Original subtitles

CYMBAL CRASHES

LYRICAL CHINESE INSTRUMENTAL

BIRDS CALLING

MUSIC CONTINUES

PANTING

WHIMPERING

Huh!

Aagh.

Oh...

Woo... Uh!

Ugh!

WHIMPERING

Oooh...

-TWIG BREAKS -GASPS

RUSTLING

Who are you?

VOICE ECHOING: I am a fierce dragon, the most powerful creature on Earth!

I can turn you into ice with a single breath.

Well, I am a panda bear!

I am black and white... and fluffy.

But I will defend myself with my mighty claw!

LAUGHTER ECHOES

Oh, you are no match for me.

Run, panda bear, as fast as your legs will carry you.

Uh... Good idea!

Uh? WHIMPERS

Freeze!

RETCHES AND SPLUTTERS

My tongue's gone numb.

You nearly breathed ice, Jielong.

That was really scary!

-Honestly? -You're growing up so fast!

You'll soon be able to make rain and snow! WHOOSHING

PANDA: And fly! Just like your dad.

Then you'll be able to travel the world!

And you could come with me, Pang!

I don't think so. Panda's aren't meant to go anywhere.

We're meant to sit on our bottoms all day, eating bamboo.

You don't have to do what you are meant to do. You can go wherever you want to go.

How about to my parents' for lunch?

I've got something else on the menu. Come on!

HAWKER: Get your bamboo! However you want it!

Mashed, steamed, fried, in a salad...

HAWKER: Get your bamboo!

WHOOSHING

CLATTERING

THUNDER RUMBLING

THUNDER CLAP

-Wow! He's amazing, isn't he? -Pff! Showing off a bit, if you ask me.

The other dragons, they knock off a rain cloud, a bit of snow, maybe some sleet.

Why all the hoopla?

-Ho! Tough day! -Tell me about it.

I had to chop some bamboo earlier.

All on my own!

YAWNS

Whoa!

Sorry.

No problem.

We'll just have to redecorate the living room, that's all.

Thanks for watering our bamboo, Mr Kang.

Always happy to help.

Soon, I must fly east to take rain to the plains and paddy fields.

Perhaps Jielong could stay with you while I'm away?

It would be our privilege, sir.

-Wouldn't it, dear? -Would it?

Absolutely!

Pang will be delighted. Where are they, by the way?

Run this idea past me again.

We are going to catapult into the air and fly off around the world.

One small problem - you can't fly.

There's nothing to it! My dad told me it's just a state of mind.

Easy for him to say. He's not sitting on your back.

BOTH: Woooo!

-Woooo! -They're flying!

-BOTH: Uh! -They're flailing.

-Huh? -They're falling.

BOTH SCREAMING

That's Jielong!

How's your state of mind?

I think I'm losing it!

BOTH: Heeeeeeeeeeelp!

-That was really scary! -It totally was.

-Can we do it again? -Huh?

-What happened? -This time?

Impromptu flying lessons.

While she can't fly.

Pang, how could you let this happen?

SIGHS

ELEPHANT TRUMPETS

AFRICAN RHYTHMS AND MELODIES

All hail the prince!

Oh, ha-ha! Stop it, you're tickling!

Put me down, put me down!

A-hem!

Sorry. I wasn't laughing at you. He was just right under my armpits.

QUIZZICAL GRUNTS

Getting a bit big for the old lifting thing, hey Uncle?

Maybe next time, just a polite round of applause.

Anyway, just wanted to say thanks for coming over for my birthday.

Whoa! 13! The big one!

If you've got any presents just leave them on the rock.

Giraffes, thanks for the necktie!

I'm... sure I'll grow into it.

Oh! Uh... Dung beetles, don't feel like you've got to get me anything this year.

I've been rolling this poo for miles!

And, er... that's it! Oh, antelopes! See you at the feast!

-Huh? -PRINCE: Don't worry.

It's all vegan. Ciao!

That went well, didn't it? Right, back to the palace, everyone!

-HUSHED: They are returning, slowly. -I'm worried, too.

Ah-ha! You're planning a surprise party for me, aren't you, Uncle?

No, there is no surprise party, Your Majesty.

Only someone who is planning a surprise party,

would say there is no surprise party.

GROWLS: The pride is concerned that the hyenas are returning to the forest.

So what? It's not like we're struggling for space.

The hyenas are our sworn enemy, Your Highness.

GASPS: They are?

GROWLS

Oh, right, uh... Yes, of course they are.

Naughty hyenas! Urgh! Hate them. Funny squashed-up faces, too many teeth.

I suggest we drive them out, before it's too late.

Why? Because they might... gate-crash my surprise party?

There is no surprise party!

Got it! Won't mention it... again.

But you will be getting a very special present, Your Majesty.

-Really, Uncle? -We just need to secure it first.

-Hm... -GIGGLES

-Huh? Huh? Huh? -WAVES LAPPING

How far are we from the coast?

We're hours away!

You've got the binoculars the wrong way around.

Wha... ?

We're there! CRASH

GROANS Huh?

BABOON: Get the bag. We've got a dragon to catch.

CROC: A dragon?

I heard they're amazing creatures that can carry six times their body weight.

Tiny little fellas, about that big.

That's an ant! Dragons are huge, majestic beasts that can fly!

So can some ants.

They can freeze you with their breath.

I know an ant that can do that.

-Ow! -Just shut up and get the bag!

DRAGON DAD: It's time for me to go. I'm sorry, Jielong.

Since when were you sorry about dumping me?

Just go and do your thing.

Maybe next year you can come with me, but for now, stay with your friend, Pang.

And be safe!

Never mind, Jielong. He'll be back soon.

I just wish he'd stop treating me like a child.

Bet I can make you smile!

