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Zhao Bandi, a Chinese performance artist known for using panda imagery, has sued DreamWorks over its portrayal of the lead character Po (voiced by Jack Black) in Kung Fu Panda.
Bandi, whose art includes clothes designs for panda prostitutes and panda concubines, is seeking an apology from DreamWorks for insulting China's national symbol.
Speaking to Variety, Bandi voiced his objections to the colour of Po's eyes and his parentage.
He said: "Designing the panda with green eyes is a conspiracy. A panda with green eyes has the feeling of evil. I have studied oil painting, and we would never use green eyes to describe a kind-hearted figure. So I ask them to open their creative meeting records of this film and explain why the green eyes?
"Next, why is the panda's father a duck? Many foreigners think the giant panda is not just China's symbol, but also the Chinese people's symbol. Drawing the father of the giant panda as a duck is an insult to the Chinese people. In a few years time, I'm worried some young Chinese people will think their ancestor is Donald Duck."
Zhao had previously called for Kung Fu Panda to be banned in China because it would upset victims of the Sichuan earthquake. The release was delayed but the film arrived in cinemas on June 20 after an online protest.
