The hit ABC fantasy drama series Once Upon a Time takes familiar fairy tale characters and crosses them over into the real world. Next season, it looks like they'll be getting some Chinese folklore up in the Enchanted Forest.According to EW, actress Jamie Chung has been cast as legendary Chinese warrior Hua Mulan -- yes, the same character that inspired the Disney animated musical. She'll reported be a recurring character: 'Once Upon a Time' scoop: 'Hangover 2' actress cast as legendary warrior.
The character originates from an ancient Chinese poem about Hua Mulan, a young woman who takes her elderly father's place in the army. ABC's parent company Disney adapted the story for a well-received 1998 animated musical film starring Ming-Na and Eddie Murphy.I haven't seen Once Upon a Time, so I have no idea how Mulan will fit into the story. To be honest, I'm pleasantly surprised that they've found a way to incorporate some Asian flavor into the show's fairy tale-centered conceit. More here: 'Once Upon a Time' Casts 'Hangover' Star as Mulan.
UPDATE: Some more details about Mulan's character. She's described as having been trained in weaponry, tracking and riding, but "has a spirituality that enhances her tactical and strategic abilities. She has suffered past betrayals, so her trust is hard-won, but once she gives her oath of friendship her loyalty knows no boundaries." Also, "when she falls in love, she falls hard."