Kung Fu Panda 2: The Kaboom of Doom

Jennifer Yuh Nelson's Directorial Debut

Jennifer Yuh Nelson steps into the director's chair for the first time with "Kung Fu Panda 2: The Kaboom of Doom." Although this is her first major directorial role, Nelson is no stranger to the world of animation. She served as the head of story for the original "Kung Fu Panda" film, ensuring that the sequel maintains the high quality and engaging storytelling that fans expect.

Plot Overview

In "Kung Fu Panda 2," Po (voiced by Jack Black) is living his dream as the Dragon Warrior, protecting the Valley of Peace alongside his friends and fellow kung fu masters, the Furious Five. The team includes Tigress (Angelina Jolie), Crane (David Cross), Mantis (Seth Rogen), Viper (Lucy Liu), and Monkey (Jackie Chan). However, their peaceful existence is threatened by a new villain who has created a mysterious and unstoppable weapon designed to conquer China and destroy kung fu.

To defeat this new threat, Po must delve into his past and uncover the secrets of his mysterious origins. Only by understanding his true self can he find the strength needed to overcome the formidable weapon.

Voice Cast and New Characters

The original voice cast returns for the sequel, including:

• Jack Black as Po
• Angelina Jolie as Tigress
• David Cross as Crane
• Seth Rogen as Mantis
• Lucy Liu as Viper
• Jackie Chan as Monkey
• Dustin Hoffman as Master Shifu

Additionally, Gary Oldman joins the cast as the voice of a new character, Peacock, who initially appears to help Po but may have hidden motives.

Release Date and Competition

"Kung Fu Panda 2: The Kaboom of Doom" is set to be released on May 26, 2011. The release date was moved from June 3, 2011, to avoid competition with other major films. It will now premiere one week after "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" and one day after "The Hangover 2," while also preceding "X-Men: First Class" by a week.

Script and Contributions

Oscar-winning screenwriter Charlie Kaufman, known for "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind," contributed to the script of "Kung Fu Panda 2." Although Kaufman did not create the original concept or the bulk of the script, his two weeks of work added a unique touch to the screenplay. It will be interesting to see if his influence is noticeable in the final product.

Fun Facts and Lesser-Known Stats

• Box Office Success: The original "Kung Fu Panda" grossed over $631 million worldwide, making it one of DreamWorks Animation's most successful films. Source: Box Office Mojo
• Critical Acclaim: "Kung Fu Panda" received an 87% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, praised for its animation, voice performances, and humor. Source: Rotten Tomatoes
• Jennifer Yuh Nelson's Background: Before directing "Kung Fu Panda 2," Nelson worked on various animated projects, including "Spawn" and "Dark City," showcasing her versatility and experience in the industry. Source: IMDb

Conclusion

Fans of the original "Kung Fu Panda" have much to look forward to with the release of "Kung Fu Panda 2: The Kaboom of Doom." With Jennifer Yuh Nelson at the helm, a returning star-studded voice cast, and contributions from Charlie Kaufman, the sequel promises to deliver the same humor, heart, and high-quality animation that made the first film a beloved hit. Mark your calendars for May 26, 2011, and get ready for another thrilling adventure with Po and the Furious Five.