Disney sets Niki Caro for ‘Mulan’ live-action film with ‘Jurassic World’ ‘Avatar 2’ writers

A new report appears to confirm Niki Caro is in talks to direct Disney’s live-action adaptation of the animated classic Mulan with Jurassic World and Avatar 2 writers Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver.

Variety reported the news that the “film has been fast-tracked into production with Jason Reed attached to produce along with Chris Bender and Jake Weiner. Hong Kong-based producer Bill Kong will executive produce the movie…”

The original 1998 film featured the voices of Ming-Na Wen, Eddie Murphy, Miguel Ferrer, and BD Wong, which grossed $304 million worldwide.

Caro is best known for directing the critically acclaimed Whale Rider and considered for the Captain Marvel directing gig. She most recently directed The Zookeeper’s Wife with Jessica Chastain.

Back when the film was fast-tracked, Deadline noted that “The move is interesting, given the strength of the Chinese in the entertainment industry right now and the fact that the company just opened a major theme park in Shanghai so we expect a Mulan-themed adventure ride in the future there. Jackie Chan, the beloved Chinese actor, dubbed the animated musical Mulan for Disney in 1998 when the film was released in China.”

Disney has found amazing box office success with Alice in Wonderland, Maleficent and Cinderella, prompting a ton of new live-action projects, beginning with next month’s Beauty and the Beast, with Emma Watson, Dan Stevens and Luke Evans.

There is no other casting news or details at this point.

The new Mulan film is set to arrive on November 2, 2018.

Here’s Disney’s official announcement:

MULAN (Live Action) is final title of previous UNTITLED DISNEY FAIRY TALE – previously announced 11/2/18 wide playdate is unchanged and will be in 3D