Actress Kate Hudson replaces Rebel Wilson in the upcoming animated film "Kung Fu Panda 3."
According to the Hollywood Reporter, Wilson, who was to voice the female panda Mei Mei, had to leave due to the project extending its production. Wilson is currently busy filming scenes for "Grimsby," "How to be Single" and "Pitch Perfect 3," which is likely why she could not extend her schedule to continue working on "Kung Fu Panda 3."
Due to the replacement, scenes that have already been completed will be re-animated in order to synch properly with Hudson's voice over work and to better reflect her take on the character. Hudson will be coming in once filming for her "Mother's Day" is completed.
Mei Mei is described as the franchise' first female panda lead character and she is set to be Po's (Jack Black) romantic interest in the film. She is a member of a community of pandas, together with Po's parents, that survived the attack on their village by the villainous Lord Shen (Gary Oldman) that made Po an orphan years ago.
The film's official synopsis sees Po reuniting with his family and a community of pandas when a new villain arrives, forcing Po and the rest of the Furious Five to train the bears to fight back.
Joining Hudson in the film are Bryan Cranston who will voice Po's biological father, and Academy Award winner J.K. Simmons who will play the film's main villain. Other cast members include Angelina Jolie as Tigress, Dustin Hoffman as Master Shifu, Jackie Chan as Monkey, Seth Rogen as Mantis, Lucy Liu as Viper, and David Cross as Crane.
"Kung Fu Panda 3" opens in theaters on Jan. 29, 2016.
