Everything We Know About Disney’s Live-Action Mulan (So Far)

Between The Lion King and Aladdin, we cannot wait for all Disney has in store for us in the live-action remake department.

The new take we're most excited to see in 2019 is definitely Mulan, because she is—by far—one of Disney's most underrated heroines.

While we not-so-patiently wait for the Disney movie to make its way to theaters, let's run down everything we know about it so far.

The Star

Just last month, Disney announced that they'd cast Chinese actress Liu Yifei as Mulan. Not only can she act, but this girl can sing and is trained in sword fighting. It's safe to say she's the perfect choice to play our beloved warrior princess.

Many were hoping to see Ming-Na Wen, the original voice of Mulan, win a part in the remake. Even though she won't be the star, Ming-Na revealed to ET that she'd love to have a small part in the movie. What do you say, Disney?

CANNES, FRANCE - MAY 11: Actress Liu Yifei attends the Dior Boutique Opening during the 69th Annual Cannes Film Festival on May 11, 2016 in Cannes, France. (Photo by Francois Durand/Getty Images for Dior)

(via Getty)

 

The Director

Whale Rider and McFarland, USA director Niki Caro will be directing the film. Niki is the second woman to direct a Disney film budgeted at over $100 million. The first was Ava DuVernay, with A Wrinkle in Time. More female directors, please and thanks!

SANTA BARBARA, CA - FEBRUARY 07: Director Niki Caro speaks onstage during The Santa Barbara Film Festival Closing Night Screening of McFarland, USA at The Arlington Theatre on February 7, 2015 in Santa Barbara, California. (Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney)

(via Getty)

 

The Plot

The movie will still follow the plot of the 1998 animated hit, but it'll also incorporate elements from the story of the original ballad of Hua Mulan. The stories are incredibly similar, the only difference being that, in the ballad, she fought to protect China for 12 years.

Mulan cutting her hair in the Disney cartoon

(Mulan via Walt Disney Pictures)

 

The Music

When the film was first announced, there were rumors it wouldn't feature any music. But Niki, the film's director, has assured fans there will definitely be musical elements in the live-action remake. All we're really concerned with is making sure "Reflection" finds its way into the film.

Mulan singing "Reflection" while taking off her makeup

(Mulan via Walt Disney Pictures)

 

The Release Date

The film was originally slated for a Nov. 2018 release but was recently pushed back to 2019. We don't entirely know when it'll premiere in 2019, but we're hoping it's sooner rather than later. Maybe a March release, like the live-action Beauty and the Beast?

Mulan with a sword on top of a Chinese temple

(Mulan via Walt Disney Pictures)

 

Get to know the new star of Mulan even better by reading some surprising facts about her HERE.

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