Disney’s Live-Action “Mulan” Casts Chinese Actress Liu Yifei in Lead Role

By
Pie L
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Liu Yifei. Photo by Matteo Prandoni/BFA/REX/Shutterstock (5572542dy)

After a worldwide search for the leading lady in the upcoming live-action film, Mulan, Disney has announced that Chinese actress Liu Yifei has landed the role.

Yifei, also known as Crystal Liu, is famously known in China as “Fairy Sister.” She’s an actress, singer and a model. She’s also a brand ambassador for Dior, Tissot, Garnier and Pantene.

The 30-year-old star moved to New York City at age 11 but returned to China a few years later in 2002 to pursue her acting career. Her latest credits include films, The Chinese Widow and Once Upon a Time, which earned $82.3 million in China this summer, according to ET.

Yifei is the first one to be cast in the much-awaited film which is set to be directed by Niki Caro.

Mulan is a story of a young Chinese girl who disguises herself as a warrior in order to save her aging father. It was released in 1998 as an animated movie and well received by critics and moviegoers, grossing $304 million worldwide, and earning Golden Globe and Academy Award nominations.

Netizens were delighted about the casting of Yifei. Chinese-American actress Ming-Na Wen, the voice behind Hua Mulan, also expressed her approval.