Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight

Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight
Season 1 promotional poster featuring Po and Sir Luthera / Wandering Blade
Genre
Based onKung Fu Panda
Developed by
  • Mitch Watson
  • Peter Hastings
Voices of
Theme music composerPeter Hastings
Composers
  • Kevin Lax
  • Robert Lydecker
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons3
No. of episodes42
Production
Executive producers
  • Peter Hastings
  • Shaunt Nigoghossian
  • Jack Black
Running time24-46 minutes
Production companyDreamWorks Animation Television
Original release
NetworkNetflix
ReleaseJuly 14, 2022 (2022-07-14) –
September 7, 2023 (2023-09-07)
Related

Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight is an American CG-animated television series,[2] developed by Mitch Watson and Peter Hastings for Netflix.[3] It is the third TV series in the Kung Fu Panda franchise, following Kung Fu Panda: The Paws of Destiny.[2] Produced by DreamWorks Animation Television, the series premiered on Netflix on July 14, 2022.[4] A second season was released on January 12, 2023.[5] A third and final season was released on September 7, 2023.[6][7]

Premise

The series picks up a few years after General Kai's defeat and Shi Long's defeat where the Dragon Warrior Po the giant panda must leave his home and embark on a globe-trotting quest across China for redemption and justice that finds him partnered up with a no-nonsense English knight named Luthera (a brown bear), also known as Wandering Blade, to find four elemental weapons that broke up the world a long time ago.

Voice cast

Main article: List of Kung Fu Panda characters

Main

Recurring

Guest

Episodes

Series overview

Series overview
SeasonEpisodesOriginally released
111July 14, 2022 (2022-07-14)
212January 12, 2023 (2023-01-12)
319September 7, 2023 (2023-09-07)

Season 1 (2022)

No.
overall		No. in
season		TitleDirected byWritten byStoryboard byOriginal release date
11"A Cause for the Paws"Shaunt NigoghossianPeter HastingsKelly Baigent, Martvin Britt, Matthew Humphreys, Kevin Wotton, Victoria Harris, Grace Liu, James Yang, Ed Raza, Calvin Tsang & Will RuzickaJuly 14, 2022 (2022-07-14)
22"The Knight's Code"Matthew HumphreysChristopher Amick & Ben MeklerVictoria Harris, Grace Liu & Ed RazaJuly 14, 2022 (2022-07-14)
33"The Lotus"Kevin Wotton & James YangJasmine ChiongKelly Baigent, Peter Yong & Ian YoungJuly 14, 2022 (2022-07-14)
44"The Legend of Master Longtooth"David Dick & James YangShane LynchSolomon Fong, Joey Largo, Ande Rose, Cody Shaw, Thalia Tomlinson & Mike WestJuly 14, 2022 (2022-07-14)
55"The Gateway to the Desert"Mike Goguen & Matthew HumphreysChristopher Amick & Ben MeklerVictoria Harris, Grace Liu & Ed RazaJuly 14, 2022 (2022-07-14)
66"The Lost City"Kevin Wotton & James YangJoy RegullandRachel Mackey, Marc Wasik, Peter Yong & Ian YoungJuly 14, 2022 (2022-07-14)
77"The Last Guardian"David Dick & Calvin TsangJasmine ChiongSolomon Fong, Matthew Humphreys, Ande Rose, Thalia Tomlinson & Calvin TsangJuly 14, 2022 (2022-07-14)
88"A Thread in the Dark"Matthew Humphreys & Mike GoguenShane LynchVictoria Harris, Grace Liu & Ed RazaJuly 14, 2022 (2022-07-14)
99"Slow Boat to England"Kevin Wotton, James Yang & Michael MullenJoy RegullandRachel Mackey, Peter Yong, Ian Young & Marc WasikJuly 14, 2022 (2022-07-14)
1010"The Knight's Fall (Part 1)"David Dick & Jack KasprzakChristopher Amick & Ben MeklerSolomon Fong, Ande Rose & Thalia TomlinsonJuly 14, 2022 (2022-07-14)
1111"The Knight's Fall (Part 2)"Kelly Baigent, Kevin Wotton & Will RuzickaChristopher Amick & Ben MeklerRachel Mackey, Peter Yong, Ian Young, and Mark SonntagJuly 14, 2022 (2022-07-14)

