Jack Black’s beloved character, Po, has returned to the big screen in “Kung Fu Panda 4” and is already receiving a warm reception from audiences. The highly anticipated fourth installment in the franchise kicked off its run with an impressive $3.8 million in Thursday previews, setting the stage for a successful opening weekend. Box office analysts predict that the film will earn over $50 million over Oscar weekend, making it a win for the family marketplace as well as for DreamWorks and parent company Universal.
Fans of the series will be delighted to know that the voice cast includes returning members such as Dustin Hoffman as Kung Fu master Shifu, James Hong as Po’s adoptive father, Bryan Cranston as Po’s birth father Li, and Ian McShane as Shifu’s former student and archnemesis. Joining the ensemble are newcomers Viola Davis as a tiny lizard and shapeshifting sorceress, Awkwafina as a quick-witted thief, and Ke Huy Quan.
Directed by Mike Mitchell, known for his work on “Trolls” and “Shrek Forever After,” “Kung Fu Panda 4” promises to deliver the same level of excitement and humor that fans have come to expect from the franchise. With Mitchell at the helm, audiences can anticipate a visually stunning and entertaining cinematic experience.
While “Kung Fu Panda 4” dominates the box office, all eyes are also on Denis Villeneuve’s “Dune: Part Two.” The sci-fi epic opened to an impressive $82.5 million domestically and has already grossed over $200 million globally. Analysts predict that the film could earn around $40 million in its second outing, solidifying its position as a strong contender in the box office race.
In addition to these highly anticipated releases, Lionsgate and Blumhouse’s “Imaginary” also enters the mix. The horror film, directed by Jeff Wadlow and produced by Jason Blum, earned $725,000 in Thursday previews. With a storyline centered around a young woman and her stepdaughter’s eerie attachment to a stuffed bear, “Imaginary” aims to captivate audiences with its chilling narrative.
As the box office heats up with these new releases, Oscar-nominated films are also expected to see increased ticket sales. While many of the nominated movies are already available for home viewing, some could still experience a surge in popularity. Of particular interest is Christopher Nolan and Universal’s “Oppenheimer,” which has the potential to make box office history if it wins Best Picture. With nearly $960 million in worldwide ticket sales, “Oppenheimer” could become the highest-grossing film to win the prestigious award since “The Lord of the Rings” in 2004.
Overall, moviegoers have an exciting lineup of films to choose from, ranging from the action-packed “Kung Fu Panda 4” to the suspenseful “Dune: Part Two” and the chilling horror of “Imaginary.” Whether audiences are seeking family-friendly entertainment or thought-provoking cinema, there is something for everyone at the box office this weekend.