-BABYTALK -LAUGHS

Race you to the forest!

-What's keeping you? -BOTH LAUGHING

-Be back in time for tea, you two! -And no flying!

JIELONG: This way to the caves!

I'm taking a short cut!

LAUGHING: Sorry.

Woah!

Watch it, tiny claw!

Hey, don't call me that!

What are you gonna do about it without your big dragon friend?

Uh... I hadn't thought that far ahead.

Why do you hang around with a dragon anyway?

Pandas are meant to stick to their own.

Because she's my best friend, and we're going to fly around the world some day.

Ha! You're going nowhere.

Jielong will fly away soon and you'll be left all on your...

-RATTLE -Ooh!

Any problem here, Wong?

No problem! Just chilling with my bro.

-Ugh! -LAUGHTER

Give my regards to your dad!

PANG: Let's play hide-and-seek.

JIELONG: Hide-and-seek is for little kids.

-Blind man's bluff? -All right. I'll blindfold you.

There you go.

Come and get me!

-I can see the dragon! -That's not a dragon.

That's a dragon!

CROC: Oh!

Mm-hm.

I have a feeling you're just...

Ow!

GIGGLES

A-ha! I can hear you!

I can even... SNIFFING ... smell you!

SNIFF, SNIFF Bleugh!

And now I can feel your tiny, ears.

Your hairy back.

Your lumpy butt?

Hang on a minute! Huh?

Huh?

Pang, run for it!

PANG: Let's hide from them in the cave!

BABOON: Too late for that!

Ugh.

-That was close. -BABOON LAUGHS

-Who are you? -I am a fearsome crocodile!

She is a massive buffoon.

-Baboon. -What she said.

What do you want with us?

We don't want you. We want your friend!

-What are you going to do with her? -We're not telling you!

-We're taking her to Lion Rock! -But you'll never know why.

-As a gift for the lion prince. -Uhh!

-JIELONG: Pang, help! -You know too much.

Jieeeeeeeelong!

GROANS

Ugh.

Jielong?

WHIMPERING

STRAINING

-BIRDSONG -Huh?

BIRDSONG

BIRDSONG

JIELONG WHIMPERING

Mum, Dad! Help!

17 across.

'To be in need of assistance'?

-PANG: Help! -'Help'! Very good.

What to do? Get Mum and Dad.

Get Jielong?

Get back in the cave! No, no, no, that's a stupid idea.

Quick, make a decision!

Wrong decision.

Ugh!

WATER LAPPING

JIELONG'S MUFFLED CRIES

Stop wriggling!

I can't help it. It's how I run!

Uhh!

Oh! Aagh!

Aaaagh!

-Phew. That was lucky. Huh? -CRACKING

BABOON: I'll take it from here! You untie the boat!

PANG: Ugh!

Don't worry, I'll save you, Jielong!

-No, you won't! -JIELONG: Pang!

Stop!

I'm warning you.

LAUGHING

Huh?

Huh?

STRAINING

JIELONG: Pang!

-Help me, Pang! -BABOON: She's missing you already.

BABOON LAUGHS

Hm?

Huh? Africa?

CLATTER

Uh, hello? Can you help?

It's Jielong. We were playing by the caves.

This crocodile and some kind of monkey put her in a sack!

I fell off the cliff, wrestled by the dock. She's been kidnapped!

I didn't understand a word of that.

They're taking my best friend to Africa! We've got to rescue her!

Sorry, kid. I don't do passengers.

Now, get off my boat!

Please?

Who said I was going to Africa anyway?

MOANS

Huh?

Hm...

Pang!

Jielong!

You definitely saw them heading towards the caves?

Yeah, we had a joke together. The three of us, old mates.

SIGHS They could be anywhere.

BIRDS SQUAWKING

Aaaaaagh.

What are you doing on my boat?

-Going to Africa? -I said I don't do passengers!

But if you wanna stay you'll have to sew the sails,

bail the bilge, daub the deck,

break off the barnacles...

Huh?

...reel in the ropes, boil my bath,

tighten up my tennis serve...

and call me Cap'n!

Aye, aye, Cap'n!

That should keep you busy for the next hour.

-There you go, safe and sound. -Grrr!

-Take me home, you big ape! -What do you think?

-Shall we take her back? -Yeah, all right.

She makes a convincing case.

No chance!

You'll never see your family or your friends or your home, again!

BABOON LAUGHS

Aaagh!

Ah! I did it! I did it! I did it!

WHIMPERING

-What happened? -She froze my backside!

-Feel that! -Do I have to?

Aagh! BLOWS

If she can freeze things with her breath, you know what this means?

Ice cream!

No, you doughnut! From now on, she'll keep her mouth shut!

And from now on, you'll have a bright red butt!

I hope you... MUFFLED CRIES

THUNDER CLAPS

Your cup of tea, Cap'n!

Hot and...

...wet.

-I'll make another! -There's a storm brewing, a big one!

We need to lower the mainsail!

And when I say 'we', I mean 'you'.

Aye, aye, Cap'n!

-The halyard! -What?

Untie that rope there!

Aagh!

Good lad!

Now get down as quick as you can!

Aaagh!

Strap yourself in, boy!

THUNDER CLAP

Aaaagh!

Cap'n?

Cap'n! Where are you?

STRAINING

It's no use, kid. Now get yourself in the lifeboat.

STRAINING

-What are you doing? -You got me this far, Cap'n,

and I am not leaving you behind.

To the lifeboat!

PLAYFULLY: Look out, I'm coming for you!

A-ha! Gotcha!

Oh! He's gone again.

There you are! Sneaking up on me!

Ah! There's a huge one behind you!

Just playing with my bestie, Mr Shadow. We're inseparable. Oh!

And I've been working on my new roar. Stand back! You're gonna like this, Uncle.