Season 2 (2023)

No.
overall		No. in
season		TitleDirected byWritten byStoryboard byOriginal release date
121"The Liar and the Thief"David Dick & James YangChristopher Amick & Ben MeklerSolomon Fong, Ande Rose & Thalia TomlinsonJanuary 12, 2023 (2023-01-12)
132"One Last Job"Mike Goguen & Matthew HumphreysJasmine ChiongAkiel Guzman, Grace Liu, Ifesinachi Orijekwe & Ed RazaJanuary 12, 2023 (2023-01-12)
143"Doom and Groom"Kelly Baigent, Kevin Wotton & Will RuzickaChristopher AmickRachel Mackey, Mark Sonntag & Peter YongJanuary 12, 2023 (2023-01-12)
154"The Pinging"David Dick, Shaunt Nigoghossian & James YangJoy RegullanoSolomon Fong, Louie Escauriaga and Ande RoseJanuary 12, 2023 (2023-01-12)
165"Master Mastodon"Mike GoguenEllie GuzmanAkiel Guzman, Grace Liu, Ifesinaki Orijekwe & Ed RazaJanuary 12, 2023 (2023-01-12)
176"Hide the Lightening"Kelly Baigent & Will RuzickaChristopher Amick & Ben MeklerRachel Mackey, Mark Sonntag & Peter YongJanuary 12, 2023 (2023-01-12)
187"The Beast"David Dick & Christo StambolievJasmine ChiongLouie Escauriaga, Solomon Fong, James Q. Nquyen, Megan Parker & Antonio Soares NetoJanuary 12, 2023 (2023-01-12)
198"An Uphill Battle"Mike GoguenShane LynchGrace Liu, Isefinaki Orijekwe, Ed Raza & Joshua TabackJanuary 12, 2023 (2023-01-12)
209"The Mad Scientist"Will RuzickaJoy RegullanoJiani Cao, James Q. Nguyen & Hideki YumitaniJanuary 12, 2023 (2023-01-12)
2110"Apok-ta-pocalypse Now (Part 1)"David Dick & Christo StambolievChristopher Amick & Ben MeklerSolomon Fong, Megan Parker & Antonio Soares NetoJanuary 12, 2023 (2023-01-12)
2211"Apok-ta-pocalypse Now (Part 2)"Mike GoguenChristopher Amick & Ben MeklerAkiel Guzman, Grace Liu & Ed RazaJanuary 12, 2023 (2023-01-12)
2312"Epic Lunar New Year"Mike Goguen & Will RuzickaFelicia HoJiani Cao, Akiel Guzman, Grace Liu, James Q. Nguyen, Ed Raza & Hideki YumitaniJanuary 12, 2023 (2023-01-12)

Episode 12 (Epic Lunar New Year) is the only double length episode of the series, running at 46 minutes.

Season 3 (2023)

