Jenna Ushkowitz Reportedly in Talks to Star as Mulan in Live-Action Remake
Former Glee star Jenna Ushkowitz is reportedly in talks to star as Mulan in Disney's upcoming live-action remake of the animated film.
An anonymous source sent in a tip to Mogul: "Among the potential talent for Mulan, virtually none possesses the combination of star quality, relevant age, musical talent, and beauty Disney would need for its lead. It's unsurprising that fans are rallying behind Ushkowitz who, thanks to her long tenure as Tina Cohen-Chang on Glee, has significant credibility with this film’s target audience."
Disney has come under fire in the past for often whitewashing its casts, meaning they'll hire a white actor for the role of a character originally intended as a person of color. It's a practice Hollywood at large is notorious for, and fans have even started a petition in an attempt to have Disney hire an Asian actress for the titular character of Mulan. It should go without saying, but hopefully this extends to the full cast of the movie as well.
As of right now, there aren't too many details about the film itself. The studio allegedly purchased a script that details the legend of Hua Mulan, written by Elizabeth Martin and Lauren Hynek, with Chris Bender and J.C. Spink reportedly signed on to produce. And while Ushkowitz is currently rumored to star in the film, no actors have officially been attached to the project.
Disney seems intent on remaking its entire back catalog of animated movies into live-action films. Aside from Mulan, the upcoming remake of Beauty and the Beast and the studio's recent Cinderella release, Fantasia, Pinnochio and Winnie the Pooh are all reportedly in the works too. We're sure several others will be announced in due time.
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