Kung Fu Panda 4 hit theaters recently and gave fans an exciting new adventure with Po the panda. The movie ended with some big changes for Po and introduced a new character named Zhen. Let’s break down everything that happened in the ending of Kung Fu Panda 4.
Warning: Major spoilers ahead!
1. Will Po’s Journey as the Dragon Warrior Comes to an End?
At the start of Kung Fu Panda 4, we see Po loving life as the mighty Dragon Warrior. He’s defeating bad guys left and right and helping out at his dad’s noodle shop. But Master Shifu tells Po that it’s time for him to take the next step – he needs to become the Spiritual Leader of the Valley of Peace and choose a new Dragon Warrior to take his place.
Po tries to avoid this by picking himself as the next Dragon Warrior. But by the end of the movie, after going on a big adventure, Po realizes that it is indeed time for a change. His journey as the Dragon Warrior has come to an end and he’s ready to take on new responsibilities.
2. Will Zhen Becomes the New Dragon Warrior?
So who does Po pick to be the new Dragon Warrior? None other than Zhen, the mischievous fox who he met earlier in the movie when she tried to steal from the Jade Palace.
Po and Zhen started off as enemies but grew to respect and trust each other during their mission to stop the evil Chameleon. Zhen was raised to be a thief but Po saw her potential to be a great kung fu warrior.
In the final battle against the Chameleon, Po appeared to be trapped, leaving Zhen to face the villain alone. But this was actually Po’s way of testing if Zhen could handle things on her own. She proved herself by using the kung fu skills Po taught her to defeat the Chameleon.
Impressed by Zhen’s growth and heroism, Po announces that Zhen will be the new Dragon Warrior. She will stay in the Valley of Peace to train with Po and the Furious Five. It won’t be an easy transition, but Po believes in her.
3. What Happens to the Furious Five? Do They Return?
The Furious Five – Tigress, Mantis, Crane, Monkey, and Viper – are absent for most of Kung Fu Panda 4 as they are said to be away on their own missions. But in a fun surprise scene during the end credits, we see all five of them return!
They appear in order to help Po train Zhen in her new role as the Dragon Warrior. It’s great to see the whole gang back together again, even if it’s brief. The Furious Five were a major part of the first three Kung Fu Panda movies so it’s nice that they weren’t completely forgotten in this fourth installment.
Their return at the end also opens the door for them to have bigger roles again in potential future sequels as Zhen continues her kung fu journey. Po and the Five training Zhen could be a lot of fun to watch.
4. Did Tai Lung Have a Change of Heart?
In a surprising and touching moment, the villain Tai Lung, who was Po’s first major enemy way back in the first Kung Fu Panda movie, acknowledges Po as the true Dragon Warrior before returning to the Spirit Realm.
The Chameleon had used Po’s special staff to bring Tai Lung and other past villains back from the Spirit Realm in order to steal their kung fu powers. After Po and Zhen defeat the Chameleon, Tai Lung and the others start to get pulled back into the Spirit Realm.
Before he disappears, Tai Lung bows to Po, finally accepting that the panda was meant to be the Dragon Warrior all along. It seems Tai Lung has had a change of heart and made peace with Po being his successor. This was a really cool bit of closure for Po and Tai Lung’s rivalry.
5. Does Po’s Journey Come to An End? Will There Be No More Kung Fu Panda Movies?
So what’s next for the Kung Fu Panda series after the events of this fourth movie? Well, quite a lot actually!
With Po now serving as the Spiritual Leader of the Valley of Peace, overseeing things and mentoring Zhen, a whole new era is beginning. Kung Fu Panda 5 hasn’t been officially announced yet, but it definitely feels like one is being set up.
We could see future movies focused on Zhen’s growth into becoming a full-fledged Dragon Warrior. There would likely be new villains for her to face, as well as the challenges of living up to Po’s legacy and trying to get out of his shadow.
The Furious Five could also have expanded roles again as they work together with Po to train Zhen. And Po would still be around to lend a hand (and provide plenty of laughs) even if he’s no longer the main star.
There’s also number of the villains who are now trapped in the Spirit Realm. Could they break out again someday for revenge? And might Tai Lung return to make amends and fight alongside Po as an ally? The possibilities are endless for more Kung Fu Panda adventures.
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Conclusion
But even if Kung Fu Panda 4 turns out to be the last movie, it still feels like a fitting send-off for Po. He saved the world multiple times, achieved his dreams, found inner peace, and is now helping to shape the next generation of heroes. Not bad for a clumsy panda who once only dreamed of being a kung fu master!
What did you think of the ending of Kung Fu Panda 4? Do you like the set-up for future movies with Zhen as the new Dragon Warrior? Share your thoughts in the comments section below. And be sure to check out Kung Fu Panda 4, now playing in theaters!
