In 1998, Disney released Mulan, an all-singing, all-action animation which retold a popular Chinese folk tale about a peasant girl who disguises herself as a man.
Taking her ailing father’s place in the emperor’s army, Mulan turned the traditional fairy tale ending on its head. This time, the princess rescued the prince.
A live action-remake is set to debut on Disney Plus on September 4 for a rental price of $29.99.
But before you stream it, here’s what we already know about the reboot.
What is Disney’s live-action remake of Mulan about?
Mulan is based on the Chinese folk tale The Ballad of Mulan about a girl named Hua Mulan who took her father’s place to fight for her country, defending against a Hun invasion.
The remake begins as 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 and Hua Mulan, the eldest daughter of an honoured warrior, steps in.
Masquerading as a man, Hua Jun 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 honoured warrior and earn her the respect of a grateful nation, and a proud father.
Although Mulan was just a character, the Northern Weir war was real.
Unlike the animated version, we won’t be seeing Mushu the little red dragon nor will we see Li Shang, Mulan’s love interest and commander.
WATCH: The official trailer for Disney’s Mulan. Story continues…
Who stars in Mulan?
New Zealand-born actor, Yoson An will play Mulan’s love interest Honghui, a co-recruit who at first doesn’t see eye-to-eye with her.
Joining the lineup is Jet Li, who plays the emperor of China, Donnie Yen, who will play Mulan’s mentor, Commander Tung, Gong Li as Xpowerful witch, Xianniang, Tzi Ma as Mulan’s father, Rosalind Chao as Mulan’s mother and Jason Scott Lee, who is cast as the film’s villain, Böri Khan.
Xana Tang is playing Mulan’s sister, Xiu, a new character which was not in the original animation.
Does the live-action remake have music?
Unlike the Disney animation which had a classic soundtrack, Mulan will not be a musical.
There has however been a new release of Christina Aguilera’s hit song, Reflection, performed by UK singer, Jessie J.
Unfortunately, I’ll Make a Man Out of You, did not make the cut.
Where was Mulan filmed?
The new live-action female was filmed in Xiamen, Southeast China. Mulan’s village was filmed in one of the areas which still has fort-like Hakka residences called Tulou.
Who are the production team?
The Mulan remake cost $290-300 million USD to make and at the helm was New Zealand-born director Niki Caro (Whale Rider).
The screenplay was written by Rick Jaffa, Amanda Silver, Lauren Hynek, and Elizabeth Martin and was produced by Walt Disney Pictures.