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'Mulan' live-action movie would better with Asian director, says Ang Lee

| Dec 03, 2016 12:10 PM EST

Screenshot of the original animated 'Mulan'

Director Ang Lee was offered the job to helm the upcoming live-action remake of the Disney animated film, "Mulan." However, he had to refuse the offer due to commitments to "Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk." Despite this, the director has recently stated the movie should be directed by an Asian.

"It'd be great to see an Asian do it, of course," Lee told the Hollywood Reporter. "It's whoever does the best job. I'm doing an American movie."

Lee, born in Taiwan, has handled blockbuster films with Asian leads in the past such as "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" and "Hollywood Chinese." Given that he had to turn down the offer the job has yet to be filled. A spec script has been completed by Elizabeth Martin and Lauren Hynek, with rewrites being made by Amanda Silver and Rick Jaffa.

Disney has yet to announce a director for the project or if the studios will opt to wait for Lee to become available. Should Lee become available, the report points out he may shoot the movie in 4K resolution and 3D at 120 frames per second.

This is a new format for digital films although some blockbusters, such as "The Hobbit" trilogy, have been filmed in 48 frames per second. The "Avatar" sequels are also expected to be filmed in 48 frames per second or 120 frames per second as well.

"Mulan" released in 1998 and was a fictionalized telling of the life of Hua Mulan, a warrior's daughter who joined the army by disguising herself as a man. The movie introduced a love interest for Mulan as well as a young dragon, voiced by Eddie Murphy. It is uncertain if these elements will also be in the live-action adaptation or not.

Sony is also working on their adaptation of the story of Hua Mulan, reported /Film. According to the report, this version is also going to feature an Asian cast and will have "Game of Thrones" veteran Alex Graves directing the movie. No release date for their version of the story has yet been released.

Disney's live-action "Mulan" is scheduled to release on Nov. 2, 2018.

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