Watch: Disney gives exciting first look at new live-action Mulan
The trailer for Disney's upcoming live-action remake of the 1998 classic Mulan has been released during the Women's World Cup final, showing a sweeping adventure movie set in China's Han dynasty.
Chinese actress Liu Yifei beat thousands of contenders to score the title role of the film, which is directed by Niki Caro (Whale Rider) and is scheduled for a March 27, 2020 release.
Yifei plays Hua Mulan, daughter of strict war veteran Hua Zhou (Tzi Ma). When her father is conscripted to join the military against the Hun invasion, Mulan disguises herself as a man to take his place.
It is my duty to fight. Disney’s #Mulan is in theaters March 27, 2020. pic.twitter.com/g8digglok6
— Disney (@Disney) July 7, 2019
Starring Donnie Yen as Commander Tung, Yoson An as Cheng Honghui, Gong Li as new character Xianniang and Jet Li as the Imperial Emperor, the trailer teases massive battle sequences but no Mushu.
Her animated dragon companion does not appear to be present in the movie, breaking fans hearts all over the world. The original soundtrack will also not be featured, another blow to fan-favourite aspects of Mulan.
Cri-Kee, her lucky cricket, is set to be voiced by Jun Yu. Her trusted friends don't appear in the trailer for the movie, which is based on the 1998 effort directed by Barry Cook and Tony Bancroft.
A string of Disney live-action adaptations have been made in recent years, such as Dumbo, The Jungle Book, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin and now The Lion King (due out this month).
Lady and the Tramp, The Sword and the Stone and The Little Mermaid are all set to be recreated in live-action format over the next year or so.
This new adaptation of Mulan will hit cinemas on March 27, 2020. Time will tell whether it will become as successful as the original, without Mushu or the iconic soundtrack.
Feature image: Disney/Instagram/@mulan