The Mulan remake has found its director. Niki Caro, who broke through with the 2002 Maori family drama Whale Rider, will helm Disney's live-action retelling of the legendary Chinese female warrior.
Disney's Live-Action 'Mulan' Finds Director
The studio was originally looking for an Asian director for the project, meeting with Ang, who passed due to scheduling issues, and Chinese director Jiang Wen (who is probably best known right now for playing Baze Malbus in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story).
According to folklore, Hua Mulan was a woman warrior who disguised herself as a man and took her aging father's place to fight on behalf of her family in the army, defending China from invaders. Disney released a hit animated version of the story in 1998. The remake is said to be a blend of the legend and the animated film.
In an effort to assure fans that the new Mulan will be "culturally authentic," producers are reportedly having "extensive conversations" with cultural consultants and working closely with Disney's own China-based team.
The studio has also brought in Hong Kong-based "super-producer" Bill Kong, whose credits include crossover hits Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, Hero and House of Flying Daggers, to serve as executive producer.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Caro will be only the second woman at the studio to direct a movie budgeted at over $100 million (the first being Ava DuVernay with A Wrinkle in Time). Her credits include North Country, McFarland, USA and the upcoming The Zookeeper's Wife.
The Mulan remake is scheduled to hit theaters in November 2018.
