DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc. today announced that Gary Oldman, Michelle Yeoh, Jean Claude Van Damme and Victor Garber will join Jack Black, Angelina Jolie, Dustin Hoffman, Jackie Chan, Seth Rogen, Lucy Liu, David Cross and James Hong in its upcoming film, Kung Fu Panda: The Kaboom of Doom, which is now scheduled to be released on May 27, 2011 (Memorial Day weekend). The previously announced release date was June 3, 2011.
Oldman voices the character of Lord Shen (a peacock), the film's formidable new villain while Yeoh brings to life the mystical character of The Soothsayer (a goat). Van Damme and Garber round out the cast as Master Croc and Master Thundering Rhino, respectively.
“In the sequel, Po goes on an amazing personal journey and we are thrilled to have assembled such a talented and well-respected group of actors to bring to life our new characters, who – alongside our returning cast – play such a critical role in Po's quest and his ultimate triumph over the forces of evil,”
said Melissa Cobb, Producer of both “Kung Fu Panda” and its sequel.
During its theatrical run in 2008, Kung Fu Panda – DreamWorks Animation's most successful original film ever – reached over $631 million in worldwide box office. 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. Kung Fu Panda: The Kaboom of Doom is directed by Jennifer Yuh Nelson and produced by Melissa Cobb. Jonathan Aibel and Glenn Berger, who wrote and co-produced the original film, also return.
