DreamWorks Animation Sets Kung Fu Panda 2 Date

DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc. today announced that Pandamonium will be back in 2011 when the sequel to its worldwide hit, Kung Fu Panda, is expected to hit theaters on June 3, 2011. The Company also anticipates releasing the film into IMAX® theatres worldwide. Kung Fu Panda 2, like all DreamWorks Animation feature films starting in 2009, will be produced in stereoscopic 3D technology. 

During its theatrical run, Kung Fu Panda has reached over $626 million in worldwide box office to date, making it one of the most successful films of 2008 and DreamWorks Animation's most successful original film ever. The sequel will follow Po, the world's biggest kung fu fan, as he continues his journey as the chosen one who fulfills an ancient prophesy while mastering the art of kung fu. 

The sequel to Kung Fu Panda will once again star Jack Black, Angelina Jolie and other original cast members and will be directed by Jennifer Yuh Nelson, head of story on Kung Fu Panda. It will be produced by Melissa Cobb. Jonathan Aibel and Glenn Berger, who wrote and co-produced the original film, will also be returning. 

DreamWorks Animation's CEO, Jeffrey Katzenberg, said, "We are thrilled to reunite the creative team that made 'Kung Fu Panda' such a global success. Because of their imaginative work, Po's path to heroism proved popular with moviegoers of all ages around the world." 

Bill Damaschke, Co-President of Production and President of Live Theatrical, added, "The story of 'Kung Fu Panda' provided a great introduction to these characters and afforded wonderful opportunities to further expand on the world we created in ancient China. Quite simply, there's more story to tell." 

Kung Fu Panda, which has exceeded $215 million in domestic box office and over $411 million in international territories to date, will be released on two-disc DVD and Blu-ray on November 9, 2008 alongside a brand new companion story, Secrets of the Furious Five.