Mulan remake to be released on Disney+ after cinematic release was pushed back
The pandemic put things on hold
Last updated 5th Aug 2020
Walt Disney Studios have made the decision to release their upcoming live-action remake of Mulan on Disney+. After the film was postponed from its original March release date due to Coronavirus concerns, it was put on hold indefinitely - and now the company have different pans for the film.
Mulan will now be released on Disney+ in the US on 4th September, but as part of their upcoming premiere tier, for an additional charge of $29.99 on top of the current fee of $6 a month for the streaming service.
This has left many fans to wonder whether this could be the future of Disney's film releases, but Disney CEO Bob Chapek has said otherwise, according to Variety, "We’re looking at ‘Mulan’ as a one-off as opposed to saying there’s some new business windowing model that we’re looking at," he reportedly said on Tuesday.
The film will still get a theatrical release when cinemas can safely open, as Empire report that the UK will likely get the film in cinemas, as well as China as they don't yet have Disney+ available.
This comes after Disney were forced to push back the release of the live-action remake of Mulan in March. Director Niki Caro published a statement on Instagram to announce the news, which read, 'Making this film has been one of the most satisfying and exhilarating experiences of my entire career.
'I’ve been so fortunate to be on this journey with some of the best cast and crew in the business – people who truly embody the attributes of Loyal, Brave, and True. We are so excited to share this film with the world, but given the current ever-shifting circumstances we are all experiencing, unfortunately, we have to postpone the worldwide release of MULAN for now.
'Our hearts are with everyone the world over who is affected by this virus, and we hope that Mulan’s fighting spirit will continue to inspire those who are working so hard to keep us all safe.
'Thank you for all of your enthusiasm and support, and I can’t wait for the day where we will all get to experience this tale of a girl warrior who became a legend together #mulan #yifei_cc #loyalbravetrue With love, Niki Caro.'
When will the live-action Mulan film be released?
The original release date was 28th March 2020, but due to concerns over the Coronavirus, the film was pushed back. It will now be released in the US on Disney+ on 4th September, and a cinematic release is expected in other countries, but no date has been announced yet.
Find out more about the live-action Mulan below...
Although details about the live-action Mulan were kept strictly under wraps, Disney released a trailer for the film in July 2019 to showcase what we can expect - and there's a LOT to take in.
Whilst it looks slightly darker and more serious than other live-action remakes, it seems to be staying pretty true to the story we all know and love. Sharing the trailer on Twitter in July 2019, Disney also announced that the original release date would have been 27th March 2020.
Disney fans were, of course, over the moon with their first look at Liu Yifei as the titular character, and took to Twitter to share their thoughts.
One wrote, 'Good. An actual fresh take instead of just retreading what already existed shot for shot. It’s a Disney remake I’m actually interested in', and another added, 'Mulan is not just a Disney princess, she’s a great heroine in ancient Chinese legend.
'Her story was first written in a poetry in Northern and Southern Dynasties. And her spirit has inspired many people. So for this live-action film, make it closer to the actual story will be better.'
Where is the live-action Mulan trailer?
It's here! The Mulan live-action film trailer was released in December 2019.
Who is in the cast of the live-action Mulan?
Liu Yifei will star as Mulan, and is very famous in China for her roles in Chinese-speaking films. Donnie Yen stars in the film as Commander Tung - a new character who serves as a mentor to Mulan - who is best known for his role in 2016's Rogue One: A Star Wars Story as blind warrior Chirrut ÃŽmwe.
Li Shang, Mulan's commanding officer and love interest from the first film, has been replaced by Chen Honghui, a rival recruit of Mulan's, and will be played by Yoson An who starred in 2018 film Mortal Engines.
Another new character is Xian Lang, a powerful and evil witch played by Gong Li who sides with Bori Khan, who has replaced Shan Yu as the main antagonist and is played by Jason Scott Lee. Jet Li will play The Emperor.
Ling and Po will be back, as Disney have announced the casting for those two characters as Jimmy Wong and Doua Moua respectively. Jimmy is best known for playing Ted in the internet webseries Video Game High School for three years, and recently starred in The Circle as Mitch alongside Emma Watson and Tom Hanks.
