Disney fans have finally been given a sprinkling of details on the long-awaited "Mulan" live-action remake. The news comes at an excellent time for the studio as Disney's latest live-action release "Beauty and the Beast" has been breaking records throughout its opening weekend.
Remake will not include songs featured in original cartoon
A major revelation from director Niki Caro is that her live-action adaptation will not include the songs that many fans remember from the 1998 classic cartoon. During an interview for Caro's latest film, "The Zookeeper's Wife," she told Moviefone, "from what I understand, no songs right now, much to the horror of my children."
The original cartoon version of "Mulan" featured the singing voice of the title character, provided by Filipino songstress and Broadway star Lea Salonga, who also provided the singing voice of Jasmine in Disney's "Aladdin," adding to the popularity of the soundtrack.
The movie's most well-known song is arguably "Reflection," which was re-recorded by Christina Aguilera, becoming the first release by the singer that reportedly led to her eventual record contract. The song was then translated and recorded by artists in at least 7 other languages.
Needless to say, the Twitterverse is not impressed with this bombshell:
How can there be NO MUSIC in #Mulan?!?!
— Christelle (@MsChristelleGo) March 19, 2017
This is ridiculous!
Mulan will not have songs in the live action? Wtf? I want my songs! I'm so disappointed... It's one of my favorites sndtracks @Disney #Mulan
— Nanda Damora (@nandacarstairs) March 19, 2017
Movie to be a 'girly martial arts extravaganza'
In the original, Mulan disguises herself as a man to enlist in the Chinese army to save her elderly father from conscription.
With this as the basis of the new movie, Caro explained to ScreenCrush that she expects to be creating a "muscular piece of girly martial arts extravaganza." She even went on to say that both she and her 9-year-old daughter would be learning mixed martial arts to better understand the intricacies of the film. It would seem anyone expecting a traditional princess story will be out of luck with this one.
The movie is set to be filmed in China with Bill Kong ("Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon") signed on to executive produce. Cast details have yet to be released, but in leaked casting call information from Movie Pilot back in December, producers are seeking actors who speak both English and Mandarin Chinese for all major roles, calming many fears of another white-washed production set in China.
"Mulan" already has a release date set for November 2, 2018.
