Disney’s live-action version of Mulan is headed to cinemas on March 26, 2020 and the first trailer (below) looks excellent. However, it also showcases how differently Disney is treating this version of the film that the animated one. Mulan was released in 1998 and was a loose adaptation of the legend of Hua Mulan. This new version is a much more faithful version of the classic story.
That’s why the trailer — and film — doesn’t feature Mushu and does have a very different tone. Written in the sixth century, The Ballad of Mulan is the inspiration for both movies.
In the 1998 version, Disney changed a lot of the story including completely inventing the little dragon voiced by Eddie Murphy. Having this live-action stick much more closely to The Ballad of Mulan means making significant changes.
That includes getting rid of Mushu altogether.
Live-Action Mulan & Mushu
What’s clear about this version of Mulan is that it’s not going to be a 1:1 remake like The Lion King or even Aladdin was to some extent. This is a different film with a different tone and different goals.
This is a retelling of an ancient story about one woman’s strength and her bravery in defending her country.
While you might be sad that Mushu doesn’t appear in Mulan, you’ll forget all about it once you get in the cinema and watch Mulan kick some serious butt.
Mulan will be released in Australia on March 26, 2020.
