Cast of Kung Fu Panda 4: Full Voice Actors and Characters

Kung Fu Panda 4 quietly reshuffled its voice cast: Jack Black and Dustin Hoffman are back for their signature roles, while newcomers like Awkwafina and Viola Davis step in as villains and allies. But longtime fans will notice the Furious Five are largely missing from the main story, and the reasons behind that decision might surprise you.

Director: Mike Mitchell, Stephanie Stine · Po Voice: Jack Black · Shifu Voice: Dustin Hoffman · Villain Voice: Viola Davis as The Chameleon

Key cast members in Kung Fu Panda 4

Kung Fu Panda 4 brought back Jack Black as Po, the Dragon Warrior who is transitioning into a spiritual leadership role. Dustin Hoffman reprised his role as Master Shifu, Po’s longtime mentor. Bryan Cranston returned as Li Shan, Po’s biological father who was introduced in the previous film, while James Hong once again voiced Mr. Ping, Po’s adoptive father. Ian McShane made a cameo as Tai Lung, the original antagonist from the first film.

The cast table below summarizes returning and new voice talent for this installment.

Why aren’t Tigress and the Furious Five in Kung Fu Panda 4?

Angelina Jolie voiced Tigress across the first three films. Jackie Chan voiced Monkey, David Cross voiced Crane, Lucy Liu voiced Viper, and Seth Rogen voiced Mantis. In Kung Fu Panda 4, none of the Furious Five appear in speaking roles during the main story.

The writers, artists, and animators protested, but the cost-driven decision prevailed. The marketing department eventually intervened to secure at least a non-speaking cameo.

— Wikipedia – Kung Fu Panda 4

Taking Po out of the Valley of Peace for the first time contributed to the crowded cast situation in Kung Fu Panda 4.

— Director Mike Mitchell, December 2023 interview on The Direct

Co-director Stephanie Ma Stine confirmed in March 2024 that the Furious Five were not originally going to appear in the film at all. According to Wikipedia, the primary reason was the cost of the original actors, especially Angelina Jolie’s salary.

New characters and villain details

The Chameleon, voiced by Viola Davis, serves as the primary antagonist. She is a shape-shifting sorceress who impersonates other characters throughout the film. Awkwafina voices Zhen, a corsac fox and wanted thief from Juniper City who becomes Po’s successor as the Dragon Warrior. Ke Huy Quan joins the cast as Han, the leader of the Den of Thieves.

Was Angelina Jolie in Kung Fu Panda 4?

Angelina Jolie was not featured in Kung Fu Panda 4’s main story. She voiced Tigress in the original trilogy, but her absence reflects the cost-related production decision that minimized the Furious Five. Jackie Chan, who voiced Monkey, was also absent from the main narrative.

Who voices the main returning characters?

Jack Black returned as Po for the fourth installment. Dustin Hoffman reprised Master Shifu. Bryan Cranston was back as Li Shan, Po’s biological father. James Hong continued as Mr. Ping. Director Mike Mitchell explained in December 2023 that the Furious Five would make an appearance but are “off on their own individual missions”—a narrative device to explain their limited involvement.

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Jack Black returns as Po alongside Dustin Hoffman as Shifu, with the full voice actors guide detailing Viola Davis as Chameleon and the Furious Five’s absence.

Frequently asked questions