Roa-a-a-a... Getting there, don't you think?

Maybe a bit more in the back of the throat.

FEROCIOUS ROAR

Like that.

Yup, that's the kind of thing.

Little bit of phlegm in my eye, but, you know...

Anyway, why did you want to see me?

We have word your birthday present is soon to arrive, Your Majesty.

No way? What is it? Did you get me a pet, Uncle?

I did, Your Majesty.

Woo-hoo! My very own little friend!

-Is it a hamster!? -No, Your Majesty. It's not a hamster.

Oh. It's just that's what I had on the list.

A fluffy tummy, and puffy cheeks and pointy little teeth.

The pet we have got you will protect us all from the hyenas.

Is it a guineapig?

It's the rarest creature on Earth,

all the way from the other side of the world!

No! Don't tell me! Don't want to spoil the surprise! Agh!

CROC: Land ahoy!

BABOON: We'll be docking soon.

Make sure our guest is ready to disembark.

We don't have a guest, just the kidnapped dragon.

Just look after the rope and leave the rest to me!

Whoa! I get to hold the rope!

SIGHS AND GROANS

Welcome to Africa!

You can't escape, so you might as well enjoy the rest of the journey.

LAUGHS

Ow! Ow! Aagh!

All going to plan, boss?

BABOON: Help me, you idiot!

What about the rope?

Ugh! Aagh!

GROANS

GULPING

Have a drink, son. You deserve it.

-PANG: We survived! -All thanks to you.

You're not such a bad kid, you know. You work hard.

You're braver than you look, but the world's a dangerous place.

LAUGHING Sorry, Cap'n.

CAP'N LAUGHS

You sure you're ready for this journey?

All I know is I've got to do it, for Jielong.

She's lucky to have a pal like you.

PANG: This place is strange.

The fish fly and the tortoise swim.

CAP'N: Welcome to the other side of the world, kid!

It's beautiful!

How much further have we got to go?

Oooh, I'd say at least a hundred, maybe two hundred...

metres.

Is that Africa?

CAP'N: It is! Now grab an oar and let's get you there!

You saved my life, kid. I'll always be in your debt.

You got me to Africa, sir. You owe me nothing.

Good luck finding your friend.

This might help - my lucky charm.

Pure gold! Might get you out of a tricky spot.

Wow! Thank you, Cap'n.

Remember the old saying -

a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step!

Farewell, kid.

Wow! Africa is wonderful!

RUSTLING

That's one weird looking animal!

-You looked in a mirror lately?

-He is definitely not from around here.

Nope. And he won't be for much longer. Look, jackals!

Oooh!

Huh?

Oh, they've laid on a welcoming committee!

MOCKING 'Oh! They've laid on a welcoming committee!'

-Hi! -They're gonna eat you, you dummy!

-Really? -Run!

Right.

Agh.

WHISTLE

Sit!

Guess what I've got, fellas.

-A stick! -Stick?

-That's an actual stick! -It's 100 percent organic!

Now, fetch!

MONKEY: That's it! It'll be over there - with all the other sticks.

Boy, are they stupid!

Now, if you wanna live, follow me!

Huh?

-Hang on! We've been conned! -Why do we always do that?

What's so exciting about a stick anyway?

Personally, I'm not that interested in sticks. They're not even sticky.

And for the record, what was that animal we just chased?

I don't know.

Lucky we didn't catch it. Might have been poisonous.

My mother used to say, 'You should always know what you're putting in your mouth. '

-What, not a stick? -What stick?

-That stick! -He found the stick!

-You saved my life. Thank you. -No problem.

Africa is a wonderful place, but we've got a lot of guys who like eating other guys.

I'll bear that in mind.

So, uh, what's with the black eyes?

Got in a fight with a water buffalo?

I'm a panda bear. The name's Pang.

Is that why they hit you?

No one hit me. I've come from Asia to find my best friend.

Look no further, you just found him! Jojo, at your service!

-How much for the medallion? -It was a gift. It's not for sale.

Everything's for sale! What's this?

-That's where they took my friend. -WHISTLES: That ain't easy!

-Need someone to show you the way? -Do you know anyone?

MOCKING: 'Do you know anyone?' Are all pandas this slow?

-You can take me? -Of course I can!

-But how do I know I can trust you?

-Everyone knows you can trust Jojo.

I'm one of the most trustworthy small monkeys in this spot.

Mind you, that's not saying much.

So, what will it cost to get me to Lion Rock?

Exactly one...

...gold medallion.

What were the chances?

Hmmmm...

You sure this is the right way?

Trust your old friend, Jojo!

-We only just met. -Exactly!

And it already feels like a lifetime!

Through this log.

Over the wall.

Oops.

Knock on the door.

Voilà! GATE CREAKING

Hm-hm?

This doesn't look like the Lion Rock on the map.

We had to downsize.

I can't see a single lion.

-He's lyin'! -Woah!

Meet Abu, aan kudu with an attitude problem.

Huh?

And our boss, Darius.

Excuse me, sir, I've been brought here under false pretences,

and I need you to...

He doesn't appear to have a head.

He has. It's just... Wake up, boss!

Bleugh.

COUGHS

-What do we got here, Jojo? -It's a panda bear.

All the way from Asia!

Ooh, I like this! I like this a lot.

Thanks. Anyway, as I was explaining, I'm on my way south to locate my...

You ain't going nowhere.

From now on, you work for me.

A dancing panda bear! I will make a fortune!

Oh, I think you overestimate my dancing skills.

Look, if I can teach a monkey to strum...

-TUNELESS STRUMMING -... and a kudu to sing...

-TUNELESS SINGING -... I can teach a panda bear to dance.

Just watch! Samba!

Disco.

TikTok mash-up. Don't be shy! Join in! Hey, let's go.

