Ziyi Zhang as Mulan

February 28, 2006
Zhang Ziyi approached to play Mulan
(Posted In Action Asia Film News Martial Arts Rumors )

It seems you cannot go a day wading through chinese movie news without reading something about Zhang Ziyi. Do you hear me complaining? One of the latest tidbits of new is that Zhang Ziyi has been approached by Stanley Tong to star in the live adaptation of the popular folklore tale Hua Mulan which in turn was popularized here in North America thanks in whole to the Disney animated movies. Shooting locations are being scouted in China and here in Canada. I would think west coast and Rocky Mountains considering. Shooting will begin in October.

If Zhang Ziyi is looking for more breakout roles into the West this may be one to strongly consider. Or, perhaps not. Given that this film, when completed, will be in Cantonese and the idea of foreign film is, well, foreign to a Western audience the only play a film like this would get would be arthouse cinemas, unless it was dubbed, then it would be a very small theatrical run. Still, with the devotion of the Disney Mulan audience it might be an easier sell to Western markets. But then they would have to tone it down to compliment the sugary aftertaste of a Disney movie. Wretch!!!

Posted by Mack at February 28, 2006 11:50 PM