Disney's live-action take on Mulan has finally premiered in Hollywood with members of the press present, and the first reactions are overly positive.
Flooded with Positive Reactions
Twitter is filled with praises for the film itself, with some saying it might be Disney's "best live-action adaptation" yet, even with the changes from the animated feature film and the lack of musical numbers that the original Mulan is well known-for.
Many also have nothing but praises for the main star Liu Yifei who plays the role of the titular heroine, Hua Mulan.
According to Comicbook, the initial positive response can significantly help the film in the box office, especially with Disney eyeing an opening sales of $85 million on Mar. 27 and many predicting that it will be a solid performer.
COVID-19 Scare
However, the film has canceled its China premiere indefinitely amid the novel coronavirus outbreak that is wreaking havoc in the country, causing the closure of 70,000 theaters nationwide.
Due to the COVID-19 scare, Mulan producer Chris Bender said that Disney is still monitoring the situation closely, although they will likely push through the Mar. 27 release as they want the "people to see the movie."
Jason Reed, the producer of the film, also added that Disney's regional offices are also tracking the situation closely.
Meanwhile, director Niki Caro has also talked about the worldwide COVID-19 outbreak during the film's red carpet premiere in Dolby Theater, saying that he hopes the fighting spirit of Mulan continues to inspire the world.
"Our hearts go out to everyone in China, and the world over affected by the coronavirus and our deepest respect goes out those working so hard to battle this disease," Caro told USA Today, saluting the many health workers who are risking their health and life to take care of the COVID-19 patients around the world.
More than Caro, actress Liu Yifei is deeply affected by the recent events.
The Mulan star was born in Wuhan, China, the epicenter of the outbreak and is currently on lockdown. Liu expressed concern for her grandmother, who is still in the province, but added that she was "fine."
Speaking about the outbreak, the actress hopes the best for all of us and encouraged everyone to focus on the positive energy.
A Song for the Journey
Nevertheless, the Chinese star is happy about the film as well as Christina Aguilera's return to singing a new version of Reflection, a song synonymous with the movie. She was also surprised that her own Mandarin rendition of the song was included in the film.
Liu's beautiful version can be heard after Aguilera's during Mulan's end credits.
Aguilera, on the other hand, was also excited and feels amazed to be back and be part of the live-action adaptation of the Disney classic as a "grown woman."
The singer also penned a new song for the film entitled Loyal Brave True.
Mulan will hit the United States theaters on Mar. 27 and will star Liu Yifei, Donnie Yen, Jet Li, Jason Scott Lee, and more.
