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Warning: This post contains huge spoilers for Kung Fu Panda 4!
Kung Fu Panda 4 marks the conclusion of Po's quest as the Dragon Warrior. Jack Black returns to voice the beloved titular panda in the fourth animated installment of the Kung Fu Panda franchise, which has gotten largely positive reviews from reviewers. At the end of Kung Fu Panda 4, Po is imprisoned by Zhen, who steals his staff of knowledge to give Chameleon. The shape-shifting villain uses it to enter the spirit realm, summoning Tai Lung and other Kung Fu masters to steal their abilities and use them to conquer other towns and areas.
Zhen agrees to assist Po overcome Chameleon. Zhen recruits the Den of Thieves to assist in war, and they gladly accept. With the Den of Thieves distracting Chameleon's army, Zhen and Po defeat her with the staff of knowledge, with Po landing the last blow when Chameleon changed and channeled all of the Kung Fu masters at once. Once the staff restores the Kung Fu masters' skills, they all return to the spirit realm, Chameleon in tow. Po then named Zhen as his successor, and he eventually became the Spiritual Leader of the Valley of Peace.
After stealing all of the Kung Fu masters' abilities, the Chameleon becomes almost unstoppable. The villain, however, had not counted on Zhen turning on her and assisting Po in fighting her. Chameleon's desire with power was too far advanced, and her ego was too large to predict her downfall. The villain honestly felt she would go unbeaten, but Chameleon misjudged Po as the Dragon Warrior, who had trained in Kung Fu for a long time, despite the fact that Chameleon took the talents and so they were unearned.
Po was able to restore Tai Lung and the other Kung Fu masters' powers, but the villains retreated to the spirit realm knowing it was the proper thing to do. Just because they were removed from that world did not mean they could reclaim their former glory. Tai Lung was particularly aware that the staff of knowledge and the Valley of Peace were in capable hands with Po as their protector. The Kung Fu Panda villains could have easily exacted revenge on Po, but they all understood they belonged in the Spirit Realm.
A significant moment occurs near the conclusion, when Tai Lung, Lord Shen, Kai, and others kneel to Po. The move demonstrates respect on the side of the formidable Kung Fu Panda villains, as well as a significant shift in their attitudes about Po. The villains now admire Po primarily because he defeated The Chameleon. The returned Tai Lung mentions that Oogway may have been correct about Po all along, meaning that the panda was the best candidate to be the Dragon Warrior.
Once Tai Lung bows to Po, Lord Shen, Kai, and other former Spirit Realm masters follow suit. This is only a short portion of the film's last moments, but it represents Po's change. He is no longer doubted as the Dragon Warrior, and he has earned the respect of past masters and villains. The rise of his status in the eyes of kung fu specialists demonstrates that Po is ready to move beyond his current title and assume his place as the Valley of Peace's new Spiritual Leader.
When Shifu told Po that he needed to go on to become the Valley of Peace's Spiritual Leader, he refused, preferring to remain the Dragon Warrior indefinitely. Po's hesitation stemmed not only from dread of change, which was a factor, but also from a lack of trust in his capacity to pass on wisdom. Po had come so far in his adventure as Dragon Warrior that he didn't want to abandon it; it was his identity. It was something he knew he was good at, whereas being a spiritual leader was unfamiliar ground.
It would challenge him to master new skills that he was not totally comfortable with, at least not at the start of Kung Fu Panda 4. Po was likewise hesitant to adjust to such a significant change. He felt at ease being the Dragon Warrior; giving others guidance and wisdom was not something he had planned on doing. But Po overestimated himself; he was a better spiritual leader than he realized. Most importantly, Po had to understand that change was beneficial since it allowed him to become a better version of himself than he could have dreamed.
After overcoming Chameleon, Zhen was ready to go back to jail, but Po sensed something more in her. Po led Zhen to the jade palace and declared her his successor as the next Dragon Warrior. Shifu warned Po that he'd just know who the next Dragon Warrior would be, and after a voyage that tested them both, Po was more certain than ever that the fox was worthy of carrying the mantle. Zhen became the Dragon Warrior for the second time, and he did not fit the stereotype of a warrior in terms of appearance or behavior.
It makes fitting that Zhen was picked because she had to make a huge decision about Chameleon, who, despite her evil intentions, took her in and trained her for years. Zhen's decision to do what was right in such a difficult situation demonstrated her ability to adapt and evolve when confronted with new knowledge. It also showed Zhen's heart of gold beneath all of her armor, demonstrating that she was capable of taking on such a significant position. Zhen's future in the franchise seems extremely promising as he becomes the next Dragon Warrior. Mike Mitchell, the director of Kung Fu Panda 4, has already previewed Zhen's future under Po's supervision. He teased that the fox still had a lot to learn, stating, "She's not even close to being at the level that Po is at." He suggests that Zhen will need to learn the ropes and grow through training before she can become the Dragon Warrior that Po was. If she wants to acquire that position, Po must become an even better instructor than he was as a combatant.
Kung Fu Panda 4 is the fourth installment of the animated martial arts adventure franchise. Po will leave his home and venture into the city in quest of his future Dragon Warrior replacement, all while battling with The Chameleon, a fearsome shapeshifting foe.
Kung Fu Panda 4 is a beautiful and joyful film that continues to explore themes of self-discovery, bravery, and the strength of friendship. The film has gorgeous animation, fascinating characters, and a captivating tale that will appeal to audiences of all ages. Kung Fu Panda 4 demonstrates that even the most unlikely characters can accomplish great things with determination, a decent heart, and the support of their friends.