‘Rogue One’ star Donnie Yen joins Jet Li, Gong Li in Disney’s live-action ‘Mulan’ film project

Rogue One star Donnie Yen has been cast to star opposite actress Liu Yifei (also known as Crystal Liu) in Disneys live-action adaptation of Mulan. According to The Hollywood Reporter Jet Li is in final talks to play the emperor and Gong Li is confirmed as the film’s villain.

Yen has been confirmed to play the role of Mulan’s mentor, Commander Tung.

Jet Li is one of China’s biggest stars, so Asian film fans will be incredibly excited to hear that he will be joining the cast. Gong Li will be playing a slightly different villain to what fans might be expecting. While the baddie in the animated film is Shan Yu – the leader of the invading army – the villain in the remake will be a powerful witch.

Chinese-Vietnamese actress Xana Tang will take on the role of Mulan’s sister.

Niki Caro, who most recently helmed The Zookeeper’s Wife, is directing Disney’s live-action Mulan, which is being produced by Chris Bender, Jason Reed and Jake Weiner.

The 1998 animated version, voice-starring Ming-Na Wen (Agents of SHIELD) alongside Eddie Murphy and B.D. Wong, earning $304.3 million worldwide as well as Golden Globe and Academy Award nominations.

The live-action Mulan film will arrive in theaters on March 27, 2020