No.
overall		No. in
season		TitleDirected byWritten byStoryboard byOriginal release date
241"The Trial of Mr. Ping"Will RuzickaJasmine ChiongJiani Cao, James Q. Nguyen & Hideki YumitaniSeptember 7, 2023 (2023-09-07)
252"Baddie Issues"David Dick, Dan Forgione & Christo StambolievShane LynchSolomon Fong, Megan Parker & Antonio Soares NetoSeptember 7, 2023 (2023-09-07)
263"A Family Friend"David Dick & Dan ForgioneEllie GuzmanSolomon Fong, Antonio Soares Neto & Megan ParkerSeptember 7, 2023 (2023-09-07)
274"The English Opening"Mike GoguenChristopher Amick & Ben MeklerAkiel Guzman, Grace Liu, Ed Raza & Dan StoneSeptember 7, 2023 (2023-09-07)
285"The Bog-ey Man of Festermouth"Will RuzickaJasmine ChiongJiani Cao, James Q. Nguyen & Hideki YumitaniSeptember 7, 2023 (2023-09-07)
296"Tea Time Trouble"David Dick & Dan ForgioneShane LynchSolomon Fong, Antonio Soares Neto & Megan ParkerSeptember 7, 2023 (2023-09-07)
307"Benny and the Jests"Mike GoguenEllie GuzmanAkiel Guzman, Ed Raza & Dan StoneSeptember 7, 2023 (2023-09-07)
318"Black Steel of the Equinox"Will RuzickaChristopher Amick & Ben MeklerJiani Cao, Shiyeon Cho, James Q. Nguyen & Hideki YumitaniSeptember 7, 2023 (2023-09-07)
329"Luthera’s Shield"David Dick & Dan ForgioneJasmine ChiongSolomon Fong, Megan Parker & Antonio Soares NetoSeptember 7, 2023 (2023-09-07)
3310"The Battle of Tianshang (Part 1)"Mike GoguenEllie GuzmanAkiel Guzman, Ed Raza & Dan StoneSeptember 7, 2023 (2023-09-07)
3411"The Battle of Tianshang (Part 2)"Will RuzickaShane LynchShiyeon Cho, James Q. Nguyen & Hideki YumitaniSeptember 7, 2023 (2023-09-07)
3512"The Pangea-ing"David Dick & Dan ForgioneChristopher Amick & Ben MeklerSolomon Fong, Megan Parker & Antonio Soares NetoSeptember 7, 2023 (2023-09-07)
3613"The Poison Ravine"Mike GoguenEllie GuzmanAkiel Guzman, Ed Raza & Dan StoneSeptember 7, 2023 (2023-09-07)
3714"The Master Key"Will RuzickaNeyah BarbeeShiyeon Cho, James Q. Nguyen & Hideki YumitaniSeptember 7, 2023 (2023-09-07)
3815"The Last Dumont"David Dick & Dan ForgioneJasmine ChiongMarta Demong, Solomon Fong, Calvin Leung, Megan Parker & Antonio Soares NetoSeptember 7, 2023 (2023-09-07)
3916"A Teacup Filled with the Self"Mike GoguenShane LynchAkiel Guzman, Ed Raza & Dan StoneSeptember 7, 2023 (2023-09-07)
4017"The Beginning of the End"Will RuzickaEllie GuzmanShiyeon Cho, James Q. Nguyen & Hideki YumitaniSeptember 7, 2023 (2023-09-07)
4118"The Dragon Knights (Part 1)"David Dick & Dan ForgioneChristopher Amick & Ben MeklerMarta Demong, Calvin Leung, Antonio Soares Neto & Megan ParkerSeptember 7, 2023 (2023-09-07)
4219"The Dragon Knights (Part 2)"Mike GoguenChristopher Amick & Ben MeklerAkiel Guzman, Sam Montes, Ed Raza & Dan StoneSeptember 7, 2023 (2023-09-07)

Production

Development

Jack Black (pictured in 2011), served as executive producer for the series and reprised his role as Po rather than Mick Wingert, who voiced the character in Legends of Awesomeness and Paws of Destiny.

During National Panda Day in March 2022, DreamWorks and Netflix announced a new CGI animated Kung Fu Panda series with Jack Black reprising his role as Po from the films and serving as executive producer with Peter Hastings (Pinky and the Brain, The Epic Tales of Captain Underpants) and Shaunt Nigoghossian (Be Cool, Scooby-Doo!), while story edited and co-executive produced by Kipo writers Chris Amick and Ben Mekler.[12][13]

The concept idea for the series began as a road buddy comedy that takes the viewers all over in pursuit of their goal to try and catch the bad guys. Jack Black had a cool vision for what an epic journey would be, one that fits well from the first Kung Fu Panda film while having a darker, more mature tone with the show versus past chapters also marks how the series is expanding the franchise.[14] Season 2 expands the concept further to explore Indian culture and Central American culture and deepens the characters made from the first season.

