On January 29, the latest installment of Kung Fu Panda 3 coming to theaters everywhere and I am sure it going to become a family favorite. The Kung Fu Panda franchise promises to offer a larger, grander experience than the previous two movies. We get to meet Po’s biological father and see a new panda village full of new, vibrant characters. Which bring a whole new dimension to Jack Black’s lovable character.
Recently, I had an incredible opportunity to interview Jack Black (voice of Po). During our interview, we discussed parenting, his role as Po and how he finds his inner peace. Here are 7 fun fact about Jack Black that I learned in our discussion.
Being Po
Before joining the crew of Kung Fu Panda to take on the leading role Po, Jack Black was at a crossroads and hesitant to take on the role. Until Jeffery Katzenberg(CEO of DreamWorks Animation) sealed the deal by having animators do a sample of Po animated with Jack Blacks voice from High Fidelity.
Jack Black : “Well, you know, with this particular character, I was just kind of a being a younger version of myself and I wasn’t doing a character voice. That was part of the appeal.”
Cool Dad
Jack Black boys grew up with the Kung Fu Panda movie franchise, and they love going to the premieres. However, he doesn’t get any cool dad points for playing the role.
Jack Black: ” It’s cool that my boys get to see and hear Daddy in something that they like. But, I know they have mixed feelings. I think it’s inherent in fatherhood for the kids not to think their dad is cool. They love it, but then they also go, “Yes, but, you know, you’re not as cool as”. But, they are very excited to come to the premiere. So I’m happy to have something that they’re proud of in my résumé.”
Favorite Part of Kung Fu Panda 3
One of the strong messages of Kung Fu Panda 3 is fatherhood and the importance of family which resonated with Jack Black.
Jack Black: My favorite part of the movie is the emotional resonance, especially at the end with the father, family and people in the community coming together to help Po conquer the universe and forces of evil in his life.”
Just a Normal Dad
When he is not working on another amazing movie or one of his other projects Mr. Black is very involved in his seven and nine-year-old sons daily activities and like most kids they don’t like to do their homework or chores, either.
Jack Black: “Right now my nine-year-old, he doesn’t want to do anything I say. So, I’m constantly trying to figure out different techniques and strategies to get him to do his chores or his homework.”
Not so Zen
This Kung Fu Panda star may not have a master who taught him how to meditate, he does take time our to clear his mind. He would love to do this with the kids, but he doesn’t see morning family meditations happening anytime soon. However, there is a cute photo of him and his family pretending to meditate.
Jack Black: We have a photo in our house up on the wall of all of us, pretending to meditate. I was able to get them to pose for that photo. My little boy had a little lollipop in his hand while he was meditating, which was very funny.
Good Advice
Although he love acting early on in his career one of his teachers by the name of Deb Devine stirred him towards writing.
Jack Black: ” Acting is really fun, and I’ve always loved doing it, but I got advice early on from a teacher named Deb Devine, who said, don’t just sit around waiting to be a puppet in someone else’s show. You know, you got to go out and tell stories and make your own stuff or else it’ll probably never happen.
KUNG FU PANDA 3 – IN THEATERS JANUARY 29
In 2016, one of the most successful animated franchises in the world returns with its biggest comedy adventure yet, KUNG FU PANDA 3. When Po’s long-lost panda father suddenly reappears, the reunited duo travels to a secret panda paradise to meet scores of hilarious new panda characters. But when the supernatural villain Kai begins to sweep across China defeating all the kung fu masters, Po must do the impossible — learn to train a village full of his fun-loving, clumsy brethren to become the ultimate band of Kung Fu Pandas!
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