In March 2015, the Hollywood Reporter revealed that Walt Disney Pictures was in the process of launching a live-action film adaptation of “Mulan.” The story which is based on the sixth century poem “The Ballad of Mulan,” chronicles the legendary tale of an ancient Chinese female warrior who replaces her father in the army. “Mulan” was adapted into an animated feature film in 1998, with Macau-American actress Ming Na Wen (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D) providing the voice for the title role. Other prominent Asian stars provided voices for the film, including Jackie Chan and B.D. Wong (Jurassic Park).
While there has been excitement over the upcoming film, many activists within the Asian community have preemptively expressed concerns about casting. According to a report from The Guardian, a petition cautioning against the casting of Caucasian actors in “Mulan” roles which were intended for Asian actors has gathered more than 20,000 signatures.
The cast has yet to be announced. Here are 12 Korean and Chinese stars who would be great additions to the upcoming live-action version of “Mulan.
1. Choi Siwon
Super Junior’s Siwon has starred in several Chinese films including “A Battle of Wits.” He is also part of the starstudded cast for the upcoming historical action movie, “Dragon Blade.”
2. Daniel Henney
Korean-American actor Daniel Henney provided the voice for Tadashi Hamada in the 2014 animated hit, “Big Hero 6.” He has starred in several K-Dramas including “My Lovely Sam Soon” and will soon lead the cast of a “Criminal Minds” spin-off.
3. Jun Ji Hyun
Jun Ji Hyun led cast of the 2009 English language film, “Blood: The Last Vampire.” “Blood: The Last Vampire” reached cult status and continues to drawn in fans throughout the world. Her next English film the 2011 Chinese-U.S. coproduction, “Snow Flower and the Secret Fan.” The 33-year-old Hallyu star has mass appeal, particularly with audiences who are familiar with her dramas which include the mega hit, “My Love From The Stars.”
4. Luhan
Luhan tested the waters of acting with his role in the Chinese film “20 Once Again.” The former EXO member would be an excellent addition to the cast, if the role required musical talent.
5. Claudia Kim
Claudia Kim is set to make her Hollywood debut on May 1 in the action-packed film, “The Avengers: Age of Ultron.” She is already a member of the Disney acting family and could be a unique presence in “Mulan.”
6. Jamie Chung
Jamie Chung debuted on television as a member of the 2004 MTV show “Real World: San Diego.” The Korean-American actress is currently cast as Mulan in the ABC fantasy series, “Once Upon a Time” and provided the voice of GoGo Tomago in “Big Hero 6.”
7. Steven Yeun
Steven Yeun is the critically-acclaimed star of the AMC science fiction series, “The Walking Dead.” He is a Korean-American actor whose film roles include “I Origins.”
8. Henry Lau
Super Junior-M’s Henry would be excellent in a role which requires charisma and versatility with music. He starred as Mark in the 2013 culinary film, “Final Recipe” and recently appeared in the K-Drama “Perseverance, Goo Hae Ra.”
9. Krystal
Krystal has segued from her role as a vocalist in f(x) to an actress with an entrancing combination of comedic timing and dramatic panache. Her roles in “High Kick 3,” “The Heirs” and “My Lovely Girl” demonstrate her potential as a film star.
10. Constance Wu
Constance Wu has won over audiences as Jessica Huang in the ABC series, “Fresh Off the Boat” but she has appeared in several supporting film roles including “The Architect.”
Other stars who would be fantastic in “Mulan:
11. Taecyeon
12. Gem Tang (G.E.M)
13. Fan Bingbing
14. Aaron Yan
