Comic-Con 2012: Dreamworks Readies 'Kung Fu Panda 3,' 'Madagascar' Spinoff

Dreamworks Animation is extending the life of two of its popular animal-centric franchises. The studio announced during its Comic-Con presentation in the Hilton Bayfront's Indigo Ballroom that it's prepping a third installment of Kung Fu Panda and another Madagascar feature based on the film's scheming penguins.

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Studio CCO Bill Damaschke presided over the panel -- held largely as a launch pad for upcoming features Rise of the Guardians and caveman comedy The Croods -- and was cajoled by fans into confirming that Kung Fu Panda 3 is in the works. The second outing of the Jack Black-voiced feature grossed $665 million worldwide after its 2011 release. No date for the follow-up was given.

Madagascar 3 director Tom McGrath received an equally positive reception from fans when he announced that the series' b-story penguins will get their own feature in 2015. The Penguins of Madagascar have previously gotten the spotlight with a Nickelodeon TV series of the same name and several one-off shorts.

McGrath, who also voices the penguin Skipper, talked about the process of making the latest Madagascar.

“We really wanted to do something psychedelic in Madagascar 3 so kids could experience drugs without taking them," he said to much applause.

Still in theaters, Madagascar 3 has thus far grossed $456 million worldwide.