I think I must have some super powers of clairvoyance or something because right before Disney announced that Mulan is set to be a live-action film, I was busy watching the animated version. (Which, incidentally, is by far my favorite Disney movie, and it will definitely be the first Disney movie my children — if I have some– will ever be made to see.)
The announcement was made March 30th, courtesy of The Hollywood Reporter, that Disney bought a script that centers on the legend of Hua Mulan. Their 1998 animated film garnered award nominations, won a Golden Globe, and became a box-office giant, earning 304.3 million dollars worldwide.
The 1998 Disney feature film centers on a young Mulan — a girl who took the place of her disabled father in the army when the emperor announced that the Huns were going to attack. As a woman, she was not allowed to be a part of the army, so she disguised herself as a man and trained to become a soldier for the emperor — all the while making sure she’s not discovered since it would dishonor her family name.
The film celebrated feminism, friendship, and honor — qualities that weren’t all that noticeable in Disney’s earlier works such as Snow White and Sleeping Beauty. Mulan is a charming little film that allows for the audience to see that there is more to being a girl than wearing pretty dresses and getting married, showing how one girl can change the fate of an entire nation.
With the announcement of the Disney live-action movie, fans of course are skeptical as to what treatment they are going to bring to the picture. Since live-action adaptations are currently raking in the cash (for example, Cinderella), a roster of Disney films are headed on that road and, fortunately, Mulan is getting the same treatment.
Forbes Magazine‘s Scott Mendelson sees that Mulan is a perfect choice for a live adaptation, saying, “The Mulan package comes with the potential for big-scale action adventure sequences, some (unfortunately timely) gender messaging which will need a heck of a lot less defense than the more conventional fairy tale narratives of Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast. The property is uncommonly well-suited among Disney animated films by virtue of its almost entirely human-based cast…”
Attached to the announcement is the explosion of fan castings that’s been happening. I have noticed a lot of people would love Constance Wu (from ABC’s Fresh Off The Boat) to play the sweet, yet brave Mulan. She has, of course, the acting chops (and the voice to boot), but I think I’d also give Arden Cho (from MTV’s Teen Wolf) a chance.
As long as they don’t pick someone who isn’t actually Asian, then I’m ready for whatever Disney has to offer. However, if they don’t get Eddie Murphy to voice Mushu (who will most likely be CGI), then I have this to say to Disney: “DISHONOR ON YOU, DISHONOR ON YOUR COW…”
Overall, I am hopeful that this adaptation will at least stay true to the wonderful beauty that is Mulan’s story and that it will deliver on its prowess as a tale and show the true meaning of honor.