Hot on the heels of some new images from DreamWorks Animation’s upcoming Kung Fu Panda 3, the studio has revealed an official trailer for the threequel – though it is the Chinese-language version, so unfortunately English-speaking audiences may find it a little tricky to figure out some of what’s going on. Still, the preview gives us our first look at the supernatural villain, Kai, who begins rampaging across ancient China and dispatching of kung fu masters. As such, Po (voiced by Jack Black) is forced to turn a newly discovered village of clumsy pandas into kung fu warriors if he’s to have any hope of protecting those he cares about.
The story sounds somewhat predictable, with Po exploring his parentage and grappling with where he truly belongs in the world, but there’s another great voice cast assembled for the movie, and the animation looks flawless as ever. Kai seems like an extremely legitimate threat to Po and all his kung fu animal friends, but the real draw for this threequel is definitely watching Po meet an entire village filled with cute, energetic pandas (let it never be said that DreamWorks doesn’t know its audience).
In addition to Black, Kung Fu Panda 3 features the voice talents of Angelina Jolie, Dustin Hoffman, Jackie Chan, Seth Rogen, Lucy Liu, David Cross, James Hong, Randall Duk Kim, Bryan Cranston and Rebel Wilson.
Here’s the official synopsis:
In 2016, one of the most successful animated franchises in the world returns with its biggest comedy adventure yet, KUNG FU PANDA 3. When Po’s long-lost panda father suddenly reappears, the reunited duo travels to a secret panda paradise to meet scores of hilarious new panda characters. But when the supernatural villain Kai begins to sweep across China defeating all the kung fu masters, Po must do the impossible—learn to train a village full of his fun-loving, clumsy brethren to become the ultimate band of Kung Fu Pandas!
Kung Fu Panda 3 opens January 29, 2016.