What the star-studded cast of 'Kung Fu Panda 4' looks like in real life

• "Kung Fu Panda 4" is available in theaters.

• Viola Davis, Awkwafina, and Ke Huy Quan join the main cast in the animated sequel.

• Here are the famous voice actors that play main characters in the movie.

Viola Davis, Awkwafina, and Ke Huy Quan are the latest stars to join the "Kung Fu Panda" franchise.

In "Kung Fu Panda 4," Po (Jack Black), a friendly Panda and martial arts master, journeys outside his home, the Valley of the Peace, to find a successor. His journey brings him a new ally, Zhen (Awkwafina), a fox bandit, and a new enemy, the Chameleon (Davis).

The new movie is the first sequel in the franchise for eight years, after "Kung Fu Panda 3," which had the weakest box office performance of the previous films and was the only one not to gain an Oscar nomination. The "Kung Fu Panda" franchise has generated nearly $2 billion at the worldwide box office.

Here are the famous actors in "Kung Fu Panda" and the characters they play.

Jack Black is reprising his role as Dragon Warrior Po.

Jack Black has been the voice of the lovable protagonist, Po, in every installment of "Kung Fu Panda." It is one of Black's most well-known roles, but he's also starred in "The Super Mario Bros. Movie," "School of Rock," and "The Holiday" in a career spanning four decades.

While Po can often be distracted by hunger, he is a fierce warrior devoted to protecting ancient China. In "Kung Fu Panda 4," Po has to find a successor to be the next Dragon Warrior so he can become a spiritual leader for the Valley of Peace.

Awkwafina plays a new character, Zhen.

Po meets a fox bandit, Zhen, on his journey to find a successor. Zhen is Po's guide on his journey to defeat a new threat to the world, and she introduces Po to several other criminals.

Awkwafina is no stranger to voice-acting. She previously had voice acting roles in "The Little Mermaid" reboot, "The Bad Guys" and "Raya and the Last Dragon."

Viola Davis plays the new villain, The Chameleon.

The Chameleon is a sorceress who wants to take over the world. She plans to steal the chi from warriors to become the most powerful animal in the world.

Although Davis has starred in multiple genres, this is her first animated movie. The Oscar-winning actor is best known for her role in "How To Get Away with Murder."

Dustin Hoffman is back as Master Shifu.

Since his Dragon Warrior journey began, Po has been guided by Master Shifu. In the fourth film, Shifu tells Po that he is ready to go to the next level of his training, becoming a spiritual leader rather than a fighter.

Dustin Hoffman, who plays Shifu, is a two-time Oscar winner who has starred in films including "Rain Man," "Hook," and "Chef."

Bryan Cranston is back as Po's biological father, Li.

Po was separated from his parents as a baby. However, Li, Po's father, is introduced at the end of "Kung Fu Panda 2" and reunites with his son in the sequel.

In the new movie, Li and Po's adopted father help Po on his mission to defeat The Chameleon.

James Hong is reprising his role as Po's adopted father, Mr. Ping.

Mr. Ping is a noodle shop owner who adopted Po after finding the panda in a box of radishes. Although he was initially wary of Li, teasers for "Kung Fu Panda 4" suggest the pair are allies now.

James Hong has starred in "Everything Everywhere All At Once," "Turning Red," and "Big Trouble in Little China."

Ian McShane is back as Po's former rival, Tai Lung.

Tai Lung was the first villain in "Kung Fu Panda," a skilled fighter who thought he deserved to become the Dragon Warrior. Po defeated Tai Lung in the first movie, but The Chameleon resurrects Tai Lung in "Kung Fu Panda 4."

Fans may recognize McShane from the "John Wick" franchise.

Ke Huy Quan plays Han, a Sunda pangolin.

Ke Huy Quan has appeared in numerous projects after his successful return to the film industry with "Everything Everywhere All At Once."

In "Kung Fu Panda 4," he plays a criminal leader called Han. Po and Zhen try to recruit Han and his crew to fight The Chamaleon and her army.

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