In a remarkable feat of cinematic success, Kung Fu Panda 4 has catapulted the beloved franchise's worldwide earnings beyond the $2 billion mark within just two weeks of its theatrical release.
The achievement of Kung Fu Panda 4 at the box office marks a significant milestone for the franchise. Released on March 8, the fourth installment follows Po's continued journey as he mentors the next Dragon Warrior in facing off against the nefarious sorceress, the Chameleon. Led by the returning voice talents of Jack Black, along with Dustin Hoffman, James Hong, Bryan Cranston, and Ian McShane, the film also introduces new characters voiced by Awkwafina, Ke Huy Quan, Ronny Chieng, and Viola Davis.
Within a fortnight of its debut, Kung Fu Panda 4 has surpassed a commendable milestone in global box office revenues, crossing the $2 billion threshold worldwide. According to reports from Deadline, this places the franchise as the seventh-highest-earning animated franchise. Notably, this accomplishment marks the third series from DreamWorks Animation to achieve such success, following in the footsteps of Shrek ($3.972B) and Madagascar ($2.257B).
Despite facing competition from other blockbuster releases, Kung Fu Panda 4 emerged as the second highest-grossing film of 2024, trailing only behind Dune: Part Two. However, its impressive $58 million opening weekend propelled it to the top spot at the box office, surpassing even the sci-fi epic's earnings in its second weekend. Continuing its dominance, Kung Fu Panda 4 maintained its lead with a $30 million intake in its second weekend, totaling global earnings of $179 million, with $109 million from domestic sales and $69 million internationally.
Despite receiving mixed reviews, with a Rotten Tomatoes score of 72%, Kung Fu Panda 4 has defied expectations and showcased significant success at the box office. Contrary to speculation about a potential decline in the franchise's popularity, the film's robust opening, surpassing half of the original movie's domestic earnings, and reaching the $2 billion milestone globally underscore the enduring strength and resilience of the franchise.
Note: Box office figures are based on estimates and multiple sources and have not been independently verified by Elnabd.