A few years ago it was Shrek the Halls — an exploitation of Christmas and a pre-launch to the last version in the Shrek franchise. It must have worked because Dreamworks Animation is doing it again, this time with Kung Fu Panda.
The big news is that Dreamworks has a sequel for the Jack Black-character-in-animation hitting the big screens in the spring of 2011, called Kung Fu Panda: Kaboom of Doom. But before we get to that Kung Fu Panda will hit the small screen — in 3D, no less, with his own Christmas special. It is all part of the marketing madness that is modern animated movies. (Shrek fans don’t despair. He’s back with a Halloween special this year dreafully titled Scared Shrekless.)
We haven’t heard a clue about the storyline for the special and I don’t suppose there is an 8-year old in the world who really cares. The freak factor will be in full force in just thinking about that big belly in 3D.
Will it become a don’t-miss holiday favorite, bound to be repeated each season a la Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer? Don’t hold your breath.
At Dreamworks, it doesn’t have to be a perrennial holiday classic. It just has to keep Kung Fu Panda in the hearts and minds of folks until the snow thaws.
