Niki Caro, who in
2002 made a big splash with the Oscar-nominated family drama Whale Rider, is
set to direct Disney's live-action Mulan film.
The project will be the
second time the New Zealand native has worked with Disney. The studio and director
previously collaborated on the drama McFarland, USA.
Also on the run to
direct the big budget film was Wonder Woman's Patty Jenkins, Breaking Bad's
Michelle MacLaren, Seeking a Friend for the End of the World's Lorene Scafaria,
and Homeland's Lesli Linka.
According to Disney,
Mulan will be a more nuanced and multifaceted adaptation, which will
combine both the 1998 movie and the original Chinese ballad of Hua Mulan, the
daughter of an older warrior who disguises herself so she could take her
father's place in the army. After twelve years of fighting, the army return and
the warriors are rewarded. Mulan declines an official post, only asking for a
swift horse to take her home. After being greeted by her family and loved ones,
Mulan dons her old clothes and meets her comrades in arms, who are shocked to
realize that she was a woman.
Worried about possible accusations of cultural whitewashing, Disney and co-producers
Jake Weiner, Chris Bender, and Jason Reed want fans to know that Mulan and all
other main characters in the film will remain Chinese. Casting is now underway
in mainland China for the primary roles including Mulan herself.
In addition, extensive talks have also been had with Chinese cultural
consultants, and Disney is bringing the Hong Kong-based producer Bill Kong ("Hero")
as an executive producer.
Disney also thought about getting an Asian director to helm the film, and
had talks with Ang Lee, who passed because of scheduling, and Rogue One star
Jiang Wen, who has directed several hits in China.
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