SAMBA MUSIC

Maybe I'll get the hang of it. Eventually.

ABU GRUNTING

MUSIC FADING

Don't even think about escaping!

Unless, it is into the music!

EVIL LAUGH

CICADAS SINGING

There you go! You've got your own corner of the room.

-Lucky guy! -I trusted you, Jojo.

I'm sorry, my friend, but everybody's gotta make a living.

There's an old Chinese saying.

'A friend doesn't steal your medallion, kidnap you,

make you dance, then lock you up in the corner of a room!'

Wow, that cuts deep.

But don't worry, we only wear these at night.

During the day, we can go wherever we want,

as long as we're followed by...

that guy!

Look, I was trapped here myself years ago.

-But I got used to it. -Why?

Cos... I had nowhere else to go.

Well, I have! I'm getting out of here to save my friend!

Ha! Good luck with that. See you in the morning, buddy.

DOOR CLOSES

ABU SIGHS

SNORING

DING

JOJO: Hey! Psst!

WHISPERS: Take me with you.

I'm sorry I got you into this, but I had no choice.

I trusted you. Why should I trust you again?

Cos I'm a nice guy! And I'm fun to have around.

And I have your map.

Set me free and I'll take you to the south, I promise.

All right, but no monkey business.

Ooh, thank you for this!

LOUDER: This is great! I mean it.

WHISPERS: Shut up or you're staying here.

-Yes. Will do. Mouth zipped. Schtum. -Ssh.

LOUDLY: Free at last! Ha-ha!

Oh! CLATTER

DARIUS: Huh?

YAWNS

Oh.

WHISPERS: Wait! My life savings! It ain't much, but it's all I got!

Let's get outta here.

According to this map, we need to cross the desert, which will be nice.

LAUGHING: For you - in that thick fur coat!

-Ha! -Which way is it?

Well, it's either that way,

that way or that way.

But I'm pretty sure it's not that way.

You don't have any idea where we're going, do you?

Let's ask a cabbie.

Hey, my friend, can you get us across the desert?

I don't normally go south.

-What if I gave you three shillings? -Make it six.

-Four? -Seven.

-Five. -Eight!

-Six. -Done! You drive a hard bargain.

May I recommend an upgrade to our deluxe package? Only two shillings.

-What's the deluxe package? -Travel cushion.

JOJO: We'll stick with economy.

OK, climb aboard, my friend!

Uh?

SIGHS Is this right?

Style it out! Let's go!

You want water for the journey? It's free!

Put us down for six bottles.

Water's free. Bottles are one shilling each.

You surprise me.

LONG YAWN

Good news, sire. Your birthday present has finally arrived.

Really? Oh! This is so exciting.

Cancel the rest of the day's royal stuff! I'm getting a pet!

BABOON: Your Highness.

-Here it is, all the way from Asia. -Ooh!

It's like Christmas and birthday rolled into one!

-That's it? -Yes, Your Majesty.

Not very fluffy, is it? What happened to the hamster?

This is a dragon, Your Majesty,

one of the rarest creatures on Earth.

I'm not saying you didn't go to a lot of effort but... what does it do?

It can breathe ice, Your Majesty!

I can testify to that.

Does it go round and round in a wheel?

Let the hamster thing go, Your Highness.

This creature will bring you great power.

All right, Uncle. If you say so.

GROWLS

Can we keep it outside for now?

TEETH CHATTERING

I thought... the desert... was meant to be hot!

Hm. Lucky I've got that thick fur coat.

Room f-for one more in there?

-If you promise not to snore. -I... I promise.

Pang, I've never met anyone like you before.

You've made me re-evaluate life.

Up to now, I've been a monkey on the make, but it feels good caring, sharing.

I'm gonna be different from now on. I'm gonna be nicer, kinder...

SNORING SOFTLY

Great! I finally open up about my feelings and nobody's awake to hear them!

I am - unfortunately.

SIGHS

FLIES BUZZING

WATER GLUGGING

POP

Pang!

Don't be alarmed, but I think we're being watched by a meerkat.

Hello there! You all alone?

Ah, nice! You've got a friend with you.

PANG: A family.

Some neighbours.

The whole community.

Driver, can you pick up the pace a little?

Floor it!

Ha, ha! See you, suckers!

BELLOW

Huh? Uh... Pang?

PANG: Jojo!

Agh!

Ooh!

Aaaagh!

Ooooooh...

Aaaaagh...

I'm just a cabbie. I didn't sign up for this!

Keep the tip.

Thanks. You weren't getting one anyway.

Do you mind if I just... ?

Do I win a prize at the end of this?

Agh!

-At ease! -Uh-oh. That does not look good.

-Good afternoon, unknown travellers. -What do you want?

Got any water? COUGHS: We're parched.

Are you kidding? We're down to our last six bottles!

-ALL GROANING -Thirsty! Help!

-They really need our help! -Oh, go on, then.

All right, guys, form a line.

One at a time, and one sip each. Here you go.

-Thanks, gents. -Next, please.

Slowly...

BELCH

And the last one.

-You again? -Please?

Forget it! You guys almost cleaned us out!

All right, back in your positions, team. We're moving on.

Bye.

Who knew the meerkats and the rhinos had a thing going?

-Well, guess we're walking from now on. -As the old saying goes,

'The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step!'

I prefer, 'A journey across the desert always begins with a load of water. '

SIGHS

-STRAINING -UNCLE: Your Majesty,

this will be a chance to observe the power of your new prize pet!

-Oh, goody! -Bring out the chicken!

CLUCKING

The dragon will now freeze the chicken.

Why would you freeze a chicken?

Unless you wanted to eat it later at a more convenient time! Ha!

It's just a trial, understand?

Dragon, do as I command!

