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This Villain was Headlined on July, 2016. |
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This villain was proposed but was rejected by the community for not being heinous enough or lacks what is necessary to be a Pure Evil villain. Therefore, this villain shall be added to our "Never Again List", where proposed villains rejected by the community shall be placed to prevent future proposals of the same evil-doer. They can be proposed again (with the permission of an administrator) if new elements appear in their series that can change their status as non-PE villains. Any act of adding this villain to the Pure Evil category without a proposal or creating a proposal for this villain without the permission of an administrator will result in a ban. |
This Article Contains Spoilers -
WARNING: This article contains major spoilers. If you do not wish to know vital information on plot / character elements in a story, you may not wish to read beyond this warning: We hold no responsibility for any negative effects these facts may have on your enjoyment of said media should you continue. That is all. |
“ | Happiness... must be taken. And I will take mine. | „ |
~ Lord Shen's famous quote talking to the Soothsayer as she leaves |
“ | Such sad, sad faces. But now is a time only for joy. You are going to be part of something beautiful. Once we reach the harbor, in front of all the world, you and your precious kung fu will die. (chortles) Then China will know to bow before me. Set sail! | „ |
~ Lord Shen's second famous quote to the captured Furious 5 |
Lord Shen is the main antagonist of DreamWorks' 22nd full length animated feature film Kung Fu Panda 2, the second installment of the Kung Fu Panda franchise, and a supporting character in its sequel Kung Fu Panda 4.
He is a sadistic, devious, and power-hungry peacock prince who wanted to use fireworks to create deadly cannons in order to conquer all of China and annihilate Kung Fu with his cannons. He was prophesied to be defeated by a warrior of black and white, motivating him into wiping out the pandas.
He is the Soothsayer's former master, the Wolves' leader, and Po's arch-nemesis. Shen is also responsible for murdering Po's biological mother and the reason Po was found, adopted, and raised by Mr. Ping, ultimately leading him to his path as the Dragon Warrior and the one destined to defeat him.
He was voiced by Gary Oldman, who also played Ruber in Quest for Camelot, Dreyfus in Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, Mason Verger in Hannibal, Norman Stansfield in Léon: The Professional, General Grawl in Planet 51, Jean-Baptiste Emanuel Zorg in The Fifth Element, and Lord Vortech in LEGO Dimensions.
Appearance
Lord Shen wears a long white robe held with a black-colored belt. According to him, the robe is made from "the finest silk in the province". Sewn along the edges of the robe is silver silk patterned with flame-like designs, and it has a flying bird, possibly a peacock, placed on the back. He also wears metal talons that served to protect his feet, light his cannons, and act as formidable weapons. Unlike his parents, Shen has leucism, meaning that his plumage is atypically white.
Personality
Lord Shen is a wicked and callous peacock who wants to eliminate every panda in China. He has no problem in slaughtering anyone who opposes him, going as far as to slaughter Boss Wolf for disobeying his orders. However, he doesn’t murder the Soothsayer despite her clearly opposing him, which shows that he’s capable of caring for others.
He is also chicken-hearted and fearful since when he overhears his true fate, he has all the pandas wiped out so no one can face him, and other examples of being chicken-hearted, and when he slaughters Master Thundering Rhino dishonorably with a cannon after he was easily defeated in a fight, with another example of being fearful is when Lord Shen asks Soothsayer what his fate is. Lord Shen is also incredibly brilliant with forging, able to use fireworks, something meant for color and joy as a weapon in form of a cannon and when he decided to wipe all pandas out completely, which out of sheer luck only some survived, and using his foes weaknesses completely to his advantage.
Lord Shen is also passive and neurotic, as shown when he fears getting defeated by a panda and believing that his parents hated him when they really loved him actually. What’s more, he knows what he is doing is wrong, but he continues with his plans of conquest because he knows if he stops, all the demises he has caused will amount to nothing. At the end of the film, Lord Shen's own battle-cannon collapses on top of him. Instead of running, he closes his eyes and accepts his death, knowing he has failed and preventing any persecution for his crimes.
Powers and Abilities
To be added
Other Media
Kung Fu Panda 2: The Video Game
in Kung Fu Panda 2: The Video Game, Lord Shen has no physical appearance, but is a posthumous and mentioned character. A few moments after Lord Shen was defeated by Po and his fleet failed to pass the limits of the of Gongmen City, the citizens celebrated the Dragon Warrior's victory by bringing down his empire, also destroying scrolls with his emblem. The throne without any ruler, some komodo dragons, led by Zhou Dan, plan to take over the city taking advantage of the death of Lord Shen.
