-0-0614-3463-1}}

== Lawsuits ==
DreamWorks Animation was sued in 2011 by a writer, Terence Dunn, for allegedly stealing the idea for ''Kung Fu Panda'' from him.<ref name=THRJurySides>{{cite news|last=Belloni|first=Matthew|title=Jury Sides With DreamWorks Animation in 'Kung Fu Panda' Case (Exclusive)|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/jury-sides-dreamworks-animation-kung-215019|access-date=December 25, 2013|newspaper=The Hollywood Reporter|date=July 25, 2011|archive-date=March 5, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140305164012/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/jury-sides-dreamworks-animation-kung-215019|url-status=live}}</ref> Dunn alleged that DreamWorks Animation had stolen his pitch for a "spiritual kung-fu fighting panda bear" that he sent to a DreamWorks executive in 2001.<ref name=THRJurySides /> DreamWorks Animation denied any wrongdoing, and after a two-week trial, the jurors found in favor of DreamWorks.<ref name=THRJurySides />

In 2011, another lawsuit was brought against the studio by an illustrator named Jayme Gordon. Gordon had supposedly created characters under the name "Kung Fu Panda Power" and registered them with the [[United States Copyright Office|U.S. Copyright Office]] in 2000.<ref name=AnotherLawsuit>{{cite news|last=Gardner|first=Eriq|title=DreamWorks Hit With Another Lawsuit Over 'Kung Fu Panda' (Exclusive)|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/blogs/thr-esq/dreamworks-hit-lawsuit-kung-fu-101075|access-date=June 25, 2014|newspaper=The Hollywood Reporter|date=February 17, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110220041709/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/blogs/thr-esq/dreamworks-hit-lawsuit-kung-fu-101075|archive-date=February 20, 2011}}</ref> He had allegedly pitched this concept to [[The Walt Disney Company|Disney]] while Jeffrey Katzenberg, who left Disney and formed DreamWorks Animation in 1994, was working there. Gordon withdrew his claim just before the trial was due to take place.<ref name=WithdrawnClaim>{{cite news|last=Gardner|first=Eriq|title=DreamWorks Animation Wins Big 'Kung Fu Panda' Lawsuit (Exclusive)|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/dreamworks-animation-wins-big-kung-597254|access-date=June 25, 2014|newspaper=The Hollywood Reporter|date=July 31, 2013|archive-date=January 18, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150118122909/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/dreamworks-animation-wins-big-kung-597254|url-status=live}}</ref> On December 20, 2015, federal prosecutors charged Gordon with four counts of [[wire fraud]] and three counts of [[perjury]] for allegedly fabricating and backdating drawings to support the claims in his lawsuit, and for allegedly tracing some of his drawings from a coloring book featuring characters from Disney's ''[[The Lion King (franchise)|The Lion King]]'' franchise.<ref name=BGFraudCharges>{{cite news|last=Valencia|first=Milton|title=Randolph Man Accused of Fraud in 'Kung Fu Panda' Suit Case|url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2015/12/21/man-charged-with-fraud-kung-panda-suit-case/gfldvAUUhgD9KGIaJkqi9H/story.html|access-date=December 21, 2015|newspaper=The Boston Globe|date=December 21, 2011|archive-date=December 23, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151223003939/https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2015/12/21/man-charged-with-fraud-kung-panda-suit-case/gfldvAUUhgD9KGIaJkqi9H/story.html|url-status=live}}</ref> On November 18, 2016, Gordon was convicted for wire fraud and perjury, facing a sentence of up to 25 years in prison.<ref name="CBConvictedOfFraud">{{cite web|last1=Amidi|first1=Amid|title=Fake 'Kung Fu Panda' Creator Convicted of Fraud, Faces Up To 25 Years in Prison|url=http://www.cartoonbrew.com/law/fake-kung-fu-panda-creator-convicted-fraud-faces-25-years-prison-145156.html|publisher=Cartoon Brew|access-date=November 20, 2016|date=November 19, 2016|archive-date=November 20, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161120185519/http://www.cartoonbrew.com/law/fake-kung-fu-panda-creator-convicted-fraud-faces-25-years-prison-145156.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In May 2017, he was sentenced to two years in federal prison and ordered to pay $3 million in restitution.<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Robb |first1=David |title='Kung Fu Panda' Hoaxer Gets 2-Year Prison Term In $12M Fraud Scheme |url=https://deadline.com/2017/05/kung-fu-panda-fraud-sentence-two-years-prison-1202083366/ |magazine=Deadline |access-date=March 30, 2019 |date=May 3, 2017 |archive-date=March 30, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190330163242/https://deadline.com/2017/05/kung-fu-panda-fraud-sentence-two-years-prison-1202083366/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

== See also ==
* ''[[Enter the Fat Dragon (1978 film)|Enter the Fat Dragon]]'' (1978)
* ''[[T'ai Fu: Wrath of the Tiger]]'' (1999)
* ''[[Legend of a Rabbit]]'' (2011)
* [[Shifu]] (or sifu), which means "skillful person" or a "master"

== Notes ==
{{Notelist}}

== References ==
{{Reflist|30em}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category|Kung Fu Panda}}
{{Wikiquote}}
* {{Official website|http://www.dreamworks.com/movies/kung-fu-panda}}
* {{IMDb title|0441773|Kung Fu Panda}}

{{Kung Fu Panda}}
{{DreamWorks animated films}}
{{John Stevenson}}
{{Mark Osborne}}
{{Jonathan Aibel and Glenn Berger}}
{{Annie Award for Best Animated Feature}}
{{Annie Award for Outstanding Achievement for Animated Effects in an Animated Production}}

{{Portal bar|Cartoon|Animation|Film|United States}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Kung Fu Panda films]]
[[Category:2008 films]]
[[Category:2008 computer-animated films]]
[[Category:2008 action comedy films]]
[[Category:2000s adventure comedy films]]
[[Category:2000s American animated films]]
[[Category:2000s children's comedy films]]
[[Category:2000s fantasy comedy films]]
[[Category:2008 martial arts films]]
[[Category:American action comedy films]]
[[Category:American computer-animated films]]
[[Category:American animated films about revenge]]
[[Category:Animated films about talking animals]]
[[Category:Best Animated Feature Annie Award winners]]
[[Category:Films directed by John Stevenson]]
[[Category:Films directed by Mark Osborne]]
[[Category:DreamWorks Animation animated films]]
[[Category:2000s English-language films]]
[[Category:IMAX films]]
[[Category:American martial arts comedy films]]
[[Category:Films scored by Hans Zimmer]]
[[Category:Films scored by John Powell]]
[[Category:Films adapted into television shows]]
[[Category:Kung fu films]]
[[Category:Paramount Pictures films]]
[[Category:Paramount Pictures animated films]]
[[Category:Wuxia films]]
[[Category:Films with screenplays by Jonathan Aibel and Glenn Berger]]
[[Category:2008 directorial debut films]]
[[Category:2008 comedy films]]
[[Category:Animated films about big cats]]
[[Category:Snow leopards in popular culture]]
[[Category:English-language action comedy films]]
[[Category:English-language fantasy comedy films]]
[[Category:English-language adventure comedy films]]
[[Category:Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Award–winning films]]