CLUCKING

Uncle, if the dragon's not working properly

can we send her back under warranty?

Prove your worth - or you will face a worse fate than the chicken.

CLUCKING

UNCLE: See? I knew she can freeze things!

And if she can freeze this tree, she can also freeze a whole forest!

Ha-ha-ha!

SIGH

SCREECHING

PLODDING FOOTSTEPS

PANTING

WEAKLY: I can't carry on much longer.

Don't give up, Jojo. You gotta believe in yourself.

But I don't believe in myself, and giving up is my thing.

It's all I've ever been any good at.

Go ahead, Pang, you'll be better off without me.

I'm not leaving you! There's always hope just over the hill. Come on!

JOJO: Can I give up now?

-Pang! -Where are you?

Come home!

Help me, my friend. Please!

You'll never make it, tiny claw. Ha, ha, ha.

SQUAWK

It's all right if I give up, but it's not all right if you give up!

Pang!

-Are you done with this? -No, I am not done with this!

Get out of here! Shoo! Shoo!

All right, Pang, now shift

your big, round,

furry butt!

STRAINING: There's always hope just over the hill!

I hope.

JOJO GROANS

SIGHS

Huh? Ha-ha! He was right!

SNIFFING

Yeah.

We made it!

-Is this heaven? -No, but it sure does feel like it!

We've got everything we need!

Pineapple, banana, guava, mango, passion fruit,

and even...

Bamboo? Woah!

-You just crushed the bamboo. -Oops.

Last one in the lake is a warthog!

No offence! Come on!

I wasn't planning on going into the lake anyway.

JOJO: Wow!

I could get used to this.

-It's beautiful! -Welcome to Africa, my friend.

-Ah... -SPURT

SNIFFS: Ah, great! You just had to ruin the moment.

-That wasn't me. -Well, it definitely wasn't me!

ROAR

Aaaaaagh! Run for your life!

Wow! And I thought Jojo had a big mouth!

ROAR

Get out of there, Pang!

This could turn into one of those 'panda eaten by hippo' memes!

You've got a problem?

-MOANS -Let me take a look.

ECHOES: Woah! You've got lots of space in here!

PRAYING SILENTLY

PANG: Whoops! I went a bit far!

Good news is, your colon is fine.

Seriously? You try to reason with someone.

Sorry, pal! You're on your own!

There you go! You had a frog in your throat.

-Watch yourself next time, little fella! -SQUEAKING

-That's much better. Thank you so much! -No problem, madam.

Swill and spit!

She was a pleasant lady, wasn't she, Jojo?

Hm, Jojo?

Oh!

He went that way.

Jojo! Where are you?

Jojo!

DISTANT ANIMALS CALLING

Sorry to bother you, but I was wondering if you could help me.

I'm looking for a small, talkative, slightly annoying monkey.

You mean this small, talkative, slightly annoying monkey?

-Remember us? -Run for it, Pang!

And I resent being called annoying!

Did you know ostriches are the fastest animals on two legs?

Ugh!

GROANS

You do now.

DARIUS LAUGHS

-SIGHS -RUNNING FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING

Hi. Mind if I join you?

Must get a bit lonely in there.

No friends or close family. I know how that feels.

That's why I wanted a pet! A small furry one, but you can't have everything.

I know! I could teach you some tricks.

Like, um... paw! Paw?

How about... roll over?

Play dead? Ow!

My goldfish was great at that!

After a couple of months, it turned out he was, actually.

I've got it, beg!

Go on, beg!

Please? I'm begging you.

MUFFLED VOICE

-You want me to undo the rope? -Mm-hm.

-Promise you won't turn me into ice? -Mm-hm.

GASPS Agh! Thank you.

-You can talk? -Ha! Of course I can talk.

Wow! Now that's pretty cool - a talking pet.

-I've been called worse. -Can you play fetch?

Let me out of this cage and I'll show you.

Really? This is great!

Don't tell Uncle I did this. He'll go ballistic!

Now, when I count to three, you chase the rock.

One...

Woah! Fast!

I haven't actually thrown the rock yet!

Come back! Oh, please come back!

Are you sure the prince really wants this ball of dung for his next birthday?

Well, I'm definitely not getting him a bike.

Whoops!

Whoops! I just made another ball of dung!

The hyenas are in the forest.

We approach from this direction, along with the dragon.

We don't need to worry about the dragon, boss.

-Why not? -Cos she's already gone!

Agh! Catch her, you fools!

You have to fly, Jielong. You can do this!

SIGHS

Flying is just a state of mind.

Just dig deep and believe in yourself.

But don't be smug. Nobody likes smug.

Be open, and when the time is right...

Which may or may not be now,

cos let's face it, that thing's pretty steep

and if you mess up, it's curtains - like big mess!

So, realistically, your chances are what, 50-50 at best?

PANTING

-I can't do it. -You're going back to your hamster cage.

LAUGHING

Who let her out?

GROWLS

-PANG: Where are you taking us? -DARIUS: Home.

You think I'd let a prize asset like you escape, do you?

We already had the posters printed!

-I'm not classically trained! -As for you, Jojo, you betrayed us.

I was trying to slow him down for you, boss!

Think I believe that, traitor? Hope you like hard work!

-Cos you both got plenty coming. -I'm sorry, Pang.

I messed up, as usual.

It's all right, Jojo. You did your best, my friend.

HIGH-PITCHED LAUGHTER

Up ahead.

Looks like a hyena.

Don't worry, boss. It's only one.

It's never only one. They come in packs.

Sometimes as many as 52!

Or is that playing cards? Either way, they are dangerous.

-What are we gonna do? -I know what I am going to do, run!

See you!

Think you can outrun a hyena?

I don't have to. I just have to outrun you.

From the looks of it,

you won't be setting any steeplechase records any time soon.

