As one of the first major films to skip theaters and head to streaming instead, Mulan became widely available to at-home audiences in September when it premiered on Disney+. Endless entertainment. [61] The film will not be offered in France as a premium offering, instead releasing to Disney+ subscribers in the country for free at a later date. [112], In its first weekend of being available on other digital platforms, Mulan was the top-rented film on FandangoNow, and third on both Apple TV and Google Play. [76] Variety estimated that Disney spent around $50 million on global advertisement for the film, with Deadline Hollywood attributing $35 million of the marketing budget to TV ads. 1. [54] The film later rescheduled for July 24, 2020, taking the former slot of Jungle Cruise,[55] and then was delayed again to August 21, 2020. [27] On October 4, 2016, it was announced that Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver would rewrite the script, combining the Chinese ballad and the 1998 animated film, while Jason T. Reed would be producing the film along with Bender and Jake Weiner. Disney instead premiered the film on September 4, 2020 on Disney+, for a premium fee in countries where the service had launched. [74] On February 2, 2020, the final trailer was released. Mulan kills Khan, but not before he disarms her and destroys her father's sword. To the north, an imperial outpost is invaded by Rouran warriors, under the leadership of Böri Khan. Finance then reported that, according to analytics research firm 7Park Data, nearly 29% of U.S. Disney+ subscribers that accessed the app from September 1 to 12 purchased Mulan, which in the best-case scenario would result in $261 million for Disney. [45] On March 6, 2020, she released a new single for the film's soundtrack, titled "Loyal Brave True." Finance overestimated Mulan's revenue, as their figures were for accounts active during that period and not the total subscriber base, and clarified that 10.3% of all accounts purchased the film, with U.S. revenue estimated to be $62–93 million; Yahoo! In his statement, he explained that "having a commanding officer that is also the sexual love interest was very uncomfortable and we didn't think it was appropriate". Finance amended their article to reflect this. [39], The visual effects are provided by Sony Pictures Imageworks, Weta Digital, Framestore, and Image Engine. That power is limited by dishonesty, though, keeping Mulan from realising her full potential until she strips away her disguise as a man. [97] At a September 10 conference, Disney CFO Christine McCarthy said in response to the controversy that "almost the entirety" of the film had been shot in New Zealand, but that 20 Chinese locations were used to "accurately depict some of the unique landscape and geography of the country". Entitled Mulan: Before the Sword, the novel was released on February 11, 2020. Mulan is reunited with her family. Disney CEO Bob Chapek said Tuesday that "Mulan" was a "one-off" and not a signal that the company was swapping to a new business model. Xana Tang as Hua Xiu, Mulan's younger sister. [66], On July 7, 2019, the official teaser trailer and the official teaser poster were released during the broadcast of the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup Final. Our culture is going to be richer for the more diversity there is, and the art, the movies, the television, it will be better. [12], Harry Gregson-Williams, who previously worked with Caro on The Zookeeper's Wife, composed the film's score.[1]. He stated that, since "[t]he traditional Disney audience and the diaspora Asian audience viewed the movie in one way, and the traditional Chinese in China audience viewed a slightly different way," the filmmakers "dug in to try and make sure that [they are] addressing both of those audiences in a thoughtful way. In a February 2020 interview with The Hollywood Reporter, director Niki Caro responded to the criticism by saying "Although it's a critically important Chinese story and it's set in Chinese culture and history, there is another culture at play here, which is the culture of Disney, and that the director, whoever they were, needed to be able to handle both — and here I am. Unable to hide her true gender any longer, she is expelled from the army and begins her return home. Disney's live action Mulan is the epic tale of a fearless young woman who risks everything out of love for her family and her country to become one of the greatest warriors China has ever known. That's what it comes down to. [6] On October 4, 2016, Disney announced that a global search for a Chinese actress to portray the title role was underway. [60] Mulan was available for the purchase until November 2, 2020, and was made available for free to all subscribers on December 4. 