Here’s How the “Mulan” Hollywood Premiere Went Down

The team behind Disney’s live-action Mulan gathered on the red carpet to celebrate the long awaited Hollywood premiere of the film on Monday, while major events continue to be cancelled around the world due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Disney has postponed the theatrical release of the remake in China as cinemas remain closed, but the film is still set to be released in US theatres on March 27 and publicity efforts continue to go ahead, including a performance of theme song “Loyal Brave True” by Christina Aguilera on Jimmy Kimmel Live earlier this week.

The film, starring Liu Yifei, Gong Li, Donnie Yen and Jet Li, was generally well received by critics at the premiere. Although the remake leaves some of the classic nostalgia in the past, the action, production and on-screen chemistry led to high praise for Liu and director Niki Caro.

Besides the film itself, the hottest topic of the night seemed to be Ming-Na Wen, the voice of Mulan in the animated version. Fans on Twitter commented in disbelief at the original #warriorprincess’s ageless side-by-side comparison with the 1998 premiere of the original animated film.

It continues to be a bumpy ride to the box office for the movie however. Some commentators have expressed dissatisfaction with the creative team’s efforts on the remake, with screenwriter Amanda Silver facing criticism after she made a comment regarding the incorporating of “specifically Chinese” themes including "filial piety" into the film, views that some have labelled as Orientalist.

The theatrical release is approaching in the United States, but growing concern over the spread of Covid-19 is causing people all over the country to avoid crowds and close contact. Cinema closures in urban hubs could seriously impact Mulan‘s box office showing, but Disney’s hopes still appear high for the warrior.

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