Disney has confirmed that a Chinese actress will play the role of Mulan in its upcoming live-action remake of the 1998 animated film. Below are some actresses of Chinese descent that would be perfect for the character.
Disney announced that the "Mulan" reboot would feature an all-Asian cast after fans started a petition to make sure the film, which is based on an Asian character, was not whitewashed by Hollywood again. The studio also launched a worldwide casting hunt for a Chinese actress to play the titular role, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Finding a Chinese actress to play the female warrior should be relatively easy given the number of talented actresses of Chinese and Hong Kongese descent. Here are seven actresses to help Disney in its search for an Asian actor to play the iconic role.
Ming-Na Wen
Na Wen is an ideal choice to play the titular character in the upcoming remake, considering that the "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D." actress voiced Mulan in the original. The actress has also shown off her impressive action skills in the Marvel series.
However, she is 52 years old and the Mulan role is intended for a younger woman, who is married off by her family, as Hypable pointed out. Therefore, Disney will be looking to cast a younger leading lady. Although there is hope that Wen will be involved in the project one way or another.
Celina Jade
Jade is a Hong Kong-native who kicked off her acting career in the Chinese film industry before moving to America. She is best known for her role as Shado on the The CW series "Arrow" and the fact that Jade is a trained martial artist as well as a singer definitely tilts the scales in her favor.
Katie Leung
Born in Scotland, Leung is of Hong Kongese descent and can fluently speak several languages including Cantonese and Mandarin. Known for playing Cho Chang in the "Harry Potter" series, Leung is currently filming the action thriller "The Foreigner" alongside Jackie Chan and Pierce Brosnan and would be a great Mulan.
Gemma Chan
The former model and actress best known for her role as robot Anita on the British sci-fi drama "Humans," has featured in several other television shows such as "Doctor Who" and "Secret Diary of a Call Girl." The 33-year-old also starred in "Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruits" with Chris Pine and Keira Knightley. Although the Mulan role would be a different role for her, it would not be uncharted territory for the talented actress.
Liu Yifei
Yifei is another option that would be ideal for the "Mulan" casting. The Chinese actress has many talents, including singing and is often referred to as the "Fairy Sister" because of her sweet and delicate personality.
Michelle Ang
New Zealand-born Ang is an actress of Malaysian and Chinese descent and is best remembered for her role on the 90s TV series "The Tribe." Since then, she has enjoyed a successful acting career and her most recent project was the heist film "Triple 9."
JuJu Chan
Last, but definitely not the least, Chan is another contender for the iconic Mulan role, having wowed audiences with her performance in Netflix's "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Sword of Destiny." The actress, who is also a martial arts expert, has earned herself the nickname of the Female Bruce Lee and is also described as the next Michelle Yeoh.