Disney's upcoming live-action remake Mulan is at the centre of a controversy due to comments made by its lead actress Liu Yifei. The movie is facing a boycott call after Yifei said she supports the Hong Kong police who have been engaged in a crackdown on anti-government demonstrators.
“I support Hong Kong’s police, you can beat me up now. What a shame for Hong Kong,” Yifei wrote on social media site Weibo. Amid heightened tensions in Hong Kong, Yifei was slammed for 'supporting' police atrocities and alleged violation of human rights, and #BoycottMulan started trending online.
A Communist Mulan?
— Scarlet (@scarlet529) August 17, 2019
Why would any young girl want her as a role model?
Freedom loving people, from across the world should give this movie a miss. Stay home and watch Lea Salonga in the old Movie.#boycottMulan pic.twitter.com/rjUTr2Ivsq
We can’t support a movie whose lead actress endorses police brutality. #BoycottMulan pic.twitter.com/FcRAIcl9FY
— Stacey (@staceychanmusic) August 17, 2019
If America stands for freedom and democracy, doesn't she just show that she isn't quite fit for being an American citizen? #BoycottMulan pic.twitter.com/lk1cuiO3zt
— HKBHKESE (@hkbhkese) August 17, 2019
As her action goes against Disney’s mission to spread hope and positivity, I sincerely hope that Disney will reconsider the casting choice and give the world the Mulan we deserve. #BoycottMulan pic.twitter.com/7mzOA5QtOZ
— 지훈이 귀엽다 (@jijijibaby0529) August 17, 2019
The original animated version of Mulan was released in 1998, and the reimagined live-action version is set to hit cinemas in March 2020. The Chinese-American actress essays the titular role in the film which also features Donnie Yen, Jason Scott Lee and Yoson Ani.
For Disney, which is currently basking in the huge success of the recent live-action remake of The Lion King, Mulan is a highly-anticipated release. At $1.435 billion, The Lion King is now the ninth highest-grossing movie of all time. Disney's live-action remake of The Jungle Book was also received well.
