UPDATE: We now have a conflicting report on the Mulan reshoots, which cites the Chinese media source Sina and claims that the additional photography is scheduled to last for one or two weeks, as opposed to the four months claimed by The DisInsider. Original story follows…
When Disney unleashed the first trailer for Mulan back in July, it seemed that the Mouse House had another huge hit on its hands, with the trailer for the live-action remake of the 1998 animated film generating a whopping 175 million views in its first 24 hours online.
Since then, however, the film has been the subject of some controversy, with fans disappointed by the news that the characters won’t be singing the movie’s songs, and that the dragon Mushu has been replaced by a non-speaking Phoenix. Meanwhile, lead actress Liu Yifei also shared her support from the Hong Kong police, who have been cracking down on anti-government demonstrators and journalists, leading to allegations that she was supporting police brutality and calls for the movie to be boycotted.
Well, in another potential setback for the movie, The DisInsider is suggesting that the film is set to undergo extensive reshoots, which will begin this month and last through until February (likely pushing back its planned March 2020 release date in the process).
The site’s report goes on to state that these reshoots will include “significant battle sequences”, although it’s not known whether the film will be reworked to include the original songs or the character of Mushu. They feel confident however that there are no plans to recast the title role.
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.”
