Kate Hudson has just confirmed that she will be voicing Mei Mei for "Kung Fu Panda 3."
"Who's that sassy Panda? It's Mei Mei who's me me in Kung Fu Panda Three Three," Hudson posted on Instagram.
According to a report from The Hollywood Reporter, Mei Mei is going to be the franchise's first female panda lead. Aside from her dance moves, she will also make "Kung Fu Panda 3" more entertaining. Mei Mei is characterized as having a charming and romantic obsession for Po, voiced by Jack Black.
As for Hudson voicing Mei Mei, THR exclusively learned that Rebel Wilson had to back out from the role due to a conflict in schedule. According to sources, the production of the third installment was extended, making it impossible for Wilson to finish through with her commitment. With the sudden development, the scenes that already have Wilson's voice will all be rehashed as Hudson comes on board. The scenes will all have to be re-voiced by Hudson.
THR also reported that Black, Angelina Jolie, Seth Rogen and Dustin Hoffman will reprise their roles as Po, Tigress, Mantis and Master Shinfu respectively. New cast member J.K. Simmons will voice the villainous bull Kai and Bryan Cranston will voice Po's father Li.
"Kung Fu Panda 3" will follow Po's journey as his long-lost panda father suddenly reappears. The father and son will travel to a mysterious secret panda paradise, where they will have hilarious encounters with new panda characters. However, their reunion will be disrupted, when villainous Kai begins to spread violence across China, defeating all the kung fu masters. As a result, Po will be compelled to train young and clumsy pandas to become the next gang of Kung Fu Pandas.
On Aug. 23, DreamWorks released a teaser that begins with a mysterious heavy breathing. The log line of the teaser reads, "Nothing can prepare you for the legend." Po is then showed waiting on top of numerous steps. His long-lost father Li is climbing the stairs. The mysterious heavy breathing belongs to Li, as he gets tired climbing the steps. As soon as he reaches Po, he says, "I am your father."
As Li runs out of breath he asks Po, "What's with all the stairs?" Po is speechless. Crane then asks Po who the guy is and why he has run out of breath. Po remains speechless. Crane then tells Po that Li's heavy breathing is creepy. The teaser ends.
"Kung Fu Panda 3" will be directed by Jennifer Yuh Nelson. The film is set for release on Jan. 29, 2016.
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