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. [105], Variety estimated Mulan would need to be rented by about 8.4 million subscribers (13.8%) in order to break-even. Li reprised his role in the Mandarin-language dubbing of the movie. [124], Richard Roeper of the Chicago Sun-Times gave the film three-and-a-half out of four stars, praising the "fine cast, exciting action and spectacular visuals" and writing, "This is such a great-looking film, with amazing set pieces and dazzling action and colors so vibrant they would dazzle a Crayola factory, it will still play well on your home monitor. Despite her protests, her father says that he will go in spite of his old age and old war wounds. Acclaimed filmmaker Niki Caro brings the epic tale of China’s legendary warrior to life in Disney’s Mulan, in which a fearless young woman risks everything out of love for her family and her country to become one of the greatest warriors China has ever known. [28] On February 27, 2020, Reed said that Mulan's sidekick from the original film, Mushu, was removed due to the character's negative reception in China. [85][86] Reed was initially surprised by criticism of Shang's removal, but acknowledged that the character had become a "LGBTQ icon",[87] and clarified that Shang's role would be served by two new characters, Commander Tung and Chen Honghui. [49] The soundtrack album was released by Walt Disney Records on September 4, 2020. Risking execution, Mulan returns to her battalion to warn them of the impending capture. Mulan. [136][137] Reviewers on Douban contended that the film had flat characters and a bland story with details that did not make sense. As a young woman, Mulan is forced to meet with a matchmaker to demonstrate her fitness as a future wife. In Disney’s MULAN, a fearless young woman risks everything out of love for her family and her country to become one of the greatest warriors China has ever known. Cricket is based on Cri-Kee, a cricket from the animated film. "[128], Mick LaSalle of the San Francisco Chronicle wrote, "Mulan is a spirit lifter, and though it doesn't arrive as planned, it could not arrive at a better time", saying "Throughout Mulan, there are shots of such visual splendor that viewers will catch their breath. 2. Masquerading as a man, Hua Jun, she is tested every step of the way and must harness her inner-strength and embrace her true potential. [116], Mulan grossed $5.9 million from nine countries in its international opening weekend, including $1.2 million in Thailand and $700,000 in Singapore, both of which were the highest debuts of 2020 in the respective countries. [12] Reed also said, aside from both the original ballad and the animated film, the filmmakers drew inspiration from different Chinese adaptations of the ballad while writing the film. During its opening weekend between September 4–6, Mulan drew 525 million streaming minutes in the United States. The song was also released in Spanish, as "El Mejor Guerrero." [117][118] In its second weekend the film made $29.1 million from 17 countries, including $1.8 million in Russia and finishing first in Ukraine, Hungary, Serbia, and South Africa. This deluxe doll has long black hair and two outfits with accessories for hours of adventurous play. Die offizielle Website zu Disney Mulan, mit mehr Informationen zum Film. The villains aren't compelling since they're barely given any lines of exposition — their backstories and individual motives are weak and underdeveloped, which doesn't make for a rich and complicated story arc." 1. Mulan Disney Princess Story Video. [29] It was rescheduled for March 27, 2020[52][53] before being removed from the release calendar due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Watch the Mulan (2020) live action feature film on Disney+. Mulan is a 2020 American action drama film produced by Walt Disney Pictures. Sign up for Disney+ only. It is directed by Niki Caro, with a screenplay by Rick Jaffa, Amanda Silver, Lauren Hynek, and Elizabeth Martin. Khan tries to snipe her with an arrow, but Xianniang, sympathetic to Mulan and disenchanted with Khan, transforms into a bird and sacrifices herself by intercepting the arrow. [84] The reasoning behind the removal was met with social media backlash from fans of the original film and members of the LGBTQ community, who deemed Shang's relationship with Mulan's male alter ego Ping to be bisexual. The film stars Yifei Liu in the title role, alongside Donnie Yen, Tzi Ma, Jason Scott Lee, Yoson An, Ron Yuan, Gong Li, and Jet Li in supporting roles. Jun Yu as Cricket, a hapless recruit who joins Commander Tung's unit. [120], The film made $23.2 million on its opening weekend in China, a low figure but a 23% improvement upon Aladdin's debut the year before. Mulan. Other Chinese viewers complained about some of the characters' make-up, saying that it reflects Western stereotypes of China, rather than being a reflection of actual Chinese culture. [51] The film was originally scheduled for a November 2, 2018 theatrical release, but was delayed, with The Nutcracker and the Four Realms taking its slot. Ming-Na Wen as Fa Mulan (singing voice provided by Lea Salonga), the principal protagonist, based on Hua Mulan. [113] In its second weekend in the open market, the film placed second at Fandango, fourth on Google Play, and fifth at Apple TV. [57][58][59], On August 4, 2020, Disney announced that it had cancelled the film's wide theatrical release in the United States, and would instead premiere the film for a premium fee on Disney+ on September 4, 2020. "[12], Since several 2010s Hollywood films were accused of whitewashing, Mulan was under intense scrutiny since The Hollywood Reporter wrote that Disney was making a live-action adaptation of the 1998 film. The hashtag, #BoycottMulan, has since started trending supporting a boycott of the film. [138][139], Yanni Chow and Carol Mang of Reuters wrote that the film had "a lacklustre reception in Hong Kong" amidst calls from pro-democracy activists for a boycott. Mulan removes her male disguise, returning to the battle just as the Rourans begin attacking her fellow troops with a trebuchet. An emissary from the Emperor, under the leadership of Commander Tung, arrives to present Mulan with a new sword, while making a personal request that she join the Emperor's Guard. [100] The Human Rights Foundation also sent a letter to Chapek asking Disney to