According to the recent "Kung Fu Panda 3" cast update, Kate Hudson would be lending her voice to a new character in the movie. She has replaced Rebel Wilson, who was due to voice "Mei Mei." Mei Mei is reportedly the first female panda lead in the movie series.

Insiders said that the extension of production schedule was the one of the reasons behind the sudden change in the "Kung Fu Panda 3" cast, The Hollywood reporter reported. They reportedly said that Angelina Jolie, Jack Black, Seth Rogen and Dustin Hoffman had bagged reprising roles in the hit series. Oscar Winner JK Simmons as well as Bryan Cranston would also be a part of the "Kung Fu Panda 3" line-up.

According to Cinemablend.com, the recent "Kung Fu Panda 3" cast change was only made four months prior of its "big screen release." They reportedly said that the "Almost Famous" actress was sworn in after the Australian comedienne, Rebel Wilson bowed out due to her packed schedule.

Cinemablend.com further told that Dreamworks Animation was in a bind. Reporters said that the team was forced to erase off all the good work that Rebel had done for the production. Kate Hudson, who is currently engaged with Garry Marshall's "Mother's Day," would be coming to the studio to record the new vocals for "Mei Mei."

Dreamworks would also have to reanimate the character to suit Hudson's performance.

Jennifer Yuh Nelson and Alessandro Carloni would be directing the new "Kung Fu Panda 3" movie. Businessstandard.com reported that the movie would hit the big screen cinemas on January 29, 2016. Reporters added that in the new storyline, the character Po would be re-united with his long lost father. Po would also discover the long-lost panda paradise.

However, it is hard to predict if Kate's addition to "Kung Fu Panda 3's" cast is a good thing for the film. Kate might be a talented actress, but her comedy skills might not be as sharp as Rebel's.