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DreamWorks Animation Announces Plans for 'Kung Fu Panda' Sequel in 2011

Posted on: Wednesday, 1 October 2008, 21:00 CDT

GLENDALE, Calif., Oct. 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc. today announced that Pandamonium will be back in 2011 when the sequel to its worldwide hit, "Kung Fu Panda," is expected to return to theaters on June 3, 2011. The Company also anticipates releasing the film into IMAX(R) theatres worldwide. The sequel to "Kung Fu Panda," like all DreamWorks Animation feature films starting in 2009, will be produced in stereoscopic 3D technology.

During its theatrical run, "Kung Fu Panda" has reached over $626 million in worldwide box office to date, making it one of the most successful films of 2008 and DreamWorks Animation's most successful original film ever. The sequel will follow Po, the world's biggest kung fu fan, as he continues his journey as the chosen one who fulfills an ancient prophesy while mastering the art of kung fu.

The sequel to "Kung Fu Panda" will once again star Jack Black, Angelina Jolie and other original cast members and will be directed by Jennifer Yuh Nelson, head of story on "Kung Fu Panda." It will be produced by Melissa Cobb. Jonathan Aibel and Glenn Berger, who wrote and co-produced the original film, will also be returning.

DreamWorks Animation's CEO, Jeffrey Katzenberg, said, "We are thrilled to reunite the creative team that made 'Kung Fu Panda' such a global success. Because of their imaginative work, Po's path to heroism proved popular with moviegoers of all ages around the world."

Bill Damaschke, Co-President of Production and President of Live Theatrical, added, "The story of 'Kung Fu Panda' provided a great introduction to these characters and afforded wonderful opportunities to further expand on the world we created in ancient China. Quite simply, there's more story to tell."

"Kung Fu Panda," which has exceeded $215 million in domestic box office and over $411 million in international territories to date, will be released on two-disc DVD and Blu-ray on November 9, 2008 alongside a brand new companion story, "Secrets of the Furious Five."

About DreamWorks Animation SKG

DreamWorks Animation is principally devoted to developing and producing computer generated, or CG, animated feature films. With world-class creative talent, a strong and experienced management team and advanced CG filmmaking technology and techniques, DreamWorks Animation makes high quality CG animated films meant for a broad movie-going audience. The Company has theatrically released a total of sixteen animated feature films, including "Shrek,""Shrek 2,""Shark Tale,""Madagascar,""Over the Hedge,""Shrek the Third,""Bee Movie" and "Kung Fu Panda.""Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa" opens in theaters on November 7, 2008 and "Monsters vs. Aliens," the Company's first film produced in 3D, is slated for a domestic release date of March 27, 2009.

Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

This document includes certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The Company's plans, prospects, strategies, proposals and our beliefs and expectations concerning performance of our current and future releases and anticipated talent, directors and storyline for our upcoming films and other projects, constitute forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections about the industry in which we operate and management's beliefs and assumptions. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions which are difficult to predict. Actual results may vary materially from those expressed or implied by the statements herein due to changes in economic, business, competitive, technological and/or regulatory factors, and other risks and uncertainties affecting the operation of the business of DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc. These risks and uncertainties include: audience acceptance of our films, our dependence on the success of a limited number of releases each year, the increasing cost of producing and marketing feature films, piracy of motion pictures, the effect of rapid technological change or alternative forms of entertainment and our need to protect our proprietary technology and enhance or develop new technology. In addition, due to the uncertainties and risks involved in the development and production of animated feature projects, the release dates for the projects described in this document may be delayed. For a further list and description of such risks and uncertainties, see the reports filed by us with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our most recent annual report on Form 10-K and our most recent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. DreamWorks Animation is under no obligation to, and expressly disclaims any obligation to, update or alter its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in assumptions or otherwise.

DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc.

CONTACT: Jeff Hare of DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc., +1-818-695-6055

Web site: http://www.dreamworksanimation.com/

Source: PRNewswire-FirstCall

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