A new trailer for Disney’s live-action take on “Mulan” sees its protagonist thwarting societal expectations and refusing to be defined by her gender. A matchmaker has found Mulan (Yifei Liu) an “auspicious match” and her fate is decided — or so it seems. The union, her father explains, is “what is best for our family.” But Mulan has other ideas about how to bring honor to her family and nation. The eldest daughter of the respected warrior disguises herself as a man so she can join the fight against Northern Invaders attacking China.
Mulan’s family believes that she possesses the qualities of a “good” wife — “quiet, composed, graceful, disciplined.” They either don’t notice or are in denial about the fact that she’s incredibly strong-willed, tenacious, and deadly with swords.
Disney’s animated version of “Mulan” was released in 1998. Niki Caro directed the upcoming live-action pic, set to bow spring 2020. “Mulan” is among the biggest budget films ever directed by a woman. Caro’s previous credits include “The Zookeeper’s Wife,” “McFarland, USA,” “North Country,” and “Whale Rider.”