See ya!

Wait for me, boss!

Greetings, strangers.

This one's stranger still.

-Hi. Nice to meet you. -Yeah. A real treat.

Mm! You're nice and chunky.

He's 90% fur, 10% polyester.

Ooh, what's in the bag?

-Hey, hey! They're mine! -SNARLING

But you can take it. Consider it a gift.

For you and your many angry, bloodthirsty pals.

You talk a lot.

ZIP Uh... One other thing.

MUFFLED VOICE

Ooh, what's this?

-A map. -Where you going?

To save my friend at Lion Rock.

Lion Rock?

WHINES

That area used to be my home.

Haven't been back for years.

WHISPERS: Pang, this might be a good time to...

Before the other hyenas...

What happened to you?

The lions chased us away.

It was my fault. Ever since, I've walked the plains alone.

You mean we're not surrounded by a hoard of hungry hyenas?

Ha-ha!

-Sorry for your loss. -Why don't you come with us?

-We could take you back home. -Huh?

I doubt if my family are still there.

Or if they'll want me back.

There's only one way to find out.

Pang, do you want to take an angry, violent...

GROWL

...misunderstood young lady on this journey with us?

Thanks. I'd like that.

We all deserve a second chance. Don't we, Jojo?

You got me on that one. So, welcome to the gang!

Please don't eat us.

Won't touch. Ever. Again.

This is gonna be fun.

JOJO: So, um... Niala, right?

That's my name.

What would you say my chances of surviving this relationship are out of ten?

If ten would be a long happy life,

place by the sea, with a comprehensive health care plan,

and one - that guy over there.

-Two. -That's what I figured.

You see, I'm a carnivore. I'll eat pretty much anything on legs.

I think you'll find small monkeys are very bony.

Oh, I like crunchy.

Texture can be as important as flavour when it comes to fine dining.

-She's definitely gonna eat us. -She's teasing you, Jojo.

At least, I think she is.

Hey, I'm a hyena. We like to have a laugh. He-he-he!

Great! She's got a psychotic sense of humour.

This is gonna end well.

CREATURES SINGING AND CALLING

It's late. We need to rest up.

SIGHS: About time! I've only got little legs.

YAWNS CONTENTEDLY

At home, Jielong and I would often sleep under the trees.

That's sweet - except those aren't trees.

-That's a giraffe! -Huh?

JOJO LAUGHS

LAUGHS: Least you don't have to wash before bed!

Ew!

He-he-he! See you in the morning.

Let's move, just in case she fancies a midnight snack.

HISSING

Now, this is my kind of party.

An all-you-can-eat buffet!

I'm guessing that's the main course.

And thissss is the finger food.

Let's circulate!

CHUCKLES: Pack it in, Pang. You're tickling!

Uh... Hm, hello there.

I don't think we've been introduced.

Pleasure to make your acquaintance,

though I fear it may be... fleeting

Agh! Back off, fella! You're invading my personal space.

I can't help it.

I've got a crush on you.

I don't know what's worse, the pythons or the puns.

Jojo, I can't breathe.

Where's that hyena when you need her?

NIALA: I'm right here.

Off we go!

Who likes balloon modelling?

SQUEAKING

-There you go - a puppy dog! -JOJO: Ho-ho!

Forget what I said! She's my hero!

PANG: Am I dreaming or is this real?

GIGGLES: Perhaps we should all stay close from now on?

-Got there ahead of you, buddy! -He-he.

SNORING

SNORING

It's only me. I don't blame you for trying to escape.

I would have done the same.

You must miss your family and friends.

PRINCE: Who is that?

Is it... a snowman?

Oh, it's your best friend?

Mm-hm.

I had a best friend, too, once.

I've never told anyone but...

she was a hyena.

NIALA LAUGHING

PRINCE: But lions and hyenas have always been enemies.

So, we played together in secret.

MEWLING

LAUGHING

Then one day, we were seen going to Hyena Forest

and my parents came looking for me.

LION MUM: Ade! You shouldn't be here! It isn't safe!

My mum and dad. Hide!

The next morning, they were found at the bottom of the waterfall.

My uncle said the hyenas did it, so the pride drove them away.

I lost everything that mattered to me that day - my parents and my best friend.

-I've felt alone ever since. -Hm.

-You want to speak? -Mm-hm.

I trust you.

GASPS

I know how it feels to grow up with big expectations -

I tried to live up to my father - but sooner or later,

you've got to forget what others want you to be, and become what you want to be.

It's time to stand up for yourself.

SNIFFLING

Thank you, friend.

JOJO: Guys, I just realised we're going in the totally wrong direction.

Seriously, we need to turn around and head back into the jungle.

Guys! You're wasting time!

Trust me! We should have turned left back at the...

Found it!

-Is this... ? -Mm-hm.

Lion Rock.

Keep an eye on the hyenas.

The last thing we need now is a surprise attack.

-Hi, Uncle. -What do you want, Ade?

-Can I have a quick word? -Sure, take a seat.

So, I just wanted to talk to you about one or two things.

For example, we could get rid of the zebra skins in the palace.

They're a bit culturally insensitive.

And move some of these rocks around to make a nice little... rockery.

And, uh, finally...

...free the dragon to go home to her friends and family.

The dragon is here to freeze every last hyena in the forest.

ADE: Yup, yup. It's just is that really fair?

I mean, sure, there's one or two hyenas

you wouldn't wanna go on a picnic with... -GROWLING

You would protect the hyenas after what they did to your parents?

We don't know what happened to my parents, and isn't it better to...

ROAR

...see the good in folks rather than damning them all?

I can't breathe right now.

I'm going to pass out, so let's put a pin in that idea and go with the rockery...

Remember, I am the real power here,

and you will do things my way. -GASPS

Anything else, Your Majesty?

