Back in March of 2015, it was reported that Disney was working on a live-action adaptation of their animated propertyMulan. In April of 2015, Disney doubled-down on their live-action fairy tale adaptations and marked their calendars for five “Untitled Disney Fairy Tale (Live Action)” films between July 2017 and December 2019. One of those dates–specifically the November 2018 release–has been confirmed to be a live-action take onMulan.
The modern, live-action adaptation of the 1998 animated film based on the Chinese legend of the female Chinese warrior Hua Mulan was originally scripted byElizabeth MartinandLauren Hynek, thoughVarietyreportsRick JaffaandAmanda Silverwill pen the current draft. Presumably, producersJason Reed,Chris BenderandJake Weinerwill soon begin searching for a director before preparing the casting search for a Chinese lead and supporting cast (hopefullyMing-Na Wenwill also return in some capacity), and you’d better believe the coveted voice role of Mushu the Dragon is one that anyone and everyone will be angling for. ShouldEddie Murphyreturn for the role? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
Here’s Disney’s official announcement:
MULAN (Live Action) is final title of previous UNTITLED DISNEY FAIRY TALE – previously announced11/2/18wide playdate is unchanged and will be in 3D
(Of course it will be in 3D…) This news comes after Disney’s live-action adaptationsAlice Through the Looking GlassandPete’s Dragonearlier this year, withBeauty and the Beaston its way for a June 30, 2025 release.
The original animatedMulangrossed over $300 million worldwide, but there’s every chance that a live-action film will go well beyond that figure. Not only has China’s box office made up a huge (and growing) percentage of the global tally in recent years, but Chinese production companies often shoulder a sizable chunk of the production budget. With a worldwide casting search forMulansoon to be underway and with the story set squarely within Chinese history, this could be a huge win for everyone involved. Stay tuned for more news on cast and crew announcements in the coming weeks and months.
