A Chinese star for Disney’s Mulan

LIU YIFEI has been picked by Disney to play Mulan in its live-action remake of its 1998 hit animated film Mulan ( right), about a young girl who excels in a masculine military world, and who saves her country.

Liu ( far right), also known as Crystal Liu, was chosen after a massive search by the movie house for an actress who could portray the young woman, and who possesses the necessary skills to shine in a film with plenty of action.

The Chinese actress is no stranger to the martial arts that will be needed for her new role for Disney, as she has been in films with some of the entertainment industry’s greatest martial artistes in the past.

That includes having played a part in the film The Forbidden Kingdom, alongside stars like Jackie Chan and Jet Li.

The actress is known in China for her acting abilities as well, and has won awards there for films beloved in the country.

The new Mulan movie won’t be out for over a year, however, and has a rough premier date set for sometime in 2019.

News of the film, while cherished by fans of the animated classic, generated at least some controversy after it was announced that the live-action film would not include singing as in the cartoon version.

The film will be directed by Niki Caro, who is known for his work on the movie, Whale Rider.

The new Mulan will be the latest live-action remake that Disney has undertaken, after its reboot of Beauty and the Beast, which cast Emma Watson in the lead role. – The Independent