On January 29, 2016 the latest adventure begins for Po and his friends in Kung Fu Panda 3! I attended an event hosted by 20th Century Fox & DreamWorks Animation and had the pleasure of interviewing Lucy Liu and catching a sneak peek at the film! She lends her voice once again as Viper in Kung Fu Panda 3 coming to theaters soon.
About: KUNG FU PANDA 3 โ IN THEATERS JANURY 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!
Directed By: Jennifer Yuh Nelson and Alessandro Carloni
Produced By: Melissa Cobb
Starring: Jack Black, Angelina Jolie, Dustin Hoffman, Jackie Chan, Seth Rogen, Lucy Liu, David Cross, James Hong, Randall Duk Kim, Bryan Cranston, J. K. Simmons, Kate Hudson
Take a Look:
Lucy Liu Interview Highlights:
It was a chilly Sunday afternoon when I popped into the Tribeca Screening Room to preview a portion of Kung Fu Panda 3. The film wasn’t complete yet and it was amazing to watch the work in progress. Kung Fu Panda has been a favorite in our house and looking at the previews this film does not look like it will disappoint! As only adults were in attendance the theater was filled with laughter, so that should give you a clue. After the preview we headed to the Ritz Carlton to meet Lucy Liu, the voice of Viper and new mom.
Milena Barrett, Be Your Best Mom: So, what was the most rewarding part about working on this project? And what do you have in the works next?
Ms. Lucy Liu: The most rewarding part of being a part of this whole franchise has been to just be a part of something that is of Chinese heritage and see that it’s shared, and how seamlessly it’s been shared. So, it’s not sort of just talking about the culture. It’s just infusing the culture into something and making it entertaining, and then it just becomes a given. And I think that’s a really lovely way of incorporating and teaching things without being didactic. And I think that nowadays for kids it’s not really unusual for people who are gay to get married. Like, of course they should be. It’s a given. And it’s nice to see that, when–you know, this–the red color in Chinese is this color, or yellow is the emperor’s color, things like that are just there but without exposition. And I think that’s a powerful thing, that it’s just laid out there so it becomes part of your life as opposed to a constant fight with protests and all this stuff to get to that place. It’s sort of like they infuse it in the actual value of entertainment, creating a higher value without even knowing it. It’s sort of like putting vitamins in their food and them not knowing it. You know what I mean? It’s kind of good thing. It’s good for you and it tastes good too, that sort of thing.
And right now I’m working on Elementary. This is the fourth season that we’re in. And we’re going to be premiering in two weeks, I think, November 5th. I can’t even remember what day it is anymore, but November 5th we’re opening again. So, it’s exciting. And I’ve been directing on the show, so that’s been really a wonderful challenge.
Milena Barrett, Be Your Best Mom: That’s great.
Ms. Lucy Liu: And I really love it. Over the hiatus I was able to direct another show. So, it’s kind of nice to kind of break out and do other things and challenge yourself. And also I have my son, which is enough. That’s enough of a job, yeah.
When asked about being a new mom and balancing her work and home life Liu was quick to answer. She explained that she was already on a vigorous work schedule and her son Rockwell, also has a schedule. He sleeps and eats. It takes planning, but being able to be on the set of a television show instead of various movie sets helps. She also has a team of people in place that help her manage her life. I admire her for being able to know that she will not be able to do everything and for saying that it’s okay to need help. She is very realistic about being a working mom. One of my favorite quotes from her interview about not being able to be with him will she works, ” But, ultimately I think that I’m always going to be connected to him. I have to trust that, and I know that. I don’t ever feel like, “Oh, my gosh, I haven’t seen him all day.”I’m not that kind of mother. I’m somebody who really trusts that our connection was meant to be in the way that it is and he’s going to know that I’m always going to be with him no matter where he is.”
Once again, it was a pleasure to meet Lucy Liu. She is a passionate, hard-working woman and caring mom.
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Kung Fu Panda Printable Craft!
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Disclosure: I attended an event hosted by 20th Century Fox & DreamWorks Animation. All thoughts belong 100% to me. Don’t forget to check out Kung Fu Panda 3 in theaters January 29, 2016!
We saw a preview for this last weekend at another movie and my kids are so excited for this. It looks really cute.
Beautiful interview!
We saw the preview a few times before Star Wars and Good Dinosaur and my daughter is very interested in seeing it.
I love Lucy Liu! How fun that you got to meet her. I bet the movie will be a big hit.
My kids cannot wait to see this movie! I need to print these printables off for my kids!
Oh the first 2 were so fun! I didn’t even know there was going to be a third movie! Looks like you are quite involved – meeting Lucy Liu – wow!
What a fun event and interview. My son is actually excited about this movie. we already have plans to see it and I can’t wait to get tickets.
This movie looks adorable! I wish I could borrow some little kids so i could go see it. ๐
My kids are wicked excited for this movie. They LOVED the first two and this one looks super cute.
I still need to see the second one! But this one looks adorable too.
The kids and I are headed to the premiere this weekend and we can’t wait. It should be an awesome movie and a great time.
It sounds like Lucy is really proud of her work and the work of the animators. I’ll be on the lookout for the little cultural details when I see the movie.
I love Lucy Liu! How great that you met her! I bet the movie will be a huge hit!
I have not seen the Kung Fu Panda movies, but they look like a lot of fun. Lucy Liu is so neat and a fun lady.
Wow! What a fun opportunity to talk with her!
We just rewatched Kung Fu Panda a week ago. It was hysterical. Now I’ll need to watch for this!
I think Lucy Liu is a really interesting person and I love her in Elementary on tv. ๐ I’m always curious about actors personally and enjoy reading a bit about their perspective on things.
I love Kung Fu Panda – I will definitely be watching this movie. I can watch his movies over and over never getting tired of them.
I love how she spoke of the influences of Chinese culture in the movie and how it isn’t just the traditional view we typically see, but a blended version. Thanks for sharing part of the interview with us!
That’s awesome that you were able to meet Lucy Liu! I love the voice cast and we’re looking forward to seeing the movie when it comes out.
My daughter love Kung Fu movies! How lucky you are to get to meet Lucy Liu!
How cool to meet Lucy Liu! We love the Kung Fu Panda movies in my house. They’re funny and actually surprisingly witty.
Our whole family is looking forward to this one coming out!
I love Lucy Liu and I can’t wait to see Kung Fu Panda 3!
Very cool that you had the opportunity to interview Lucy Liu! Thank you for sharing the interview ๐
Awesome interview/experience!
Oh my goodness. I love Lucy Lui! This was such a great read ๐
Meeting and interviewing other creative people is one of the best parts of blogging! I love this franchise and can’t wait for the third installment.
Looking forward to watching the movie!!