Disney has unveiled the first look at Liu Yifei in the lead role of upcoming live action film Mulan, which is being shot in New Zealand.
Kiwi filmmaker Niki Caro will direct the movie, which will reportedly be primarily shot at Auckland's Kumeu Film Studios.
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"Let's get down to business to make a movie! The live-action #Mulan is now in production, starring Liu Yifei as Mulan," Disney captioned the image.
Mulan will be based on the classic legend as well as the 1998 animated film.
Disney's official synopsis for the film is as follows: "Mulan is the epic adventure of a fearless young woman who masquerades as a man in order to fight Northern Invaders attacking China. The eldest daughter of an honored warrior, Hua Mulan is spirited, determined and quick on her feet.
"When the Emperor issues a decree that one man per family must serve in the Imperial Army, she steps in to take the place of her ailing father as Hua Jun, becoming one of China's greatest warriors ever."
There has been some controversy around the script allegedly making big changes to older versions of the story, but fans are responding to the first image well on social media - in particular, that a Chinese actor has been cast in the lead role.
Mulan is scheduled for release in early 2020.
Newshub.