condemn human rights violations and consider donating some of the film's earnings to promote human rights in Xinjiang. "[130], Aja Romano of Vox wrote, "The Mulan remake jettisons everything great about Disney's animated classic and delivers nothing new." Mulan 2020 is the latest live-action remake of an animated Disney classic. There are so many gorgeous shades of orange and magenta, blue and yellow, it's as if we’re seeing these colors for the first time. An artist will express themselves, and the burden of responsibility is on the art. "[89], There was criticism over having a production team largely composed of white people, such as for the roles of director, costume designer, and screenwriter. [122], In April 2020, it was reported that a Mulan sequel is in development with Chris Bender, Jason T. Reed, and Jake Weiner returning as producers. One of the more common complaints about the film is its treatment of qi. In one, the morning mist clears and reveals an army in the distance, with its flags and colors, a frightening yet strangely beautiful sight. [69] On November 4, a video clip filmed during a Toho cinema preview was leaked online, featuring new shots of Mulan as a warrior battling fiercely and taking off her hair band. As early as 2010, Walt Disney Pictures had expressed interest in a live-action adaptation of the 1998 animated film Mulan with international Chinese star Zhang Ziyi, and Chuck Russell chosen as the director. Disney to release Mulan online Sept. 4 on Disney Plus, for $30 in US. [90], Disney received some criticism for hiring a white director for the film, rather than an Asian director. The film is directed by Niki Caro from a screenplay by Rick Jaffa & Amanda Silver and Elizabeth Martin & Lauren Hynek based on the narrative poem “The Ballad of Mulan.”, © Disney © Disney•Pixar © & ™ Lucasfilm LTD © Marvel. Many people also appeared unsatisfied with how the film handles certain Chinese cultural elements. [119] Through three weekends the film had grossed $57 million internationally. The petition was written in response of a BBC video detailing the production of Mulan. [119][121][122] The film fell 72% in its second weekend in the country to $6.5 million. [62] Speaking about the US$29.99 price point for the film in the United States, Disney CEO Bob Chapek said, "We're trying to establish a new premiere access window to capture [the] investment we got [in the film]... From our research under a premiere access offering, not only does it get us revenue from our original transaction of PVOD, but it's a fairly large stimulus to sign up for Disney+. In Imperial China, Hua Mulan is an adventurous and active girl, to the disappointment of her parents, who hopes that one day she will be wed to a good husband. When 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, Hua Mulan, the eldest daughter of an honoured warrior, steps in to take the place of her ailing father. Like a rare, beautiful flower that blossoms in the face of adversity, Mulan proves her worth outside of her tradition-bound society and becomes a legendary warrior. With Yifei Liu, Donnie Yen, Li Gong, Jet Li. Mulan chases some troops on her own, but is confronted by Xianniang, who mocks her for pretending to be a man. "Fans excited about Mulan release, but take aim at crew diversity", "Niki Caro Talks 'Mulan' and Responsible Filmmaking", "Disney remake of Mulan criticised for filming in Xinjiang", "Disney criticised for filming Mulan in China's Xinjiang province", "U.S. Department of Commerce Adds 28 Chinese Organizations to its Entity List", "Exclusive: China bars media coverage of Disney's "Mulan" after Xinjiang backlash – sources", "Disney Nods to Uproar Over Filming 'Mulan' in China's Xinjiang", "Backlash over filming 'Mulan' in Xinjiang 'generated a lot of issues,' admits Disney", "As Mulan Opens in China, Disney is Under Fire From All Sides in America", "Disney Defends 'Mulan' Credits That Thanked Chinese Government Entities Involved in Human Rights Abuses", "Disney executive defends Mulan filming in China despite government's human rights abuses", "Disney's Mulan was partially filmed in Xinjiang, leading to fresh boycott calls", "Disney's 'Mulan' under fire again as British MPs condemn China for Xinjiang abuses", "Data: Disney+ scored big financial windfall with 'Mulan' streaming release", "The Failure of "Mulan" Is More Bad News for Hollywood", "Pricey 'Mulan' Still Near Top of Streaming Charts, Along with 'Ava' and 'Trump Card, "Paramount Takes 'Love and Monsters' to PVOD and It's a Hit", "Skipping Theaters? [98][99] US Senator Josh Hawley sent a letter to Disney CEO Bob Chapek asking, among other things, for clarification on Chinese government involvement in the film. It can't just be white people being hired to make movies, no matter what the subject matter is. [88] Lauren Puckett of Harper's Bazaar wrote "Some fans understood and agreed with the #MeToo argument. Get All Three Log In. The film had a traditional theatrical release in countries without Disney+ where theaters have re-opened. DETAILS. Mulan II: 4 Deleted Scenes; 1 Backstage Disney Featurette; Music Video performed by Atomic Kitten ; Audio. [109] 7Park Data co-founder Brian Lichtenberger stated Yahoo! Filming took place in New Zealand and China from August to November 2018. [114] In October 2020, The Hollywood Reporter said the film was the most popular PVOD title amid the COVID-19 pandemic,[115] and the following month Variety reported the film was the sixth-most watched straight-to-streaming title of 2020 up to that point. Mulan is the first Disney Princess to not be considered royalty.