‘Kung Fu Panda 3’ Pushed Back to Avoid ‘Star Wars’

DreamWorks Animation has pushed the release of Kung Fu Panda 3 from December 23, 2015 to March 18, 2016. The move means that Po and pals won’t compete head-to-head with the Disney juggernaut Star Wars: The Force Awakens which is slated for a December 18th release.

“Kung Fu Panda is one of DWA’s most treasured properties, and we want to make sure it is positioned where it has the best chance to reach the broadest audience,” Fox president of domestic distribution Chris Aronson told Deadline. “In reviewing the competitive landscape, which we do on an ongoing basis, we feel that the spring availability does just that — gives KFP the maximum amount of air to breathe in order to have a long, successful run.”

Last month DreamWorks delayed Bureau Of Otherworldly Operations from its June 2015 release to an as-yet-unannounced date. Currently, the studio’s lone 2015 release is Home on March 27.