Disney Cites #MeToo Movement As Reason To Drop Key Character From ‘Mulan’ Remake
Image via IMDb
There is a significant change in the live-action adaptation of Disney’s 1988 animated film, Mulan, and it is the absence of General Li Shang, whose character will be split into two roles.
Based on the Chinese tale of Hua Mulan, the lead female character takes the place of her aged father and joins the army by pretending to be a male soldier. In the animated film, General Li Shang builds a bond with Ping, but later continues to have dinner with Mulan once her identity is unveiled.
Producer Jason Reed revealed that General Li Shang will not be featured in the live-action film in light of the #MeToo movement.
“I think particularly in the time of the #MeToo movement, having a commanding officer that is also the sexual love interest was very uncomfortable and we didn't think it was appropriate,” Reed informed Collider.
Disgraced Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein, focalized in the #MeToo movement, was recently found guilty of two sexual assault counts during his trial.
Reed revealed that the role of Li Shang will be carried through two characters in the remake. One of them will be Commander Tung, who acts as Mulan’s surrogate father and mentor throughout the film. The other role is Honghui, who is set to be equivalent to Mulan in the troop.
Directed by Niki Caro, the upcoming film will star Chinese-American actress Liu Yifei, who plays the titular role, alongside Jason Scott Lee and Jet Li. Another missing character is the world-weary dragon Mushu, previously voiced by Eddie Murphy in the animated version.
Watch the trailer to the forthcoming Mulan below.
[via Game Spot, images via various sources]
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