Kung Fu Panda: Showdown of Legendary Legends
In Kung Fu Panda: Showdown of Legendary Legends, Lord Shen appears as a playable character.
Kung Fu Rumble
In Kung Fu Rumble, Lord Shen appears as an enemy to be defeated inside his palace as a combat stage.
Victims
- An entire Panda village
- Po's Mother
- His parents (indirectly)
- Thundering Rhino
- Boss Wolf
- His wolf army
Quotes
“ | Get them all!!! | „ |
~ Lord Shen ordering his wolves to kill every panda there is |
“ | Search the farthest villages. Find more metal! China will be mine... | „ |
~ Lord Shen to Boss Wolf |
“ | Lord Shen: Showoff. Thundering Rhino: That is a warning. You are no match for our kung fu. Lord Shen: I agree... but this is. |
„ |
~ Shen to Thundering Rhino before killing him with his cannon |
“ | Lord Shen: My father's throne... he used to let me play here beside him, promising someday that this throne would be mine... [The throne is tossed out of a window seconds later. The cannon is moved in it's place.] A little to the left. Gorilla: Uh, but it's so heavy, master! Lord Shen: For 30 years I've waited for this moment. Everything must be exactly how I envisioned it... and I envisioned it a little to the left. Perfect. With the weapon by my side... ah, a little bit more. [The gorillas adjust the cannon.] With the weapon by my side... all of China will bow before me. We move out in 3 days, when the moon is full, and the tide is high. |
„ |
~ Lord Shen taking complete control of Gongmen City and announcing when he will start his invasion |
“ | Lord Shen: Now you old goat, why don't you tell me my- Soothsayer: Fortune? Lord Shen: F-future. I was going to say future. Look into your bowl, and tell me what glory awaits. Soothsayer: If you continue on your current path......you will find yourself... at the bottom of the stairs. [Lord Shen stops on the bottom of the steps. He exclaims in annoyance before approaching Soothsayer, who again looks into her bowl] Soothsayer: I see... I see... I see pain... [She plucks a feather from Lord Shen's wing.] Lord Shen: Ow! Soothsayer: And anger...[She takes a bite out of Shen's robe.] Lord Shen: How dare you! That is the finest silk in the province! Soothsayer: Followed by denial... Lord Shen: This is not fortune telling! You're just saying what's happening right- Soothsayer: Now? [Lord Shen sighs in exasperation. Soothsayer puts the feather and piece of silk into the bowl.] The most important time is now. But if you really want to see the future... [Glowing blue-white smoke suddenly erupts from the bowl. Lord Shen watches in awe as the smoke rises into the air.] Lord Shen: Oh, what do you see? [The smoke forms into a peacock.] Soothsayer: A peacock...[The peacock is consumed by a fiery yin yang symbol. The gorillas back away in fear.]...is defeated by a warrior of black and white. Nothing has changed. [A shocked and furious Lord Shen shatters the bowl with a throwing knife and fans away the apparition with his tail. Soothsayer looks up as Lord Shen chuckles.] Lord Shen: That's impossible.. and you know it! Soothsayer: It is not impossible... and he knows it. |
„ |
~ Lord Shen realizing his fate has not changed |
“ | Find this panda, and him bring to me! | „ |
~ Lord Shen ordering Boss Wolf to find Po and capture him |
“ | Lord Shen: So one panda still lives... that does not make you right. Soothsayer: You're right... being right makes me right. Lord Shen: Then I will kill him... and make you wrong! |
„ |
~ Lord Shen still denying his fate |
“ | Lord Shen: Greetings, panda! At last we meet! [He falters.] Oh, no, no, no, no, no... [acrobatically flips about before pointing his lance in another direction.] We meet at last! Yes! That's it! Greetings, panda! We meet at la- [He stops short when he ends up pointing his lance at the Soothsayer, who has appeared out of nowhere.] Soothsayer: You are afraid for a reason. Lord Shen: I'm not afraid. He's coming to me in chains! If anyone should be afraid, it's... Soothsayer: You. Lord Shen: [looks at her trying to munch his robes.. then quickly yanks them out of her reach.] Don't even think about it. |
„ |
~ Lord Shen's planned greeting for Po. |
“ | Lord Shen: Greetings, panda! We meet at- Po: Hey, how ya doing? [Lord Shen is caught off guard] Lord Shen: Hey. |
„ |
