Twenty Years Later: A New Live Action Mulan Scheduled for 2020
Disney announced earlier this month that the highly anticipated remake of Mulan will be pushed back to March 2020. The company seems to love releasing live action films in this time frame lately. Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast had similar release dates in recent years. Unlike these two films though, the new Mulan sounds considerably different than its 20 year old animated cousin. Today’s post provides a brief update on what’s in, what’s out and what’s still unknown for the new live-action Mulan.
In
Mulan and the Emperor
After an extensive worldwide search last year, Disney cast Chinese model and actress Yifei Lui as the title character. Several media outlets have also reported that the Emperor will be played by actor and martial artist champion Jet Li.
Interestingly, these are the only two characters that have been announced for the new film that were also part of the 1998 original. It’s still early in development, of course. Filming isn’t slated to begin until August. It’s worth noting, however, because it suggests the new film will stray from the original.
New Characters
Speaking of change, several new characters have also been confirmed for the film. For example, Mulan gains a sister portrayed by Xana Tang. She’ll also go head-to-head with a new villain, a witch to be played by Gong Li. In one of the most interesting casting choices, at least to me, Mulan will also gain a new mentor named Commander Tung. Tung will be played by Donnie Yen who recently appeared in Rogue One. (“I am one with the Force and the Force is with me!”)
Chinese Authenticity
Although the animated film included Chinese cultural references and settings, the new film is positioned to achieve a whole new level of authenticity. The majority of the actors currently committed to the film are of Chinese decent. The movie itself will also be filmed, at least partially, among the beautiful landscapes of China. It’s also been suggested that the film will lean more heavily on the original Chinese legend that inspired Disney’s animated version, rather than the animated version itself.
Out
Image from Disney’s Mulan
Old Characters
I guess it’s a given if so many new characters have been added to the film, that many of the “old” characters have been cut. Li Shang, for example, is officially out. He was the fellow soldier that fought along side Mulan and eventually fell for her. Media outlets are reporting that Mulan’s new companion for the film will still be a soldier, but his name will be Chen Honghui. It’s unclear what other similarities, if any, exist.
Unknown
Image from Disney’s Mulan
Music
It’s also currently unclear if any music will be featured in the new film. If you recall, the animated version included the soul-searching Reflection and the inspiring I’ll Make A Man Out of You. The first helped to make Christina Aguilera a star. The second was recorded for the film by long-time star Donny Osmond.
Director Niki Caro originally stated that the film would not be a musical, then she retracted and said the role of music in the film has not yet been determined.
Image from Disney’s Mulan
Mushu & Grandmother Fa
There’s also no word yet on whether Mushu, Mulan’s trusty dragon side-kick, or Grandmother Fa, Mulan’s wise but spunky elder, will be reprised in the new film. Eddie Murphy’s portrayal of Mushu was one of the highlights of the original, in my opinion. It’s hard to imagine the film without him, at least in animated form. Grandmother Fa also added a welcome spark of humor to the original film. Deleting either or both of these characters could suggest a more serious tone for the movie overall.
And that’s it. Everything we know to date on the new live action Mulan remake. Will it reprise the twenty-year-old film or journey into new territory? Time will tell.
Until then, celebrate the 20th birthday of the original Mulan and add a little (warrior) magic to your world!