This is What Disney's Live-Action Mulan Looks Like
Disney is getting down to business.
While the live-action movie is scheduled to be released in 2020, Disney has dropped their first image of Mulan, played by model, singer and actress, Liu Yi Fei.
The hype for Mulan’s live-action debut comes not only from the animation’s immense popularity but also because it’s part of a long line of successful live-action adaptations such as Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella and Maleficient.
Critically acclaimed, 1998’s Mulan was a worldwide success, earning an Oscar nomination and a huge cult following.
In light of this success, live-action Mulan has huge (lotus) shoes to fill.
While a level of excitement is inevitable for some, some are skeptical and disappointed by the many marked changes from the animation to live-action movie (no Mushu?! No Captain Shang?! What is this madness?).
Fears of whitewashing were apparent (we’re looking at you, Scarlett Johansson and Ghost in the Shell) as is the fact that there seem to be two main schools of thought: those who are gunning for an exact replica of the original animation and those with a firmer belief in artistic licence. It is a remake, after all.
Let’s not forget that the original story of Mulan comes from a poem titled The Ballad of Mulan which definitely did not include a speaking red dragon or a pseudo-bisexual love interest.
While there is disappointment in some of the major changes (we’re still getting over the omission of Shang), there is still much to look forward to in this new rendition.
Iconic Chinese actors such as Jet Li, Donnie Yen and Gong Li are part of the star studded lineup set to star in the feature.
It’s also paving the way in Hollywood as it will be the first Hollywood action film featuring an all-Asian cast.
Speaking to Moviefone, director Niki Caro said “It’s a big, girly martial arts epic. It will be extremely muscular and thrilling and entertaining and moving.”
We’ll hold you to that, Niki.
Mulan is due for release in theatres March 2020.
While you’re waiting, relive this classic moment from the animation. We guarantee you’ll be singing along by the end of it.
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