In an exclusive report by Hollywood Reporter, Crystal Liu Yifei was announced as the titular lead for the upcoming Disney live-action adaptation of Mulan. Being a fan of the 1998 animated film and the very recent live-action Beauty and the Beast, I’m so happy that they can finally get the ball rolling now that Disney has found its leading lady. It will be directed by Niko Caro and scheduled for a 2019 release.
I really thought they would go with an unknown, but going with a household name like Crystal Liu is a pretty smart bet as international viewers would have already seen her in movies like the 2008 action blockbuster The Forbidden Kingdom opposite Jackie Chan and Jet Li. She’s also no stranger to costume dramas as she has landed many, many iconic roles over the years as Little Dragon Girl, Bai Qian and Nie Xiao Qian to name a few. What do you think of her as Mulan?
Crystal Liu as Bai Qian in the 2017 film adaptation of Ten Miles of Peach Blossoms.
Crystal Liu as the female version of Heartless Wu Qing in The Four movie franchise.
Crystal Liu as Nie Xiao Qian in the 2011 film adaptation of A Chinese Ghost Story.
Crystal Liu as Little Dragon Girl in the 2006 drama adaptation of Return of the Condor Heroes.
Crystal Liu as Wang Yu Yan in the 2003 drama adaptation of Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils.
Tia
I've forgotten that she's in both ROCH and DGSD!
Sunny
Congratulations to Crystal Liu! This is a big opportunity. It's funny that they auditioned basically every young working Chinese actress in the world and cast an already well-known (to the Chinese audience) actress. I like Crystal from pictures and interviews but it just occured to me after seeing your post that I don't know how her acting is. I think because I only got into C-dramas in the last few years and she has been mostly in movies.
Please can they cast Shawn Dou for Shang next!
Genie
I've seen some opinions that say her acting is somewhat awkward and that her eyes aren't very expressive when she acts. Yifei may not be the best actress out there but she is watchable and won't drag a production down solely because she is the lead. With a solid cast around her and Niki directing I think she'll do well. This is a great opportunity so I'm happy for her too.
And ditto on casting Shawn Dou as Shang!
Anne J
wow, I hadn't thought of that but it's perfect! Shawn Dou for Shang please:)
Anonymous
Congratulations to her! I did hope that Disney would find a lesser known face to try to catapult some of the hard working but unknown Chinese actresses into the national spotlight, but Crystal Liu can sing and do martial arts, so I see where they are coming from.
Anonymous
She's very boring on screen. No life in her eyes. So, yes, her acting is mediocre at best.
PristineQi
Daniel Wu as General Li Shang???
Anne J
Hi Sunny, took your idea and ran away with me.. hope it's ok:)
https://www.dramapanda.com/2017/12/why-shawn-dou-would-be-great-as-li.html
Anonymous
I love Crystal Liu bc she is just so beautiful, and would look the part perfectly. However, her acting skills are not quite up to par, even though she's been doing it for years. Nevertheless, I'm happy it's Crystal who is taking on the part.