Disney's "Mulan" Live-Action Remake Is Headed to Disney Plus

From Oprah Magazine

• A long delayed live-action remake of Mulan will now be released on Disney Plus on September 4, and in some theaters, per Deadline.

• Here's everything else we know about the movie.

Disney's live-action remake of Mulan is finally hitting the TV screens of Disney Plus subscribers on September 4 after its wide theatrical release was delayed...and delayed again due to the coronavirus pandemic. Adapted from the beloved 1998 animated movie, Mulan follows a young Chinese woman who poses as a man in order to take her father's place in the army—and is, needless to say, a stone-cold badass. Ahead of the premiere, here's everything we know about the film and how to watch it.

When will Mulan be released on Disney Plus.

The new Mulan is coming to Disney Plus on September 4, but subscribers will have to pay an additional $29.99 to rent the film.

“We’re pleased to bring Mulan to a consumer base that’s been waiting for it as we’ve had to move our (release) dates several times," Disney CEO Bob Chepak explained to Deadline.

As for the steep price point, he added, "As you know it’s fairly expensive to produce for consumers the quality we’re known for. Rather than simply rolling (the movie) into a free offering, we thought we can test anything when you have your own platform. We’re trying to establish a new premiere access window to capture that investment we got (in the film)."

Is there a trailer?

Though you won't hear Christina Aguilera's voice blaring through "Reflection" in the new remake, the trailer promises to give us an action-packed adventure movie that pays homage to the original—listen closely for a new take on the beloved tune. In it, Chinese actress Liu Yifei beautifully transforms into Mulan, replacing her ill father as the one member of their family set to serve in the military. Much like the animated film, it features kaleidoscopic flashes between badass fight scenes and moments of self discovery. "I will bring honor to us all," she says at the end.

The teaser clip initially had us counting down.

Who is playing Mulan in the remake?

After many months of casting speculation, Disney confirmed late in 2017 that Chinese actress Liu Yifei had been cast in the coveted role of Hua Mulan. According to The Hollywood Reporter's coverage at the time, Yifei's casting came after a year-long worldwide search, and casting an ethnically Chinese actress was a high priority for the studio. Liu is one of the most popular actresses in China, having appeared in several hit television dramas there, and has played English-speaking roles including 2008's The Forbidden Kingdom opposite Jackie Chan, and 2004's Outcast with Nicolas Cage.

Just like in the 1998 animated movie, Mulan takes place in fifth-century China, where the Emperor issues a decree requiring one man per family to serve in the Imperial Army. Knowing that her father, a decorated warrior, is now ailing, Mulan steps in to take his place and disguises herself as a man in order to serve in the impending war.

The remake will feature a handful of new characters, including Donnie Yen as Mulan's mentor Commander Tung and Gong Li as the evil witch Xianniang. Meanwhile, Jason Scott Lee will play the enemy warrior leader Böri Khan, Jet Li will play the Emperor of China, Tzi Ma will play Mulan's father, and Yoson An will play Mulan's rival-turned-love interest Chen Honghui.

How similar will Mulan be to the original?

Niki Caro is directing the movie, which makes her only the second woman in history to direct a Disney movie with a budget over $100 million (the first was Ava DuVernay with A Wrinkle in Time). Disney was originally aiming to enlist an Asian director, and reportedly offered the gig to Ang Lee (Brokeback Mountain), who passed due to scheduling.

The script is by Elizabeth Martin, Lauren Hynek, Rick Jaffa, and Amanda Silver–the latter pair are a husband and wife writing team known for movies like Jurassic World and Rise of the Planet of the Apes.

Given the success of the original movie, which earned more than $300 million worldwide and landed Oscar and Golden Globe nominations, you can see the temptation to be as faithful as possible. But what works in animation doesn't, of course, always translate well to a live-action story, and it appears as though the writers and Caro have approached the story as a realistic war drama.

Does that mean no talking dragons?

Possibly. Fans of the wisecracking dragon Mushu–Mulan's self-appointed mentor from the original movie–noticed his conspicuous absence from the remake's trailer. Since Yen's character Commander Tung is described as Mulan's mentor, it's possible that he's replacing Mushu's role in the narrative. Then again, it's entirely possible Mushu will appear, and Disney are just holding him back as a surprise.

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