'Mulan' is an upcoming live-action adaptation of the original 1998 Disney animated musical film that follows the story of a Chinese female warrior during the Han Dynasty. An anti-whitewashing petition calling for the casting of an actress of Asian descent reaches over 80,000 signatures. The new film is speculated to be Disney's way of committing to diversity.
According to Movie Pilot, a petition founded by Natalie Molar calling on the casting of an actress of Asian descent has reached over 80,000 signatures. The petition titled 'Tell Disney You Don't Want A Whitewashed Mulan' aims to defend the upcoming live-action adaptation from Hollywood's infamous practice of whitewashing cast members for its films.
An excerpt from the statement reads, "Whitewashing implies that people of color cannot be heroes (although they may at times be villains or supporting characters), leaving it far more difficult for countless children around the world to see themselves in the stories they love and think that they too can make a difference." According to the Independent, Hollywood is notorious for casting Caucasian actors and actresses until present day.
The original animated film released in 1998 followed the story of a Chinese girl pretending to be a man in order to take her aged father's place during military recruitment to defend the land against an impending Hun invasion. It starred Ming-Na Wen as Fa Mulan, with her singing voice provided by Lea Salonga. It also featured the voices of Eddie Murphy as Mushu, BD Wong as Captain Li Shang, Miguel Ferrer as Shan Yu, Harvey Feirstein as Yao, Gedde Watanabe as Ling, Jerry Tondo as Chien-Po and James Hong as Chi-Fu among others.
It went on to win several Annie Awards as well as a Golden Globe Award. It was nominated for several Academy Awards and was received positively by critics and fans alike. It is unknown whether the new cinematic adaptation will follow the original film's plot.
According to The Wrap, 'Mulan' may be one of the films that prove Disney's commitment to diversifying its film line-up joining the likes of 'The Jungle Book', 'Big Hero 6' and 'Moana'. The titular heroine first appeared in an ancient Chinese poem and it remains unclear if she was based on a real-life warrior. Chris Bender and J.C. Spink are set to produce the film.
'Mulan' is a planned live-action adaptation based on the original 1998 animated musical. No official casting news have been announced as of the present.
Join the Conversation