Following the
exciting news that Disney had cast international star Donnie Yen for a role in the live action adaptation of
Mulan, it is now being reported that two more massive Chinese stars have joined the already impressive cast.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, martial artist Jet Li (is in "final talks" to play the emperor of China. In the film, it is he who orders the mobilization of troops via the conscription of one male from each household, which is what sparks the titular heroine, Hua Mulan, to disguise herself as a man in order to spare her elderly father from having to join the military. Li boasts quite the resume of films that have succeeded in both Asia and the United States, including
Shalin Temple, Once Upon a Time In China, Lethal Weapon 4, and
Romeo Must Die. A skilled martial artist, Li has also appeared in
The Expendables, which brings together all of the greatest action stars in Hollywood.
Meanwhile, Gong Li has been confirmed to play the villain in the film. Disney appears to be diverging from the animated film whose primary antagonist was Shan Yu, the leader of the invading Huns. In this live action adaptation, Li will play a powerful witch. Gong Li has made quite a name for herself in China, with roles in
Red Sorghum,
The Story of Qui Ju, and most recently
Coming Home.
Chinese-Vietnamese actress Xana Tang has also reportedly joined the cast to play Mulan's sister, another original character not in the animated version.
These three join Donnie Yen, who will play Mulan's mentor Commander Tung, and Liu Yifei, who
will star as Hua Mulan.
Mulan is set to hit theaters on March 27, 2020.