On Friday, Disney’s long-awaited live-action adaptation of Mulan was finally released on Disney+ with Premier Access. However, in some overseas territories, the film has released theatrically, primarily in Asia, where theaters are slowly beginning to reopen and do not have access to Disney+ yet.
Per Forbes, Mulan opened in only 6% of the normal international market earning $6 million in the UAE, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and some other small territories. Disney is hoping for more success this week as the film is set to release in bigger markets such as, Russia, Greece, Hungary, Israel, Slovenia, Kuwait, Ukraine, Poland, and China, a market they hope they can win over with Mulan.
Reviews are fairly positive for Mulan, the film is “Certified Fresh” on Rotten Tomatoes at 79% percent, while the audience score is much lower at 55% which means the audience is split on the film, that score is expected to drastically change (higher or lower) as the film releases in new territories. It should also be noted that we have seen quite a bit buzz on social media from people who say they will be waiting for Mulan to release for free on December 4, as they are not looking to pay for a $30 premium on top of their subscription.
As for the final film in the Fox/X-Men universe, The New Mutants has grossed $21 million worldwide in its second week at the box office. Sadly, the $80 million film will lose money for the studio, but given the circumstances with COVID-19, and the endless release date changes, Disney was definitely prepared for this.
Read: ‘Mulan’ Review: “Visually Stunning”
Acclaimed filmmaker Niki Caro (Whale Rider) brings the epic tale of China’s legendary warrior to life in Disney’s Mulan, in which a fearless young woman risks everything out of love for her family and her country to become one of the greatest warriors China has ever known.
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 (Forbidden Kingdom) as Mulan; Donnie Yen (Rogue One) as Commander Tung; Tzi Ma (Arrival) as Zhou, Jason Scott Lee (Lilo & Stitch) as Böri Khan; Yoson An (The Meg) as Honghui; Ron Yuan (Mortal Engines) as Sergeant Qiang; with Gong Li (Memoirs of a Geisha) as Xianniang and Jet Li (Hero) as the Emperor. The film is suggested by the narrative poem “The Ballad of Mulan.”