Disney Gets Down To Business With Live-Action ‘Mulan’ Trailer

With just over a week until the “live-action” The Lion King roars into theaters, Disney is has just released the first trailer fpr next year’s reimagining of the 1998 animated hit Mulan. Judging by what we see, Mulan already stands out from the studio’s previous live-action treatments. Most obviously, it’s set in ancient China and features an all Asian cast. That’s refreshing to see, especially from a major player like Disney.

What also stands out about this first Mulan trailer is that it’s not relying on nostalgia to sell itself. You might have noticed the lack bars from any of the animated film’s beloved songs or familiar faces like Cri-Kee the lucky cricket or Mushu the dragon. We do however get to meet Liu Yifei as Hua Mulan and catch a glimpse of Jet Li.

Fans of the original Mulan may be interested to know that this upcoming rendition reinvents the familiar tale. The villain here is a powerful witch (portrayed by Gong Li) instead of the Hun invader Shan Yu.

You can check out the first trailer for Mulan below:

Mulan is directed by Niki Caro (Whale Rider) and written by Rick Jaffa, Amanda Silver, Elizabeth Martin and Lauren Hynek. Liu Yifei and Jet Li star alongside the likes of Donnie Yen, Jason Scott Lee, Yoson An, Utkarsh Ambudkar, Ron Yuan, Tzi Ma, Rosalind Chao, Cheng Pei-Pei, Nelson Lee and Chum Ehelepola. The film hits theaters March 27, 2020.

Along with the trailer comes an 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 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.

A new poster was also unveiled:

What do you make of our first look at the live-action Mulan? Are you impressed or do you still need to see more in order to be convinced? Jump down to the comments below and let me know your thoughts!