Disney Has Found Its New, Live-Action "Mulan"

Congrats, Liu Yifei!

After a year-long search, Disney has settled on a lead actress for their upcoming live-action retelling of Mulan.

(Yes, they’re making a new Mulan and no, we’re not sure if McDonald’s will release another commemorative Szechuan sauce to celebrate its release, but it seems likely.)

Liu Yifei, aka Crystal Liu, will play the Chinese warrior, having been selected over nearly 1,000 other candidates, according to the Hollywood Reporter.

Apparently, it was her combination of "credible martial arts skills, the ability to speak English and… star quality," combined with her ethnic accuracy (sadly that never used to be a concern!), that solidified her as a choice for the studio.

Liu is already a star in China, which no doubt made her even more appealing for Disney (given the hugeness of the Chinese film-going market). Despite being a brand ambassador for Dior, Tissot, Garnier and Pantene, she has starred in local hits such as Once Upon a Time and The Assassins.

Niki Caro of The Zookeeper’s Wife and Whale Rider will direct Mulan, set for release in 2019.

Before then, you’ll get to enjoy the live-action update of Aladdin and the live-action Lion King. Correct, there will be no end to these things!

Photo: Alibaba Pictures