On March 14, 2024, “Kung Fu Panda 4” finally officially premiered in German cinemas. Fighting bear Po can once again take on new challenges and meet old and new friends. In the original, rock star Jack Black lends his unmistakable voice to the panda – and fortunately the language version also remains faithful to the German version, because comedian, actor and voice actor Hape Kerkeling was allowed to step in front of the microphone again to bring Po vocally to life.
FILMSTARTS editor Stefan Geisler had the opportunity to talk with Hape Kerkeling about his connection to martial arts cinema, upcoming dubbing projects, the secret to the success of the “Kung Fu Panda” series and the chances of a “LOL” appearance. But first there were a few words of thanks:
“You finally did it, boy!”
Hape Kerkeling: How nice. I am very satisfied! Then say hello from me to your dear grandparents. They’ll probably say, “You finally did it, boy!” (laughs)
Hape Kerkeling: Well, apart from the fact that there is a real panda inside me now and I understand what makes him tick. I think there’s a bit of a seal in me too. I am too. I mean it, I love seals. Yesterday we were at the zoo and I said, “I have to go look at the seals. I don’t care about anything else.”
Hape Kerkeling: Yes, when something is successful, you always try to find the recipe. I think the recipe for success also lies in the absurd combination of a panda bear and kung fu. What could be more contradictory and yet so culturally consistent? I think that’s the crucial thing. This cuddly panda that strikes when necessary, where you least expect it. You must love him. He’s a really nice guy.
What synchronous projects are coming up?
Hape Kerkeling: I’ve already signed the contract. Garfield. So a hangover. That actually fits very well.
Hape Kerkeling: So what I regularly underestimate when I go into the dubbing studio – and so far it has always been American productions that I have had to dub – is the speed at which this happens. The English is very catchy and to the point. German is a bit more complicated and sometimes more words have to be put into a sentence than would be usual in English. That means it’s an incredibly fast speed. I always have to adapt to that. For the rest, the work is always fun and the bottom is really catapulted through all emotional states during a film. So in terms of acting it’s a lot of fun.
Hape Kerkeling: I think it is true that in France and Italy there is still synchronization as a group. There are somehow five actors standing around the microphone at the same time and then it’s recreated as a radio play situation. In Germany it has always been common for a voice actor to be alone in the studio. To be honest, I think that’s quite good and you usually only meet your colleagues at the premiere or in the canteen.
Hape Kerkeling: It’s not a ritual, but I always decide to take the cartoon character seriously. To really take this animated character seriously in all his needs and trials, as a role I have to play. And so far it’s always worked pretty well – well, well, well.
Hape Kerkeling: So the original is always brilliant. Everything that comes from Dreamworks and Jack Black is great. I’m not even trying to make it better. You shouldn’t do that at all. I try to get as close as possible to the interpretation and then give the whole the German touch that it has due to the more complicated language.
Hape Kerkeling: To be honest, I was more attracted to the panda when I got the offer. Martial arts – that almost put me off at first until I saw the movie. And I’ve had a soft spot for martial arts movies ever since. Now I get stuck on zapping or I like to go to the cinema and watch a pure martial arts film. I appreciate it differently now.
Hape Kerkeling: So I think his biggest challenge is actually in “Kung Fu Panda 4”. Actually, there are two of the biggest challenges he has to overcome in the new installment. On the one hand, he tends to underestimate the opponent he is fighting. And somehow he misjudges the successor he is looking for. So he’s really in trouble. And the solution to the whole thing is amazing.
Hape Kerkeling: Yes, steps anyway. I mean, he doesn’t like to run. I know that too. (laughs)
Hape Kerkeling: Absolutely, that’s not a question at all. So when I saw him climbing the mountains there, in the high mountains of China, he would laugh about the Way of St. James.
Hape Kerkeling: Less except for the fact that he likes food, that he is good-natured, that he has a lot of humor, that he is a nice guy. And that he is also willing to stand up and fight for a cause. Other than that we don’t have much in common.
What we can learn from Panda
Hape Kerkeling: Every time. I learn something in every movie. And sometimes in real life I catch myself thinking, “Oh, you might be panicking right now.” Then I think to myself, “No, think about the butt. Inner peace, inner peace, inner peace.” Even though it’s hard…
Hape Kerkeling: The good thing is that I’m pretty stupid. In that respect it would be very easy. (laughs)
Hape Kerkeling: A favorite piece of wisdom about food? Nothing is eaten as hot as it is cooked.
Hape Kerkeling: I love animated films of all stripes, and have done so since I was a kid. This is great art and something very wonderful. Even today I still go to cartoons as a very mature person, if not almost a senior. I haven’t seen a really bad animated movie in a long time. They’re actually getting better.
Hape Kerkeling: I am currently preparing my new book, which will be published by Piper Verlag. I just delivered that and now it’s in the editing process and now let’s take a look. It will be released in September. Unfortunately I can’t tell you what it’s about or what the book is called. I’m not allowed to do any of this, otherwise I’ll be in breach of contract.
Hape Kerkeling: But if you want, I can send a copy to your grandparents. (laughs)
Hape Kerkeling: Not all episodes, but yes, I saw that. I find that very funny. But it’s not for me. I don’t want to be locked up somewhere for six hours and not be allowed to laugh. That does not work. I’m a joke. I’m the first to laugh. I don’t even have to show up.