~ Lord Shen meeting Po for the first time |
“ | You really think that this is the warrior destined to defeat me? | „ |
~ Lord Shen mocking Po and Soothsayer |
“ | ENOUGH OF THIS NONSENSE! Bring the prisoners to me. | „ |
~ Lord Shen ordering his men to be placed right in front of the cannon |
“ | Po: What's so funny? Lord Shen: The very thing you clearly do not know. |
„ |
~ Lord Shen further taunting Po on how he doesn't know of the panda genocide |
“ | The only reason you're still alive is that I find your stupidity mildly amusing. | „ |
~ Lord Shen pointing his dagger at Po |
“ | Lord Shen: Take aim. [Boss Wolf aims the cannon at the enemies while Lord Shen laughs until he realized nothing has happened] Well?! Light the... thing! Boss Wolf: I did! [Boss Wolf continuously lights the cannon, which gets diffused, to his confusion until Mantis reveals himself] Mantis: FEAR THE BUG!!! [Lord Shen looks at Po's cage which actually had an action figure of Mantis] |
„ |
~ Lord Shen ordering the deaths of his enemies before scolding the Boss Wolf for not lighting the cannon even though he did which was diffused by Mantis |
“ | Yes. Yes, I was. | „ |
~ Lord Shen acknowledging he was there in the day Po last saw his parents |
“ | Goodbye!!!! | „ |
~ Lord Shen taking joy at the Palace's destruction |
“ | Where are they going???!!! | „ |
~ Lord Shen surprised that Po and the Furious 5 are escaping |
“ | Call in the wolves, all of them! I want them ready to move! The Year of the Peacock begins now! | „ |
~ Lord Shen ordering Boss Wolf to get the men ready |
“ | Get the wolves ready. We're loading the ships now. [yelling] NOW! NOW, NOW, NOW, NOW! | „ |
~ Lord Shen intimidating Boss Wolf to follow his orders after making a wisecrack against his |
“ | Lord Shen: The only reason you're still alive is that I find your stupidity mildly amusing. Po: Well, thank you, but I find your evilness extremely annoying! Lord Shen: Who do you think you are, Panda?! Po: Who do you think I am, Peacock?! |
„ |
~ Lord Shen confronting Po |
“ | Lord Shen: You were wrong, Soothsayer! We sail to victory tonight... your magic panda is clearly a fool! Soothsayer: Are you certain it is the panda who is the fool? You just destroyed your ancestral home, Shen! Lord Shen: A trivial sacrifice... [He sticks the lance's tip into a nearby fire. When it is glowing hot, he stabs it into the map of China, sending the entire sheet up in flames.] when all of China is my reward! Soothsayer: Then will you finally be satisfied? Will the subjugation of the whole world finally make you feel better? Lord Shen: Hmmm, it's a start. I might also convert the basement into a dungeon. |
„ |
~ Soothsayer scolding Lord Shen for continuing with his evil plans to which Lord Shen snarkily replies back |
“ | Soothsayer: The cup you choose to fill has no bottom. It is time to stop this madness. Lord Shen: And why on earth would I do that? Soothsayer: So your parents can rest in peace. Lord Shen: My parents... hated me. Do you understand? They wronged me. I... will make it right. Soothsayer: They loved you! They loved you so much, that having to send you away killed them. Lord Shen: The dead exist in the past, and I must tend to the future. |
„ |
~ Lord Shen expressing how he thinks his parents never loved him |
“ | Move, you dogs! Faster, faster! Load them all! | „ |
~ Lord Shen to his men in speeding up productions of his cannons |
“ | Lord Shen: Greetings Panda. Po: Tell me what happened that night. Lord Shen: What night? Po: That night. Lord Shen: Aahh, that night. Po: Yes. We're talking about the same night, right? Lord Shen: Yes, I was there. Yes, I watched your parents abandoned you. It's a terrible thing. I believe it went something like this!!!! |
„ |
~ Lord Shen meeting Po before trying to kill him in the fireworks factory |
“ | Are you willing to die to find out the truth? | „ |
~ Lord Shen taunting Po who is dangling from a pot filled with molten metal |
“ | Nothing stands in my way. | „ |
~ Lord Shen commanding the destruction of a bridge full of people blocking his boats' path |
“ | Lord Shen: Fire. Fire! F-Fire at them! Boss Wolf: But sir, we'll kill our own. Lord Shen: I said fire at them! FIRE! |
„ |
~ Lord Shen's breakdown |
“ | As you wish. Let's finish this. | „ |
~ Lord Shen preparing to kill Po |
