Live-Action MULAN Isn’t A Musical, Says Director

The new live-action MULAN will be a gritty warrior take, and that may not include any songs!

Mulan is getting a live-action remake, but the director says there are no plans for the beloved music of the animated films to carry over into the new version.

“Yes, from what I understand, no songs right now, much to the horror of my children,” director Niki Caro told Moviefone while promoting her latest film, The Zookeeper’s Wife.

Where Mulan is essentially a warrior tale in its origin, so a musical version might not give the story the effect the studio is looking for. Caro describes it as “a big, girly martial arts epic,” so bursting into song regularly doesn’t necessarily meet that aesthetic. She adds “It will be extremely muscular and thrilling and entertaining and moving.”

Producer Sean Bailey describes the film as taking a “Ridley Scott approach,” which is definitely darker and more intense than the usual Disney movie. It definitely sounds intriguing, but we love the original songs, too!

The Mulan live-action movie is currently in the midst of a major search of Chinese actresses for the lead role. The film is due in theaters on November 2, 2018.

By Molly

Molly is a proud Canadian who is currently attending university in Scotland. She loves to read, write, watch films, and talk about Sarah J. Maas books. If not snuggled up with a book, Molly can usually be found tapping at the dance studio, or writing yet another essay.