Assets from Paws of Destiny were used to build the sets but some episodes have 2D animation styles based on their own setting. One is rendered as comic graphic art, since an unpublished comic book is the central icon of that particular chapter of the story, and another one has a British-looking, lithograph kind of look.[3]

A score soundtrack from Kevin Lax (The First Purge, Burning Sands) and Robert Lydecker (Iron Fist, Lethal Weapon, Sleepy Hollow, Designated Survivor) was released on July 15 by Back Lot Music.[15]

Animation production services are provided by Technicolor (now known as Mikros Animation), 88 Pictures (Season 2), and Stella Creative Labs while storyboard services are provided by Dave Enterprises and Kok & Co., Pty, Ltd.

Release

The first season of Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight was released on July 14, 2022, on Netflix.[1][16] A second season, announced in December 2022,[17] was released on January 12, 2023.[18] A third and final season, announced in August 2023,[19][20] was released on September 7, 2023.

Awards and nominations

Year Award Category Nominee(s) Result Ref.
2022 KidScreen Awards Best New Series in Kids Programming Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight Won [21][22]
2023 Annie Awards Outstanding Achievement for Storyboarding in an Animated Television / Broadcast Production Grace Liu (for "The Knight's Code") Nominated [23]
Children's and Family Emmy Awards Outstanding Voice Performance in a Children's or Young Teen Program Jack Black Won [24][25]
Outstanding Directing for an Animated Program David Dick, Mike Goguen, Will Ruzicka, Kevin Wotton and James Yang Nominated
Outstanding Music Direction and Composition for an Animated Program Kevin Lax, Robert Lydecker, Vivian Aguiar-Buff, Alexandra Nickson and Clare Yezerski Won
Outstanding Sound Editing and Sound Mixing for an Animated Program Rob McIntyre, DJ Lynch, Anna Adams, Evan Dockter, Marc Schmidt, Monique Reymond, Cat Gensler and Roberto Alegria Nominated
2024 KidScreen Awards Best Animated Series Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight Nominated [26][27]
Best Holiday or Special Episode "Epic Lunar New Year" Won
Annie Awards Outstanding Achievement for Storyboarding in an Animated Television / Broadcast Production Grace Liu (for "Apok-ta-pokalypse Now, Part II") Nominated [28]

