Disney has graced fans with the first teaser trailer and poster for Mulan, a live-action remake of the 1998 animated movie. The movie directed by Niki Caro is scheduled for release on March 27, 2020, starring Yifei Liu, Donnie Yen, Jason Scott Lee, Gong Li, and Jet Li. Check out the first trailer:
I don't know about you, but I'm definitely feeling this so far -- especially Liu Yifei as badass Hua Mulan. The Chinese actress is already well known in her native country but I think she'll be a household name after Mulan.
We got a first look at Liu Yifei as Mulan in a still photo last year. Here's the poster Disney shared with the first Mulan teaser. I really love this:
Since then, we've seen a bunch of new casting stories revealing Liu Yifei's supporting stars.
Donnie Yen plays Mulan's mentor Commander Tung, he's a new character that isn't from the animated movie. The amazing Gong Li also plays a new character -- powerful villainous witch Xianniang, who allies with Hun warrior leader Böri Khan (Jason Scott Lee). Screen icon Jet Li plays The Emperor of China himself. Tzi Ma plays Mulan’s father. Jimmy Wong and Doug Moua have been cast to play Ling and Po, respectively, two characters who were recruits with Mulan in the animated movie.
Yoson An plays Chen Honghui, a fellow recruit in Commander Tung's unit who becomes Mulan's ally and eventual love interest. There was some fan outcry when the casting was revealed and fans wondered what happened to Li Shang from the animated movie.
Here's Disney's full synopsis for Mulan:
When the Emperor of China issues a decree that one man per family must serve in the Imperial Army to defend the country from Northern invaders, Hua Mulan, the eldest daughter of an honored warrior, steps in to take the place of her ailing father. Masquerading as a man, Hua Jun, she is tested every step of the way and must harness her inner-strength and embrace her true potential. It is an epic journey that will transform her into an honored warrior and earn her the respect of a grateful nation…and a proud father.Mulan features a celebrated international cast that includes: Yifei Liu as Mulan; Donnie Yen as Commander Tung; Jason Scott Lee as Böri Khan; Yoson An as Cheng Honghui; with Gong Li as Xianniang and Jet Li as the Emperor. The film is directed by Niki Caro from a screenplay by Rick Jaffa & Amanda Silver and Elizabeth Martin & Lauren Hynek based on the narrative poem 'The Ballad of Mulan.'
Disney is currently on a hot streak with these live-action remakes. Dumbo maybe wasn't a massive hit, but Aladdin is still kicking after $921.6 million and counting around the world. It's Will Smith's highest-grossing movie. The Lion King is next, opening July 19, and it's expected to make huge money.
The live-action Mulan movie was pushed back from its previous release date, but now it's scheduled to open on March 27, 2020.