Doua Moua is best known for his role as Spider in 2008 film Gran Torino starring Clint Eastwood. He has recently acted in TV series Marvel's Iron Fist and Veep.
There's no confirmation yet on whether Mushu the dragon will star in the film, but reports have circulated that comedian Kevin Hart could take over the role from Eddie Murphy, who voiced him in the animated version. However, from the looks of the trailer, it doesn't look as though there's room for Mushu in this version.
How will the live-action Mulan differ to the animated film?
There are quite a few character-swaps for the live-action version - many of whom have been listed above. The big question mark hangs over the appearance of Mushu for many fans of the original film, who are hoping that the sassy dragon will reappear to help Mulan along her mission.
Although nothing official has been confirmed, publication The Dis Insider have revealed that a source told them Mushu would be returning. However, many other publications have found sources to confirm the opposite - so we'll have to wait and see.
Will the live-action Mulan film have songs in?
Again, it's hard to say as reports have confirmed it either way - however, director Niki Caro told Moviefone that it would not be a musical, "Yes, from what I understand, no songs right now, much to the horror of my children."
Scroll through to see the most underrated animated films of all time...
1) The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Disney, 1996
I know I've already mentioned that this is my favourite, but I've only included it because practically no-one else in the Closer Online office has seen it. Admittedly, it is a little dark and ever so slightly gruesome, but the songs are by far and away some of the best that Disney song-master Alan Menken has ever written.
It tells the tale of Quasimodo, a disfigured man who lives in the bell tower of the Notre Dame cathedral in Paris. He was brought up by Judge Frollo, an evil man who killed Quasimodo's mother, unbeknownst to him. Enter a beautiful gypsy who has a hilarious and sassy pet goat, a soldier and some talking gargoyles – what more do you need?!
2) Thumbelina, Don Bluth, 1994
Based on a Hans Christian Andersen fairytale, Thumbelina is a story of death-defying love, the importance of family – and a tiny, tiny girl. Grown from a flower, Thumbelina (voiced by Jodi Benson AKA Ariel from The Little Mermaid) is somewhat mollycoddled by her loving but slightly over-protective mum.
When she goes on an adventure with the fairy Prince Cornelius, she falls deeply in love. But the two are separated by a family of Spanish toads, a beetle, a mole – and the deathly dangerous winter. Will they ever make it back together? You'll be singing Let Me Be Your Wings for WEEKS.
3) The Princess and the Frog, Disney, 2009
You know the story of The Frog Prince, right? A prince gets turned into a frog and only true love's kiss can break the spell and make him human again. But who's going to fall in love with a frog? Well that's where things get interesting. In THIS version, he does get a kiss, but it has the opposite effect – turning TIANA into a frog too. Go on – you know you want to.
4) The Prince of Egypt, DreamWorks, 1998
Tell you what, if you're looking to teach your kids about Moses and the Ten Plagues of Egypt, you could do a lot worse than to show them this. It's not EXACTLY spot on for historical accuracy, but you've not come here to watch documentaries, have you? Be warned – it is pretty dark and it will DEFINITELY tug at your heartstrings, but it's a must-see if you want your children to be interested in religion or history.
5) Pocahontas, Disney, 1995
If you're wanting your kids to watch Frozen because you think Elsa is a fantastic female role model, get them in front of this classic. Pocahontas is the daughter of the chief who is expected to marry the handsome (and boring) lead warrior who is leading the charge against the American invaders. But when she chooses to make her own choices and follows her heart, it leads her right to one of them... I dare you to watch this without shedding a tear at the end.
6) Atlantis: The Lost Empire, Disney, 2001
If you're reading this thinking, 'Pish posh, I've seen ALL of these films – what are you on about?!' – then this film could be the one that stumps you. Atlantis is one of only a few major Disney movies NOT to feature any singing or songs. Based on the legend of the lost city of Atlantis, Milo Thatch is a scientist who believes the place is real and that he can find it. If you're a fan of Avatar, you'll like this.
7) Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron, DreamWorks, 2002
Animators took a different route with Spirit. Whilst in The Aristocats, 101 Dalmatians and The Jungle Book the animals all spoke, in Spirit they don't. The film is narrated by main character, but the horses don't actually speak to each other. Whilst it's very interesting, it can be tough to sit through a film where there's only really one person speaking, but it's a story well worth watching as it teaches children the morals of using animals – Spirit is a wild stallion who is captured and taken from his herd, then used as a war horse. Of course, it has a very happy ending!
8) Oliver and Company, Disney, 1988
Oh LORDY now this is an exemplary case of a remake. Oliver & Company is plain and simply the story of Oliver Twist – but with cats and dogs substituted in. And the occasional human. Featuring the vocal talents of Billy Joel, both speaking and singing, there are some bliddy catchy songs in there. But there are a few scary bits, so if you're watching with kids... Make sure they're ready to cover your eyes.
9) The Swan Princess, New Line Cinema, 1994
This largely unknown film is based on the story of Swan Lake by Tcahikovsky. It's all about Princess Odette who has been betrothed to Prince Derek since birth, but when her father is killed and she disappears, everyone assumes she's dead too. She's not – she's just been turned into a swan. But guess what's the only thing that can wake her up? Yep, true love's kiss. This film wasn't a HUGE success, but it's one of those that you can learn to love...
10) Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas, DreamWorks, 2003
Featuring Brad Pitt, Michelle Pfeiffer and Catherine Zeta-Jones, this visually stunning film should have been a sure-fire success. Sadly, it had a massive $125 million loss which nearly bankrupted the company.
But don't let that put you off – it's an exciting and intriguing story of adventure and finding yourself and include some VERY weird and wonderful creatures. Oh, and there's a lovable dog. What more could you need?!
11) Brother Bear, Disney, 2003
If you/your sprog's a fan of Big Hero 6, it's essentially a pre-cursor to Brother Bear. Except with no gadgets or universities. And this time it's got bears and spirits. The main character, Sitka, is devastated when a bear kills his brother so he kills one in revenge. But he's not prepared for what happens next… Brother Bear teaches the importance of family, and not necessarily those you are related to – but the ones you pick for yourself.
12) The Road to El Dorado, DreamWorks, 2000
The Road to El Dorado is a story about two Spanish con artists who win a map to a secret island. Once there, they find the lost city of El Dorado – and the inhabitants (for reasons I just can't get my head around) mistake them for gods.
When they realise the power that comes with being gods and see all the gold that the islanders have, they decide to use it to their advantage. But there's a scary chap who has some sort of magic powers and it all goes a bit downhill for everyone involved. Of course, there's a happy ending.
13) The Iron Giant, Warner Bros., 1999
The Iron Giant is about a little boy who discovers a giant man made of iron (obvs) and befriends him. However, the United States Government are onto the giant, and fear he is a weapon sent from outer space. They're half right...
Featuring Vin Diesel as the voice of the eponymous Giant, Jennifer Aniston as the mum and Harry Connick Jr. as an artist/car dealer, it's surprising that this epic didn't take off as much as it could have.
14) Treasure Planet, Disney, 2002
This sci-fi reimagining of Robert Louis Stevenson's famous classic Treasure Island may be a strange concept to wrap your head around, especially with creatures like cyborg pirates and alien-cat-women. Well, there's only one of those – voiced by Emma Thompson, no less.
Joseph Gordon-Levitt voices Jim Hawkins, a young lad who goes on an adventure to escape his upsetting memories of his dad leaving him without even saying goodbye. And, well, you know the rest.
15) The Rescuers, Disney, 1977
The only way you're not going to absolutely love this film is if you're terrified of mice. And even then, sweet little Bernard and Miss Bianca might win you round.
A terrified little orphan girl has been kidnapped by a nasty woman who keeps crocodiles as pets (I mean, come on), and who is looking to steal the world's biggest diamond. The little girl sends a message in a bottle in the hope of being rescued, which gets picked up by Miss Bianca and Bernard at the United Nations Mouse Division and they go on a quest to rescue her. It's heart-warming and thrilling in equal measures.