The race to bring the first live-action Mulan film to the big screen has recently kicked into high gear: Last month, Sony shared the news that it was developing its own adaptation of the Chinese legend. But that announcement was quickly overshadowed by Disney putting its new Mulan film on the schedule for a 2018 release, as well as boasting that it would actually find a Chinese actress to play the Chinese warrior. To that, Sony said it was going to primarily cast Asian actors, and now both studios are trying to land the right, preferably Asian director.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Disney’s director search began with Academy Award winner Ang Lee, who’s already turned the studio down. THR didn’t elaborate on why Lee declined, but it’s worth noting that Sony Pictures is producing and distributing his Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk via its Tristar division. If Sony is pitching Lee on its Mulan movie, it adds another layer to the competition.