Ever since the live-action remake of Disney's 'Mulan' was announced, we've been sat patiently awaiting any further details. Although Disney themselves haven't confirmed anything, it's been rumoured that the company have set aside around $300 million for the upcoming film. If the news proves true, the figure could make 'Mulan' one of cinema's most expensive films!
Pre-production for 'Mulan' is currently taking place in New Zealand, and Disney have hired the same team used for Marvel Cinematic Universe's 'Thor: Ragnarok' to design the sets. It's a long process, so we presume a lot of time will be dedicated to the task. It's hoped the sets will be finished some time this August just so that filming can commence.
Whilst that's all going on behind the scenes, Disney have already revealed the cast. Yifei Liu will play the brave heroine, whilst Chinese superstar Donnie Yen will play Commander Tung. World renowned talents Jet Li& Gong Li will also be in the remake, the former as Emperor of China and the latter as the villain. In the original animation, the villain was Shan Yu, but it appears as though Gong Li's character is going to be a powerful witch.
The remake is set for release on 27th March 2020 and will be directed by Niki Caro. The screenplay has been written by Lauren Hynek, Elizabeth Martin, Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver.
Niki Caro is breaking records
Pursue News, have reported that Niki Caro is the first woman to direct such an expensive film (with a budget of over $290 million). Caro is already the fourth female director to take charge of a project with a budget of more than $100 million, after Kathryn Bigelow ('K-19: The Widowmaker'), Patty Jenkins ('Wonder Woman') and Ava DuVernay ('A Wrinkle in Time'). The latter director could lose out to Caro who's also been selected to direct 'New Gods' a DC project that will probably have a budget of over $200 million.
