Kung Fu Panda 4’s Funniest Pairing Shows Why The Furious Five Couldn’t Appear

Warning: SPOILERS ahead for Kung Fu Panda 4!

Kung Fu Panda 4‘s funniest pairing shows why the Furious Five weren’t able to appear in the newest movie. The film’s focus is on Po and a new character, Zhen, who aids him in his quest to stop the Chameleon, a shape-shifting villain who threatens the safety of China. This happens while Po seeks out a new Dragon Warrior to train when he becomes the Spiritual Leader of the Valley of Peace. While reviews for Kung Fu Panda 4 have been positive, one notable difference between this installment and previous films is the absence of the Furious Five.

Early in the film, it’s explained the Five are off on individual missions, meaning they can’t help Po take down the Chameleon. While this shines a spotlight on Po and Zhen, the Kung Fu Panda 4 cast feels less complete without the familiar martial arts masters making a prominent appearance. However, if the Five had been given a larger role this time around, it would have been at the expense of the funniest pairing in the movie.

Po’s Dads Are The Funniest Part Of Kung Fu Panda 4

While the movie has many jokes, their journey has the best ones

After Po and Zhen leave the Valley of Peace to fight the Chameleon, Ping and Li Shan go after them, worried about the safety of their son. This leads to a plethora of funny scenes between the pair, who are constantly trailing behind Po during his quest to stop the villain and find the next Dragon Warrior. One scene shows the aftermath of a tavern fight Po was in, the inhabitants wanting Ping to pay for his son’s actions. Li Shan is forced to pretend he’s Po to save him, leading to gags involving how much pain he can handle.

While there are plenty of humorous jokes throughout the movie from Po and Zhen’s journey, they aren’t as memorable as what happens to Po’s dads during their adventure. By the end of Kung Fu Panda 4, the duo stands out as the most hilarious part of the movie because of how well their banter and worry for their son enhances their relationship. They also help Po fight the Chameleon’s army at the end of the movie, justifying their funny journey as important to the story.

Ping & Li Shan’s Bigger Roles Wouldn’t Have Happened With The Furious Five

The Furious Five would have made the cast too big and the focus too broad

Had the Furious Five been given major roles in the movie, their presence would have made the film too bloated to focus on Ping and Li Shan’s adventure. While it would have been interesting to see their reactions to Po’s Dragon Warrior search and the Chameleon’s plan, it would have made the movie less focused on the four major heroes already present. However, the Five do appear in Kung Fu Panda 4‘s bonus scene at the start of the credits, offsetting their absence from the rest of the film.

While the omission of the Furious Five in the main story takes some getting used to, it ultimately works in the movie’s favor. Ping and Li Shan’s travels provide not only funny moments in the movie but also give them a new dynamic that could be further explored in a possible Kung Fu Panda 5. Kung Fu Panda 4 might only be the start of their comedic adventures together – perhaps finding proper balance with the Five in future installments.