No, that pretty much covers it.

We're not far now. We live on the other side.

Hm. You could swim across that.

As long as I don't have to dive in after and rescue you.

No one can swim that.

-We need to find the fallen tree. -A fallen tree?

Of course! The fallen tree. How could this ever work without the fallen tree?

-But what fallen tree? -How about... that fallen tree?

Follow me!

We used to do this all the time.

Come on, Jojo. It'll be an adventure!

Why don't you just go on? Go ahead, I'll meet up with you all later.

It's all right, I'll take you on my shoulders, Jojo.

-JOJO WHIMPERING -Oh!

This is terrifying! I can't bear to watch!

-Jojo, I can't see either. -Tough! You wanted an adventure.

Here it is! Our forest!

-It's an amazing place. -Hm. Pretty standard, if you ask me.

JUNGLE CREATURES CALLING

Is anyone home?

Mum, Dad! It's me, Niala!

SQUAWKING

-Maybe they never came back. -TWIG BREAKS

GROWLING

-Sis, is that you! -Lwazi?

We've been searching for you for years!

-MEWLING -Meet your nephew and niece.

LAUGHING: You're so cute!

-What about Mum and Dad? -Niala! You came home!

Mum, Dad! I've missed you so much.

We feared we'd never see you again.

-You crying, Jojo? -Hay fever. It flares up now and again.

Like whenever there's an emotional family reunion type thing.

-GROWLING -Be nice.

-These are my friends, Pang and Jojo. -Hi!

RAPID DRUMMING BEGINS

SINGING, CALL AND RESPONSE

SINGING IN LOCAL LANGUAGE

-Teddy! -Teddy!

-Almost makes you miss home. -You, maybe.

I never had a home.

Couch surfed at an antelope's for a while, but that didn't pan out.

You'll find your place one day, Jojo, I promise.

Oi! LAUGHS

You're both welcome to stay here as our guests.

Thanks, but we must keep going.

Pang's friend was taken to Lion Rock. We need to help her, Mother.

We can't.

There is already too much bad blood between us and the lions.

-But why? -HYENA MUM: You know why.

Lions and hyenas have always been enemies.

When you were young, you made friends with the lion prince...

-Come on, Ade! This way. -Isn't it dangerous?

LAUGHS: Chicken!

Who are you calling a chicken?

LAUGHTER

HYENA MUM: One day, his parents came looking for him.

LION MUM: Ade, where are you! This place is dangerous.

-Come home at once! -It's my mum and dad.

If they see me here, they'll go crazy.

Ade?

Ade!

Hide!

Ade, is that you? Come back!

-No! -SPLASH

SPLUTTERING

HYENA MUM: I saw the lion parents being helplessly swept down by the current.

And the lion prince's uncle saw it, too.

It was an accident, but the lions blamed us and chased us from our home.

We cannot risk angering them again.

-But Mum... -Niala, you must stay with your family.

Jojo and I will free Jielong from the lions.

Actually, I'm not that keen on lions.

Can I stay with her family? We can sing more happy songs.

♪ la-la-la-la ♪

GROWLING IN TUNE

On second thoughts... let's go find your friend.

-Do you know why we are here? -Good question.

What's the meaning of life? A tree falls in a forest, lands on a crocodile.

Turns it into a pair of shoes and a handbag...

I meant, do you know what we are doing at the Hyena Forest?

Oh! No idea.

SIGHS: We have to make sure they don't try a sneak attack.

So, stay focused, attentive and alert, or you end up as a wallet!

Agh!

Huh? Hm...

WHISPERING: This is lion country. We need to be super quiet.

Like a ninja tiptoeing through a field of cushions, in his slippers.

-Exactly. -I'll be as quiet as a mouse.

Not a squeak.

Though, let's face it, mice do squeak.

I'll be as quiet as a dead mouse.

-As of now. -Not a dying mouse.

They can make a lot of noise.

Like, 'No Jojo, please don't kill me! I'm only a mouse. '

'Too late, my friend, you've been stealing from my cupboard. '

'I won't do it again, I promise. ' That's me being the mouse.

'Well, on this occasion, I might let it slide... '

YELLS: Jojo, will you be quiet?

All right, just keep your voice down!

-RUSTLING -Look who it is!

Our old friend.

Pang, I have something to confess. I'm not that trustworthy.

You're on your own!

Jojo?

And now... get him!

-GASPS -CROC LAUGHS MENACINGLY

UNCLE: Today marks a turning point.

You will witness how we, with the help of a dragon...

-Ugh! -Look what we found, boss.

What is this?

Dunno, but it followed us all the way from Asia.

My name is Pang, and I've come to take my friend home.

Sorry, we've become quite attached.

-And so has she. -PANG: Jielong!

-I promised I would find you. -Mm-hm.

Best friends stick together, whatever.

UNCLE: Not for long.

We're taking her to the big show.

The big 'snow'!

-LAUGHS -GROWLS

Sorry.

Your dragon friend is going to freeze a forest.

-You can do that now? -And all the hyenas in it.

Jielong, you can't hurt the hyenas. They're our friends.

Jielong, no!

You will do as we say, or you will never see your little friend again.

Chain him up!

Ugh!

CHAIN RATTLING

Watch the bear.

If he causes any trouble, you know what to do.

-Shave him? -SNARLS

Zuh... Zuh...

Oh, I get ya!

Ha! That one, right!

My friends, with this magnificent beast,

we shall rid ourselves of the scourge of the hyenas, forever!

-ROARING -Today, we will avenge my family!

Follow me!

Wait! As your prince, I refuse to allow this!

I command you to stop!

With respect, you couldn't command a chicken, Your Majesty!

LAUGHTER

Chickens are actually very difficult to command - they've got a will of their own.

Forward! To the forest!

