Kung Fu Panda is back! After a long eight-year wait, Jack Black’s clumsy Giant Panda-turned-Dragon Warrior character, Po, returns in the fourth Kung Fu Panda franchise installment. This time, he is joined by a new character, Zhen, voiced by Awkwafina, in his latest adventure.
The martial arts comedy, produced by DreamWorks Animation, was released in the United States on March 8.
Kung Fu Panda 4, released on March 8, 2024, stars Jack Black as Po and Awkwafina as Zhen (Credit: DreamWorks Animation / Universal Pictures)
Awkwafina on Recording in the Booth with Jack Black
I am always in awe of Awkwafina and Jack Black’s comedic skills. The two have worked together on the 2019 fantasy adventure comedy Jumanji: Next Level, where they both showed their exceptional comedic timing and skills in physical comedy. And now they’re back on the set—or rather recording booth—together for Kung Fu Panda 4.
Awkwafina and Jack Black at the Los Angeles Premiere of Kung Fu Panda 4 on March 4, 2024 (Credit: Xavier Collin / Image Press Agency / Abaca Press / INSTARimages)
In talking about voice acting in the recording booth together, Awkwafina said it was “hard” to “keep a straight face.” “I feel like I ruined all of his takes because Jack wilds out in there,” she told Screen Rant.
She also told Today that it was “hard that day” because “he’s so funny, and I kept breaking.”
Awkwafina’s Kung Fu Panda 4 Press Tour Looks
Before the movie’s theatrical debut, the 35-year-old actress made the rounds on the New York City media circuit to support her new animated film. She was pictured showcasing her eccentric style sense, which is often a delightful blend of high fashion and streetwear.
Let’s look at Awkwafina’s latest press tour looks, including her towering platform shoes that boosted her 5’1” height.
1. Cool-Chic in a Simkhai Bomber Jacket, Miniskirt, and Knee-High Boots
Showcasing her cool-girl style that perfectly captures her fierce and unapologetic persona, Awkwafina arrived at the Today studios in a muted forest green quilted outfit consisting of a bomber jacket and a mini skirt by Simkhai.
The London-based label, created for the modern woman, is known for its innovative techniques and excellent craftsmanship, evident in Awkwafina’s laid-back but chic ensemble.
I love the cozy-looking mixed-media design of her “Rollins” bomber jacket, which combines quilted sleek sateen and cable-knit fabric.
It features a classic bomber jacket silhouette with a rib-knit baseball collar, rib-knit cuff, zipper front closure, and flap pockets. The layered hem also adds a modern touch to the look. Interested? You can buy it for $595 at Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdale’s, and Bergdorf Goodman.
Awkwafina looks cool and chic in a green quilted and cable-knit bomber jacket and a matching mini skirt by Simkhai for her Today Show appearance on March 8, 2024 (Credit: Roger Wong / INSTARimages)
Awkwafina wore a black mock-neck tee underneath her bomber jacket, which she paired with the coordinating “Ripley” mini skirt. What I find interesting here, aside from the padded quilting on the front, is the contrasting cable-knit back; I like how it creates the illusion of a sweater tied around the waist.
It also has an elasticated waist, a flattering A-line silhouette, flap pockets, and a center zip. This leg-lengthening mini skirt is available for $375 at Bloomingdale’s, Bergdorf Goodman, and Revolve.
In keeping with the look’s edgy and playful style, Awkwafina wore sleek gold dangling earrings and black knee-high boots with chunky toes, platforms, and block heels.
Awkwafina pairs her mini skirt with black leather knee-high boots with chunky platforms and heels to boost her 5’1″ height (Credit: Roger Wong / INSTARimages)
2. Girl Boss in a Blazer-Skirt Co-Ord
While exiting the Drew Barrymore Show studio, Awkwafina opted to power dress, exuding a girl-boss vibe in an oversized gray checkered blazer and a mini skirt.
I find it interesting that considering her petite height, the oversized menswear jacket didn’t drown her. I love how she paired it with a mini skirt, injecting a feminine touch to the borrowed-from-the-boys outfit while lengthening her appearance. Wearing the oversized blazer jacket with the usual trouser combination would have swamped her, in my opinion.
The light gray color of the ensemble looked amazing against her complexion. She wore a white shirt underneath for a radiant look, finished with white platform pumps for a feminine flair.
Awkwafina channels Girl Boss in an oversized menswear-inspired gray blazer and a mini skirt for her Drew Barrymore Show appearance on March 7, 2024 (Credit: Roger Wong / INSTARimages)
I must say, I adore her shoes, but I would have preferred a pair of classic pointed-toe pumps for a more elongated look. They look sophisticated and feminine with ankle straps and low-cut vamps yet sturdy with thick platforms and block heels.
A pair of textured silver hoop earrings and a black velvet bag with a silver chain strap completed her ensemble.
Awkwafina pairs her gray skirt suit with white platform pumps designed with angled block heels and slim ankle straps (Credit: Roger Wong / INSTARimages)
3. Extra Girly in a Puff Shoulder Minidress
On her way to the Drew Barrymore studio, Awkwafina, wearing a mini dress cut from a shiny, velvety fabric, opted for a girly appearance.
