"Almost Famous" actress Kate Hudson has been reported to play Mei Mei, the peculiar ribbon-dancing panda that likes Po in Alessandro Carloni and Jennifer Yuh's action animated film "Kung Fu Panda 3."
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Hudson will come to the studio to record as new vocals for Mei Mei, since Rebel Wilson will not be able to return for the film. Wilson has been reported to have other commitments, a reason why she will not be able to continue recording the vocals for the character. It has also been reported that her work for the production has been removed to give way to Hudson.
To cater Hudson's performance, Dreamworks Animation has revealed that they are going to redo Mei Mei's animation, as per Cinema Blend. With Wilson's comedic talents being effective in previous "Kung Fu Panda" films, Hudson's take on the character is yet to be seen.
Aside from Hudson, Bryan Cranston is one of the new cast members for Carloni and Yuh's "Kung Fu Panda 3." He is set to voice Po's father, Li.
Hudson is known for her roles in Cameron Crowe's romantic drama "Almost Famous," Iain Softley's mystery thriller "The Skeleton Key," and Gary Winick's romantic comedy "Bride Wars." On the side of "Kung Fu Panda 3," the actress is also set to appear in Barry Levinson's musical comedy "Rock the Kasbah," Gary Marshall's comedy film "Mother's Day," and Peter Berg's action thriller "Deepwater Horizon."
Carloni and Yuh's "Kung Fu Panda 3" is slated to premiere in theaters in the United States on Jan. 29, 2016.