ADE: Come back here!

I warn you! Do as I say, or...

WEAK, CROAKY ROAR

Anyone?

No?

CROC HUMMING A MARCH

Look at you, bet you feel pretty dumb right now.

-You'd know all about that. -Right, that's it!

-GRUFF VOICE: Guard, out here now! -Your boss wants you.

I'll be back!

No, you won't.

'Guard, out here now!'

-He was even dumber than he looked! -Jojo? You came back!

I tried to leave, then I realised I had nowhere else to go.

You did this for me once, remember?

You always wanted this medallion, Jojo.

Well, now you've earned it.

What? No way! Oh wow, Pang!

I hope it brings you as much luck as it brought me.

It didn't bring you that much luck, to be honest.

-It brought me you, Jojo. -CROC GROANING

-He's waking up! -Come on, Jojo.

We need to stop them before it's too late!

Hyenas!

Leave this forest,

or stay forever frozen in time!

LAUGHTER

HYENAS CHATTERING

-We're going nowhere! -Niala?

-Hm? -Ade?

BOTH LAUGHING

The hyenas didn't push your parents into the waterfall.

It was just an accident.

And he knows that.

Would you take the word of a hyena over your own kind?

I would!

Oh.

If you want to destroy them, you have to destroy me, too.

We are sworn enemies of the hyenas. The prince is a traitor! Take him away!

FEROCIOUS ROAR

WHIMPERING

SNARLS

You have made your choice, nephew. Live with it, or die with it.

ALL GASP

Bring forward the dragon!

MUFFLED PROTESTS

Freeze them, or you will never see your panda friend again!

No...

THUNDER RUMBLING

We're too late.

No thunderstorm. I want ice!

-GROWLS -No!

Not at me, them!

You need to cool down!

Aagh.

Best pet ever!

Who else needs a cooling?

I was only obeying orders. Please!

Please!

No, no, no!

Oh! Not again!

-LAUGHTER -Ow! Ow! Ooh!

We need to get to the cave to rescue Pang!

You can count on us! Come on!

PACK CALLING

-I missed you, old friend. -Not as much as I missed you.

Miaow!

PANG: Wow! The forest has been saved!

And we haven't been eaten yet.

Now, that's pretty cool.

What are you going to do now, big guy? Ha-ha! Melt all over us?

CRACKING

ROARS

You will pay for interfering in my world, stranger from another land.

That's a lame threat.

He's still half-frozen.

Ha, ha! Missed!

ROARS

Pang!

ROAR

Nice forward roll. Tasty footwork.

-ROAR -JOJO: Great evasive actions!

Got any other moves, big boy?

-ROAR -Oops.

You should have stayed in China, little bear. Sayonara!

Sayonara is Japanese!

Jojo!

Jojo.

My dear, brave friend.

SNARLING

Leave him alone!

Keep back! If you value your friend's life!

You're coming with me.

Hold on, Pang! We will save you!

Jojo? Say something.

SNIFFS AND SOBS

Now, you want me to talk.

Huh?

-He's alive! -Yes. Thanks to Pang's lucky charm.

GROWLS

-Cross the river! -Where are we going?

I'll worry about that. Now move!

Keep going!

No. This has gone too far.

I am a mighty lion, the King of the Jungle!

You cannot defeat me.

Well, I am a panda bear!

I am black and white and fluffy, and I'm not running away any more!

Ha-ha-ha-ha! What are you going to do with that?

Ha!

Ow!

Sorry.

LION WHIMPERING

Take my hand.

-It's never too late to change. -It is for me.

No... No!

Agh!

Aaagh!

-Aaaaggghhh... -Mum, Dad, Jielong.

I'm sorry, I let you down.

Agh!

Aaaggghhh!

-Pang! -Jojo? You're alive!

And someone can fly!

Just a bit!

Woo-hoo!

LAUGHTER

ADE: Guys, from now on, a few things are going to change.

Lions and hyenas will live together in peace!

Might be a few awkward moments, but I'm sure we'll get there.

We will share our land - as friends!

FEROCIOUS ROAR

ROARS, BARKS

ADE: Jielong, you've been a breath of fresh air.

Literally. Ha!

And thanks for coming all the way here.

Well, not entirely by choice.

Safe travels, my friends.

And if any of you come to Asia, don't forget to look us up.

I'm going to miss you, Pang.

Well, I'm not going to miss you, Jojo.

Huh?

Cos you're coming with us!

You... ? You mean... ?

For once in his life, he's speechless!

Cap'n!

-Cap'n! -Huh?

Pang! You did it!

THUNDER RUMBLING

-He's back! -Now comes a terrible moment for us.

-And him. -I hope he can forgive us.

I am back, my friends. Where is my Jielong?

You trusted us with her and we failed you, sir.

-She's gone. -What do you mean, 'She's gone'?

-Together with our son, after you left. -We've searched everywhere.

It is my fault. I should have been here to protect her.

Huh?

Who is making snow here?

-Pang! -Jielong!

-That's your new home! -Ha, ha! I love it!

You'd better, cos I'm not taking you back!

DRAGON DAD: Jielong! You can fly!

-And make snow! -I guess I'm pretty grown up now, Dad.

-Pang! We've missed you so much. -Where have you been?

It's a long story!

They should make it into a movie. 'A Talapoin Monkey In Asia'.

It has a nice ring to it.

-All about a wise and brave monkey. -Not that brave.

-Ha-ha! -A wise and slightly brave monkey.

-PANG: Still overstating it. -JOJO: OK.

A wise and very occasionally brave, but not that brave, monkey.

PANG: How about 'Jielong, the Mighty Dragon'?

JIELONG: Or 'Pang, the Fearless Adventurer'?

JOJO: Come on now, guys, a movie can only have one hero!