Space Jam: A New Legacy (2021) (above) followed the same formula as the 1996 movie but had none of the fun, and failed. Kung Fu Panda 4 (below) is introducing new characters.
The trailer for Kung Fu Panda 4 has dropped and, even with 20 million views, has made no splash whatsoever. This is a series that has practically zero haters and a fan base that spans the ages of eight to 80. So, why the tepid response ? Because the studios aren't bringing back Tiger, Mantis, Monkey, Viper and Crane. Director Mike Mitchell says they're off on individual missions. We'll get only a "glimpse" of the Furious Five. What does that even mean? Who asked for this? Who okayed this? Why make a fourth movie in the first place? Sequels, for the most part, make great sense for everyone: The characters are already well loved, the stories offer familiar entertainment, and the second film is often cheaper to produce because the recipe is set. But there's a tipping point. We saw it in 2023 with Dream Girl 2, Fukrey 3, Tiger 3 or Scream 6. ENE QUAD It's not like good sequels don't exist.
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