Last year we exclusively reported that the upcoming live-action adaptation of Mulan would not feature songs from the animated film. We also reported that a Phoenix would replace Mushu — which has since been confirmed. Now, director Niki Caro has confirmed our report.
While speaking with Digital Spy, Caro shared that there is no place for songs in this adaptation of the classic Mulan tale.
“I mean, back to the realism question – we don’t tend to break into song when we go to war. Not that I’m saying anything against the animation. The songs are brilliant, and if I could squeeze them in there, I would have. But we do honour the music from the animation in a very significant way. I guess that’s the biggest thing for me about making – remaking – an iconic title like Mulan in live-action. It’s the fact that it can be real, and it’s the real story of a girl going to war.”
Caro also discussed why they decided to leave Mushu out.
“You know, the animated classic stands on its own in that regard. In this movie, there is a creature representative – a spiritual representation of the ancestors, and most particularly of Mulan’s relationship with her father… But an update of Mushu? No.”
Read: EXCLUSIVE: Phoenix Possibly Replacing Mushu in ‘Mulan’; Cast Will Not Sing Classic Songs
When the Emperor of China issues a decree that one man per family must serve in the Imperial Army to defend the country from Northern invaders, Hua Mulan, the eldest daughter of an honored warrior, steps in to take the place of her ailing father. Masquerading as a man, Hua Jun, she is tested every step of the way and must harness her inner-strength and embrace her true potential. It is an epic journey that will transform her into an honored warrior and earn her the respect of a grateful nation and a proud father.
Mulan features a celebrated international cast that includes, Yifei Liu as Mulan; Donnie Yen as Commander Tung; Jason Scott Lee as Böri Khan; Yoson An as Cheng Honghui; with Gong Li as Xianniang and Jet Li as the Emperor. The film is directed by Niki Caro from a screenplay by Rick Jaffa & Amanda Silver and Elizabeth Martin & Lauren Hynek based on the narrative poem “The Ballad of Mulan.”
Disney’s Mulan will hit theaters on March 27, 2020.
Source: Digital Spy
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