News broke today that Kung Fu Panda 3 is set to be a co-production between DreamWorks' Glendale studio and the newly established Oriental DreamWorks, with a view to a worldwide 2016 release date.
This is a smart move by DreamWorks to take advantage of the very lucrative Chinese market; the Chinese government only allow a certain number of foreign films in per year, and this dedication bodes well for the Shrek house's chances. It's also a move that works thematically given the heavy oriental influences (as well as the setting) of the Kung Fu Panda films.
On a more personal note, I'm very excited for the Panda threequel. Admittedly, DreamWorks don't have the best track record with sequels and I was pensive about Kung Fu Panda 2 at the start, but, frankly, they've severely upped their game in the last few years and have barely put a foot wrong since 2010. I adored 2 (review here) - see this year's A113Animation Awards for proof - and it set up well for 3, and my anticipation for it hasn't lessened much since I first saw the second film last year.
They have a string of great original projects (Rise of the Guardians, Me and my Shadow, etc...) coming up, and a decent line up of sequels; at this point, I have a lot of faith in DreamWorks.
A good move, perhaps for business, but no KFP for 4 years...in an all ready struggling franchise that long a time period will likely kill it.
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