“ | Kill him! Somebody, kill him! | „ |
~ Lord Shen commanding his wolves to kill Po |
“ | WHAT?! NO! [glares at Po, to which Po gestures to him, saying he is next, angering him] Keep firing! KEEP FIRING! | „ |
~ Lord Shen ordering the gorilla in his both to fire at Po before the latter sent one of his projectiles towards him |
“ | Lord Shen: [breathes heavily] How did you...? How did you do this? Po: You know, you just keep your elbows up and keep your shoulders loose? Lord Shen: Not that. How did you find peace? I took away your parents. Everything... I... I scarred you for life. Po: See, that's the thing, Shen. Scars heal. Lord Shen: No, they don't. Wounds heal. Po: Oh yeah. What do scars do? They fade, I guess? Lord Shen: I don't care what scars do. Po: You should, Shen. You gotta let go that stuff from the past cause it's just doesn't matter. The only thing that matters, is what you choose to be now. Lord Shen: You're right.. Then I choose this! |
„ |
~ Po forgives Lord Shen for his past and also Lord Shen's last words before his final duel and impending death |
Trivia
- Lord Shen's tail consists of 92 feathers.
- Lord Shen was originally cast as a devious mayor for the first Kung Fu Panda movie.
- In the Mad episodes "Kung Fu Blander" (in which his new army were the Angry Birds) and "Destroy Bob the Builder Destroyer", Shen was defeated by Master Po, and then by The Spies, who were ironically the black and white warriors from the prophecy.
- Shen is the only major villain in the Kung Fu Panda films who has not personally met Shifu or Oogway.
- Shen is also the only major villain in the Kung Fu Panda films who is not sent or banished into the spirit realm.
- Lord Shen serves as a darker reflection of Po, representing what Po could have been if he kept on to old grudges and refused to move on from the past.
- Shen being born white is intentionally symbolic for his character as a villain, as white symbolizes death in Chinese culture.
- Shen's fighting style shares similarities with Chinese martial arts form "Cai Li Fo", in which a metal fan is used as defense or as a distraction for enemies, represented by Shen's tail feathers.
- Since the release of Kung Fu Panda 2, Shen became one of the most popular DreamWorks villains, topping many lists on "Best DreamWorks Villains".
- Whenever Po sees Shen's "eyespots" on his tail feather's, he gets traumatic experiences and dazes him, to which Shen gets the upper hand. In the wild, Peacocks uses the "eyespots" in their tail feathers to protect them from predators as a psychological defense.
- Despite Shen's beliefs that his parents never loved him, he failed to realize that his parents' act of banishing him was an act of mercy, which, aside from the fact that they both died of grief from losing their son, showed that they truly did care for him, as opposed to having him incarcerated or executed for his crimes against the pandas.
- Some fans have speculated that Shen actually committed suicide and wasn't trying to make one final attempt to kill Po by letting the cannon crush him or die in the explosion, which Po happened to be in the way of, with the reason is all the deaths he has caused now has no meaning at all and he has nowhere else to go. This can't be the case in the first section of the final fight in the boat since none of the ropes suspending the cannon were present. However, it is possible the fans were right if we consider when the cannon was about to fall on him to which Shen doesn't move and just closes his eyes and accepts his fate.
- As revealed by the director, Shen was incredibly difficult to animate, which was compared to animating six characters all at once.
- Shen and his followers never acknowledged Po's title as the Dragon Warrior, as they only saw him as a threat simply because he was a panda. As such, they are the only villains in the Kung Fu Panda franchise to view Po as a threat not because he is the Dragon Warrior.
- The way Shen's feathers open are incorrect anatomically, as peacock plumage is technically on their backs. Thus, he couldn't open his feathers without completely exposing his robes.
External Links
- Lord Shen on the Kung Fu Panda Wiki
- Lord Shen on the DreamWorks Wiki
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