'Mulan' will feature Jenna Ushkowitz or Ming-Na Wen in the titular role of Disney's upcoming film. The studio has recently come under fire for a rumored Caucasian casting controversy.
According to Pop Crush, Disney may have found its warrior princess in Ushkowitz as she is reportedly in negotiations to play the much coveted part in the studios' live-action remake of the classic animated series.
An insider revealed that the young Korean-American actress who plays Tina Cohen-Chang in the popular television series 'Glee' has the star quality, talent, age and beauty to play Fa Mulan. However, she is not the only Hollywood favorite rumored to take part in the big-screen adaptation.
In another article by ComicBook.com, the voice behind the original animated versions of Mulan publicly expressed her interest in taking part of another Disney project involving the Chinese legend. Macau-American actress Ming-Na Wen said, "I'm excited. I certainly hope to participate in some form with the film.
That would be great, and I hope they have a great storyline, and they respect that particular folklore because it is a very important one for the Chinese community. I just love the idea, with anything that Disney wants to expand on Mulan. I hope I get a part in it."
Both Ushkowitz and Wen had been constant fan favorites for the title role in the upcoming film that is currently in the works. As of the present, no other actors are attached for main roles that include Captain Li Shang, Shan Yu, Mushu, Yao, Ling or even Chien-Po. It is unclear whether the live-action adaptation will follow the general script of the original animated film.
It was previously reported by The Independent UK that fans were greatly displeased at the rumored whitewashing of the planned 'Mulan' film that will follow in the footsteps of live-action remakes such as 'Cinderella', 'Beauty and the Beast', and 'The Jungle Book'.
An online petition demanding an ethnically accurate Chinese actress gathered thousands of supporters that are fully aware of Hollywood's prejudiced culture of casting Caucasian actors for roles originally intended for other races. A recent example of this is the casting of American actress Rooney Mara as Native American princess Tiger Lily in the upcoming 'Pan' remake.
'Mulan' will be a live-action adaptation of the 1998 animated musical action-comedy that earned $304 million against a $90 million budget, according to Box Office Mojo. Last 2009, a Chinese adaptation hit the big-screens with Chinese actress and pop singer Zhao Wei as the titular protagonist. The films were based on the mythical heroine of the same name hailing from the Southern and Northern Dynasties of China.
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