I’m not too fond of her dress or its silhouette, as it looks unflattering. The dramatic puff shoulders and peplum hem added a unique touch but didn’t work well with the loose fit.
Awkwafina arrives at the Drew Barrymore Show studios in a navy-blue mini dress with puff sleeves and a peplum skirt on March 7, 2024 (Credit: Roger Wong / INSTARimages)
Likewise, the styling didn’t impress me. I feel like it’s lacking something, but I‘m not sure exactly what it is. Maybe some jewelry? Although I can see her intention to keep the focus on the dress, incorporating a few subtle pieces wouldn’t hurt.
A silver clutch and a pair of silver heels would have added sophistication to her otherwise plain navy-blue dress.
Awkwafina boosts her height by pairing her mini dress with black patent peep-toe platform pumps (Credit: Roger Wong / INSTARimages)
4. Flirty in a Georges Hobeika Pink and Red Feather Minidress
For the Kung Fu Panda 4 premiere last week, Awkwafina decided to add a splash of color to the black carpet by wearing an exquisite pink-and-red dress from Georges Hobeika’s Spring 2022 collection.
The Paradise Hills star flashed her pearly whites while posing for the photographers at AMC The Grove, looking as cheerful as her shirt mini dress.
While many probably raised their eyebrows given the daring and often divisive color combination, which some may find excessive, I think it’s fun and stylish.
The clear crystals adorning the collar and chest pocket gave the outfit a dash of glitter, while the embellished buttons and red ostrich feather hem provided a hint of ‘70s flair.
Awkwafina wows in a pink-and-red Georges Hobeika feather mini dress, adding a splash of color to the black carpet premiere of Kung Fu Panda 4 held at AMC The Grove in Los Angeles on March 4, 2024 (Credit: Xavier Collin / Image Press Agency / Abaca Press / INSTARimages)
I initially had reservations about the dress as I thought it was too girly and youthful for the actress. But considering the movie’s theme, I guess it’s just befitting for the event.
Erica Cloud styled Awkwafina’s red carpet look, adding a few minimalistic Jennifer Meyer dangling earrings and rings to let the dress speak for itself.
She kept the accessories cohesive by finishing her look with silver Larroudé peep-toe heels fastened to her ankles with slim ankle straps. They have thick metallic platforms finished with chunky block heels for a boost in height.
Awkwafina pairs her pink and red feather shirt dress with metallic silver Larroudé peep-toe platform heels (Credit: Xavier Collin / Image Press Agency / Abaca Press / INSTARimages)
As for her glam, Emily Cheng gave Awkwafina soft pink makeup with blush, lipstick, and eyeshadow, adding thick mascara to create her fluttery eyelashes.
Kylee Heath fashioned her raven tresses in her signature gorgeous waves with a thin, rhinestone headband for added sparkle.
Awkwafina coordinates her glam with her dress, wearing soft pink makeup and a gorgeous wavy hairstyle (Credit: Xavier Collin / Image Press Agency / Abaca Press / INSTARimages)
Kung Fu Panda 4: A Journey to Becoming the Valley of Peace Spiritual Leader
The latest installment sees Po on a quest to find his successor as the next Dragon Warrior before he can become the Spiritual Leader of the Valley of Peace. While searching, he encounters a thieving corsac fox, Zhen (voiced by Awkwafina), trying to steal ancient weapons. He puts her behind bars but discovers that Tai Lung (Ian McShane), the snow leopard he sent to the Spirit Realm in the first Kung Fu Panda, has returned.
Zhen tells Po that The Chameleon (Viola Davis), a shapeshifting sorceress, is posing as Tai Lung. Po offers to release Zhen in exchange for taking him to The Chameleon. The two sets off to Juniper City for his last adventure as a Dragon Warrior.
Unfortunately, Zhen betrays Po and locks him up when they arrive at The Chameleon’s lair. She steals his Staff of Wisdom, revealing that Zhen is The Chameleon’s apprentice.
Using the staff, The Chameleon opens a portal to the Spirit Realm. She summons all the martial arts masters, including Tai Lung, Lord Shen, and Kai from the first three Kung Fu Panda movies, to steal and absorb their kung fu.
Realizing her mistake, Zhen and the Den of Thieves help Po fight The Chameleon. In the end, Po uses his staff to defeat her and return the stolen kung fu to the masters before sending them back to the Spirit Realm.
Po and Zhen return to the Valley of Peace, where Po names Zhen his successor. Po eventually becomes the Spiritual Leader of the Valley of Peace.
Dragon Warrior Po on Today Show in support of Kung Fu Panda 4 (Credit: Roger Wong / INSTARimages)
Awkwafina’s Other Voice Acting Roles
This isn’t the first time Awkwafina lent her voice to an animated movie.
She voiced Courtney, the female pig in the Angry Birds Movie 2 in 2019; Sisu, the last dragon in the 2021 Walt Disney Animation Raya and the Last Dragon; Ms. Tarantula, the sarcastic hacker tarantula in the 2022 DreamWorks Animation film The Bad Guys; and Scuttle, a dimwitted northern gannet in the 2023 Walt Disney movie The Little Mermaid.