References

  1. ^ a b c Dinsdale, Ryan (June 16, 2022). "Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight Gets New Trailer and a July Release Date". IGN. Retrieved June 18, 2022.
  2. ^ a b Motamayor, Rafael (March 16, 2022). "Jack Black To Reprise Role As Po For Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight Netflix Series". Slash Film. Retrieved March 16, 2022.
  3. ^ a b Mallory, Michael (July 12, 2022). "Exclusive: Crafting Po's Return for 'Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight' (NEW Clip)". Animation Magazine. Retrieved July 12, 2022.
  4. ^ "'Kung Fu Panda' Animated Series Unveils Jack Black's Return as Po, July Release Date in First Trailer". Variety. June 16, 2022. Retrieved June 16, 2022.
  5. ^ King, Aidan (December 13, 2022). "'Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight' Season 2 Trailer Brings the Action". Collider. Retrieved December 13, 2022.
  6. ^ Milligan, Mercedes (August 3, 2023). "Trailer: Po Returns to Netflix for DreamWorks' 'Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight' S3". Animation Magazine. Retrieved August 3, 2023.
  7. ^ @DreamWorksTV (August 3, 2023). "New enemies, old foes, familiar faces, and… the Queen of England? 👑 All that and more in the final season of #KungFuPanda #DragonKnight streaming on @netflix September 7th" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  8. ^ a b c d e f g Milligan, Mercedes (May 6, 2022). "Rita Ora Joins 'Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight,' James Hong Returns as Mr. Ping". Animation Magazine. Retrieved May 6, 2022.
  9. ^ Lindert, Hattie (June 16, 2022). "Po tries to win his fans back in the Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight trailer". Yahoo!. Archived from the original on September 27, 2022. Retrieved June 22, 2022.
  10. ^ @ParryShen (July 14, 2022). "Excited to finally share that I'll voicing WEIMIN (a Komodo Dragon) in Netflix's new show — KUNG-FU PANDA: THE DRAGON KNIGHT joining Jack Black's return to voicing Po! Now Streaming!" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  11. ^ "DreamWorks Drops 'Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight' Season 2 Trailer".
  12. ^ Milligan, Mercedes (March 16, 2022). "First Look: Jack Black Is Back as Po in 'Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight'". Animation Magazine. Retrieved March 16, 2022.
  13. ^ "'Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight': Release Date, Trailer, Cast, & Everything We Know So Far". Collider. June 24, 2022. Retrieved June 27, 2022.
  14. ^ White, Abbey (July 31, 2022). "How 'Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight' Expands a Nearly 15-Year Franchise". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved August 3, 2022.
  15. ^ "Soundtrack Album for Netflix's 'Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight' to Be Released". Film Music Reporter. July 14, 2022. Retrieved July 15, 2022.
  16. ^ Netflix After School (June 16, 2022). Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight 🐻🐉 Official Trailer | Netflix After School. YouTube. Retrieved June 16, 2022.
  17. ^ Moore, Kasey (December 2, 2022). "'Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight' Renewed for Season 2 at Netflix". What's on Netflix. Retrieved December 2, 2022.
  18. ^ Vejvoda, Jim (December 13, 2022). "Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight Travels to India Exclusive Trailer and Casting News". IGN. Retrieved December 13, 2022.
  19. ^ "Jack Black Heads Back to London in New 'Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight' Season 3 Trailer [Exclusive]". Collider. Diego Peralta. 3 August 2023. Retrieved 7 August 2023.
  20. ^ Kung Fu Panda Channel (August 3, 2023). KUNG FU PANDA: THE DRAGON KNIGHT Season 3 Trailer. YouTube. Retrieved August 7, 2023.
  21. ^ Dickson, Jeremy (November 29, 2022). "Streamers rule Kidscreen Awards nominations". KidScreen. Retrieved November 29, 2022.
  22. ^ Dickson, Jeremy (2023-02-14). "And the 2023 Kidscreen Awards winners are…". KidScreen. Retrieved 2024-02-20.
  23. ^ Giardina, Carolyn (February 26, 2023). "'Guillermo Del Toro's Pinocchio' Wins Five Trophies Including the Top Prize at the 50th Annie Awards". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on February 26, 2023. Retrieved February 26, 2023.
  24. ^ Coates, Tyler (2 November 2023). "Children's & Family Emmy Awards: Disney Dominates Nominations". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
  25. ^ Nordyke, Kimberly (18 December 2023). "'Sesame Street,' 'Muppets Mayhem,' Jack Black Among Winners at Children's & Family Emmy Awards". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved December 18, 2023.
  26. ^ Dickson, Jeremy (2023-12-20). "Disney dominates the 2024 Kidscreen Awards nominations". KidScreen. Retrieved 2024-02-04.
  27. ^ Dickson, Jeremy (2024-02-05). "BREAKING NEWS: Announcing 2024's Kidscreen Awards winners". KidScreen. Retrieved 2024-02-20.
  28. ^ Giardina, Carolyn (January 11, 2024). "'Nimona' Leads Annie Awards Animated Feature Competition With Nine Noms; Snubs Include 'Wish,' Which Was Shut Out". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on January 12, 2024. Retrieved February 20, 2024.