We've seen a ton of live-action remakes of our favorite Disney movies over the past couple of years. We saw Lily James as Cinderella, Emma Watson as Belle, Mia Wasikowska as Alice, and some of the top names in Hollywood voicing our favorite lions in The Lion King. But Disney isn't stopping there — there are a few live-action remakes in the works that are bound to make Disney fans eager.
Mulan is the next Disney remake that was set to hit theaters on March 27, 2020, but due to the coronavirus, the premiere has been pushed back. Until the day we can finally see this hopeful cinematic masterpiece, let's take a look at 10 things we know about Disney's live-action Mulan.
10 The Premiere Has Been Postponed
Let's talk more about Mulan being postponed. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, it's hard for newly released movies to survive. Theaters have been shut down, and any place or event that can hold upwards of 500-1,000 people has been shut down. In fact, most places have been closed completely, except for supermarkets, hospitals, and any place deemed essential. Releasing Mulan on March 27 would mean broadcasting it to an empty room. The film will most likely wait until later in 2020 to release, when it has the opportunity of surviving.
9 You Won't Find Li Shang Here
Mulan is one of the earlier princesses who didn't have a wild love story. There was definitely chemistry between her and Li Shang, but nothing could have happened because Mulan was supposed to be a man and Li Shang was her commander.
Putting gender aside, there was still this unspoken bond between the two that made viewers wonder if Li Shang was actually gay or bisexual. Regardless of the animated version, the remake will not have Li Shang in the film. According to BBC, the #MeToo movement inspired the creators to ignore the young warrior and the commanding officer's potential connection as it could be deemed inappropriate.
8 Jet Li Will Star As The Emperor
We don't see the Chinese Emperor too often in the animated version of Mulan, but expect a famous face to portray him in the live-action remake. Actor and martial artist Jet Li will star as the Emperor, and it's all thanks to his daughters.
Thanks to an interview with Asia One, Li admitted turning down the role because of the "script and pay." But after his daughters reminded him that it was important for Disney to shine a light on Chinese culture, he backtracked and accepted the role.
7 Don't Expect To Sing Along...
Mulan has some epic songs that are still stuck in our heads, but will we hear "I'll Make A Man Out Of You" in the remake? It doesn't seem so. The film's director, Niki Caro, told BuzzFeed "We don't tend to break into song when we go to war."
The remake is looking for a more realistic depiction of the time. But before fans get in a frenzy about needing the movie's iconic musical pieces, Caro said that both the music and the animation will be honored "in a very significant way."
6 ...But Christina Aguilera Makes A Comeback
Speaking of music, one of the most beloved songs from Disney's animated Mulan was Christina Aguilera's song "Reflection." At the time of the movie's release, Aguilera was in her prime, and fans of both her and Disney rejoiced. Thankfully, it appears Aguilera has recorded two songs for the remake: a new song called "Loyal Brave True" and a new version of "Reflection."
5 Meet Chen Honghui
Captain Li Shang may not be making an appearance in 2020s Mulan, but a man (and potential love interest) named Chen Honghui will. Unlike the animated version, Chen is a new character to the script, and will be portrayed by Yoson An. According to the Hollywood Reporter, Chen Honghui will be a part of Commander Tung's unit with Mulan. Time will tell what happens between these two fighters.
4 We'll Miss Mushu
Most Disney movies have some sort of sidekick. Pocahontas has Meeko and Flit, Simba had Timon and Pumbaa, Frozen's Anna had Olaf, and Mulan had her tiny dragon, Mushu. Voiced by Eddie Murphy, Mushu was the comedic relief we all needed in the tense animated thriller. But it doesn't look like we'll see a live-action Mushu in the 2020 film. Director Niki Caro told BuzzFeed that while Mushu is important to the animated film, finding a place for him him would be impossible in the live-action. "Mushu is irreplaceable, and the animated classic stands on its own in that regard."
3 Disney Took Their Time With Casting
It's sad to say, but there are plenty of movies that have been accused of whitewashing. If there is a movie about Asian culture, it's more authentic and true to hire Asian actors who can get the job done. To make sure Disney got it right, fans of the film created petitions to ensure the cast reflected the time and the culture.
When it came time to find their Mulan, Disney auditioned over 1,000 women until they landed on Liu Yifei for the starring role.
2 Don't Expect Mulan To Cut Her Hair
In the animated version, Mulan chops off her long, beautiful hair with her father's sword. She did this to look like a man, as her hair would fit better in a bun. Funny enough, this epic scene won't be in the live-action movie because it gets "mocked" at meetings, according to producer Jason Reed. He explained to Mashable that many male warriors in China have long hair, and cutting Mulan's hair would, in fact, make her look more feminine.
1 We'll Meet New Characters
Mulan has fascinating characters, ranging from her army to Mushu to her ancestors who look after her. But there will be new faces gracing the screen in the live-action remake. A witch will be added to the script as one of the villains, Mulan will be given a sister, and of course, there is Mulan's special friend, Chen Honghui.
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