The live-action Mulan adaptation has, like many other films, been affected by the COVID-19 global pandemic and subsequent theater closures. Mulan was originally scheduled to be released in theaters on March 27th, but the newest live-action Disney film had to be delayed. The initial delay is not only tied to the U.S. theater closures, but China’s as well. China is expected to be a big market for the upcoming film as it’s largely based not only on the animated film, but the Chinese legend Ballad of Mulan.
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Mulan along with the upcoming Christopher Nolan film Tenet are set to be the first new films to hit theaters in the coming months and have been scheduled for July 17 and July 24 respectively. Some films have skipped theaters all together and have gone straight to digital releases like Trolls World Tour, Scoob!, and Lovebirds. While Disney has mostly postponed their films, like Mulan and Black Widow, while Artemis Fowl has now been scheduled to be released on Disney+ June 12. And a number of Disney films, including Onward and The Rise Of Skywalker, were released on the streaming service much earlier than anticipated.
Mulan Coming This October?
While Mulan is set to hit theaters this summer, the Disney+ release date of the film may have already been revealed. The @DisneyPlusHelp Twitter account replied to a fan who asked about when the live-action Mulan will be available on Disney+. This is how they replied:
@DisneyPlusHelp is an official account connected to Disney and Disney+ specifically, so this date likely isn’t random. The tweet revealing this information has since been deleted. The tweet being deleted signifies that this was not an official announcement, but that doesn’t mean the information is inaccurate either. This is of course assuming the theatrical release date of Mulan isn’t delayed again. If that happens, the Disney+ release would likely be pushed back as well.
The live-action Mulan will have many differences from the 1998 animated film. The new adaptation won’t include the talking animal sidekicks or musical numbers. The character Li Shang from the animated movie will be split into two characters; one being her commanding officer and mentor, while the other is her fellow soldier and love interest. It will also be the first live-action Disney adaptation to be rated PG-13.
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This version of is also going to be largely based on the well-known Chinese legend Ballad of Mulan and it will be more of an epic war movie. These changes make sense given the cultural importance of Ballad of Mulan to China.
Mulan Official Synopsis
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 is directed by Niki Caro and stars an impressive international cast which includes Liu Yifei as Mulan, Donnie Yen as Commander Tung, Jason Scott Lee as Bori Khan, Yoson An as Chen Honghui, Gong Li as Xianniang, Jet Li as the Emperor, Tzi Ma as Hua Zhuo, Rosalind Cheo as Hua Li.
Mulan is set to hit theaters on July 24. Will you be catching it in theaters or wait for it to be released on Disney+? Are you excited for the live-action adaptation?
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Source: ComicBookMovie
