DreamWorks Animation Packs A Powerful Punch With New Cast Additions For Kung Fu Panda 3

GLENDALE, Calif., April 9, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- "Pandamonium" is back for a triple kick with a trio of new cast members in DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc.'s (Nasdaq: DWA) Kung Fu Panda 3 which will be distributed by 20^th Century Fox.  Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad, Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted), Mads Mikkelsen (Hannibal, Casino Royale) and Rebel Wilson (Pitch Perfect, Bridesmaids) join Jack Black, Angelina Jolie and other original cast members in the third installment of the beloved action-packed franchise.  The film, slated for December 23, 2015, marks the first planned co-production with China based Oriental DreamWorks and follows Po, the chosen one, as he continues on his journey mastering the art of Kung Fu… and noodle slurping. 

Continuing on his now legendary adventures of awesomeness, Po must face two hugely epic, but very different threats:  one supernatural and the other a little closer to home.  This chapter in the continuing adventures of Kung Fu Panda is directed by Jennifer Yuh Nelson, who also helmed the worldwide hit Kung Fu Panda 2 and remains the highest grossing female director for a film at the worldwide box office. The film is produced by Melissa Cobb, executive produced by Guillermo del Toro and co-produced by Jeffrey Hermann along with Jonathan Aibel and Glenn Berger, who wrote and co-produced the original films and continue in these roles.

"Having the wonderful Jennifer Yuh Nelson return as director is incredibly exciting for the studio. Under her guidance I have no doubt that our returning cast and our outstanding new voice talent will take the franchise's story to the next level," said DreamWorks Animation Chief Creative Officer Bill Damaschke.

The first two chapters of DreamWorks Animation's critically acclaimed Kung Fu Panda franchise opened in 2008 and 2011.  Both films were honored with Academy Award^® nominations for Best Animated Feature Film.  Together, they have generated approximately $1.3 billion at the worldwide box office.  DreamWorks' highly-rated CG animated television series Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness debuted on Nickelodeon in 2011 and has won four Daytime Emmy^® Awards.

About DreamWorks Animation
DreamWorks Animation creates high-quality entertainment, including CG animated feature films, television specials and series and live entertainment properties, meant for audiences around the world. The Company has world-class creative talent, a strong and experienced management team and advanced filmmaking technology and techniques. DreamWorks Animation has been named one of the "100 Best Companies to Work For" by FORTUNE® Magazine for five consecutive years. In 2013, DreamWorks Animation ranks #12 on the list.  All of DreamWorks Animation's feature films are produced in 3D. The Company has theatrically released a total of 26 animated feature films, including the franchise properties of Shrek, Madagascar, Kung Fu Panda, How to Train Your Dragon and Puss In Boots.

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SOURCE DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc.