First ‘Mulan’ trailer retains spirit of the animated original but without singing or Mushu

First ‘Mulan’ trailer retains spirit of the animated original but without singing or Mushu

  • By michael@cvcteam.com
  • |

Our first real glimpse of Disney’s live-action “Mulan” is here.

Disney unveiled an official teaser trailer on Sunday, introducing fans to Yifei Liu, who takes the title role in the remake of the popular 1998 animated film inspired by the legendary Chinese ballad. Missing from the footage: Any hint whether the new movie will be a musical or feature fan-favorite animated dragon Mushu.

In the trailer, Mulan’s mother announces that a matchmaker has found Mulan “an auspicious match.” Her father agrees that it’s “what is best for our family.”

“Yes,” Mulan replies. “I will bring honor to us all.”

“Quiet, composed, graceful, disciplined. These are the qualities we see in a good wife,” the matchmaker narrates over an impressive action sequence of Mulan training as an army soldier. “These are the qualities we see in Mulan,”

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Subtle callbacks to the original “Mulan” are visible in the teaser: The matchmaker’s base, reflecting pool and army camps are reminiscent of their animated counterparts. Mulan’s matchmaker gown also looks similar, and notes from the instrumental music sound vaguely like “Honor to Us All” and “Reflection.”

Slated for release March 27, 2020, and directed by Niki Caro, the live-action adaptation follows Hua Mulan, the fearless young daughter of aged warrior Fa Zhou, who impersonates a man to take her father’s place during a Hun invasion and becomes one of China’s greatest heroines.

Liu (also known as Crystal Liu) was announced for the lead role in November, following a year-long search of five continents that looked at nearly 1,000 candidates. The part requires credible martial arts skills, the ability to speak English and, clearly, star quality.

Joining Liu in “Mulan” is “Star Wars: Rogue One” standout Donnie Yen as the warrior’s mentor Commander Tung. Jason Scott Lee stars as the villainous warrior Bori Khan. Gong Li (“Memoirs of a Geisha,” “Raise the Red Lantern”) will portray a villainous witch and Jet Li (“Shaolin Temple,” “Lethal Weapon 4”) stars as The Emperor who calls up the troops.

Contributing: Bryan Alexander

 

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