Trailer for Mulan live-action adaptation released

Yesterday, Disney released an official teaser trailer to showcase the upcoming live-action remake of their 1998 animated feature Mulan, based on the 6th century Chinese epic Ballad of Mulan (Mùlán Cí).

Chinese American actor Liu Yifei (The Forbidden Kingdom) has been cast as the titular character Mulan, who joins the Imperial Army disguised as a male recruit named Hua Jun.

The official synopsis, which was included with the trailer posted on Disney’s official YouTube channel, is shown below.

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.”

The trailer features familiar scenes, characters, and symbols from the original motion picture, but director Niki Caro (Whale Rider) has swapped some of its pivotal characters.

Mulan’s commander and love interest General Li Shang was replaced by Chen Honghui, who will be played by Chinese-born New Zealand actor Yoson An (The Meg).

Gong Li (Memoirs of a Geisha, Curse of the Golden Flower) is also set to replace the previous film’s villain Shan Yu, who led the Hun army. Gong will play Xian Liang, a witch hellbent on ruling China.

Other notable cast members include Jet Li (Lethal Weapon 4), Donnie Yen (Ip Man, Rogue One), Jason Scott Lee (Enter the Dragon), Rosalind Chao (The Joy Luck Club), and Cheng Pei-pei (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon).

Although the film will bear some resemblance to the 1998 version, Caro confirmed that her version will not have any musical numbers.

“It’s a big, girly martial arts epic. It will be extremely muscular and thrilling and entertaining and moving.”, Caro said in a 2017 interview to Moviefone.

The film’s official release date has been set for 27th March 2020.