March 20 (UPI) — Disney’s upcoming live-action adaptation of “Mulan” will not be a musical unlike its 1998 animated predecessor, director Niki Caro said.
“From what I understand, no songs right now, much to the horror of my children,” Cara said during an interview with Moviefone while promoting her latest film, “The Zookeeper’s Wife.”
“It’s a big, girly martial arts epic. It will be extremely muscular and thrilling and entertaining and moving,” she said of “Mulan.”
The lack of musical numbers differs from Disney’s latest live-action adaptation of “Beauty and the Beast,” which featured the original animated film’s musical numbers along with new songs.
“Mulan,” which is being fast-tracked into production, is being produced by Jason Reed, Chris Bender, Jake Weiner and executive produced by Hong Kong-based producer Bill Kong.
Caro was announced as the director in February after attempts to acquire an Asian director were unsuccessful as Ang Lee (“Crouching Tiger,” “Hidden Dragon,” “Life of Pi) and “Rogue One” star Jiang Wen, a hit director in China, passed on the project.
The script, penned by Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver (“Jurassic World”) is a rewrite from a spec written by Lauren Hynek and Elizabeth Martin.
The film came under fire in October after reports surfaced that the title character would have a Caucasian love interest. Disney quickly shot down the rumor, promising that all primary roles in the film, including that of Mulan and her love interest, would be filled by Chinese actors.
“Mulan” is set to arrive in theaters Nov. 2, 2018.
