8 Chinese Actresses Who Should Play Mulan in Disney's Remake
The live-action remake of Disney's Mulan is slowly, but surely coming to life. Though fans almost lost it at the possibility of the production not being a musical, director Niki Caro recently confirmed "for sure there will be music" in the movie.
That said, some other big issues surrounding the film have cropped up. Caro got some major backlash after the describing the movie as a "girly martial arts extravaganza," which completely goes against the original's strong message of female empowerment. And while none of the cast has been revealed yet, we're also hoping the filmmakers avoid any kind of whitewashing of the Ghost in the Shell variety doesn't happen.
The 36th Disney animated film is based on the Chinese legend of Hua Mulan and it's only right that an actress of the same descent portrays the character. From Fresh of the Boat star Constance Wu, who has unapologetically stood up against Hollywood whitewashing, to newcomer Jing Tian, who recently starred alongside Tom Hiddleston and Brie Larson in their new movie Kong: Skull Island, we took the liberty of rounding up an incredible list of Chinese actresses that we think would play Mulan perfectly. And we hope Disney takes note.
VCG1/9Liu Yifei
The actress, model, and singer is the triple threat sweeping the entertainment industry in China. Also known as the "Fairy Sister," the star would undoubtedly step up the plate and bring a voice that would live up to the original. She released a self-titled album popularized in China back in 2006, so there's no doubt she has pipes for the part.
Jeff Kravitz2/9Constance Wu
It's clear from her strong portrayal as Fresh off the Boat's Jessica that Constance can do just about anything. We imagine that she'll bring the same kind of intensity and confidence if she were to get the part as Mulan. Disney, it's your move.
FOX3/9Janel Parrish
Pretty Little Liars Janel Parrish is half-Chinese and certainly has the musical talent for the role. She made her singing debut in the 2007 Bratz movie with her electro-pop song "Rainy Day" and the star also proved that she can dance during her time on season 19 of Dancing With the Stars. It's quite the jump from playing Mona Vanderwaal, but we guarantee she can handle it.
David M. Benett4/9Katie Leung
Harry Potter love interest Katie Leung, AKA Cho Chang, may have taken a break from acting after the series, but the star certainly made a comeback since then. The Chinese actress in popular BBC China series One Child and also has a British-Chinese thriller premiering this fall on September 30. She's already got the support of Potterheads... what more does Disney need?!
Ray Mickshaw5/9Kristin Kreuk
The part Chinese actress born in Canada claimed fame as Lana Lang in the popular TV show Smallville, which was based on one of everyone's favorite superheroes Superman. She also starred in the 2012 TV series live-action remake of Beauty & the Beast, so we already know she can sing. (We can't help but wonder if Emma Watson ever came across her show.)
Presley Ann6/9Jessica Henwick
The Singaporean Chinese actress has made waves in her career as the first-ever East Asian star to land a leading role in a British TV series. Jessica is also known for her parts in Game of Thrones, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, and in her popular new Netflix, which was just released earlier this month, Iron Fist. Given her experience, we bet she'll learn Mulan's heroic warrior moves in no time!
Gabriel Olsen7/9Jing Tian
The star graduated from the Beijing Dance Academy, but most recently you may have come across the Chinese actress alongside Tom Hiddleston in Kong: Skull Island and The Great Wall with Matt Damon, although it unfortunately got major backlash. She's also set to star in the upcoming Pacific Rim: Uprising with John Boyega. It's clear she's really making a name for herself in Hollywood and if the remake's creators want to throw in a dance number, Jing certainly has the training for it.
Patrick McMullan8/9Nikki Soohoo
You may recognize Nikki from her supporting roles in Disney Channel's Phil of the Future, Bring It On: Fight to the Finish, and gymnastics classic Stick It. We have no doubt that she has the fire to bring a new spin to the remake.
