Mulan: Where You’ve Seen The Main Live-Action Cast Before
The new live-action film of the Disney classic, Mulan has finally been released after months of delay. Fans had some high hopes seeing as the creators picked their main cast diligently, especially their main star. The big decision was made to include an all Asian cast that hasn’t been done before in Disney films.
Mulan might have some familiar faces and even star-studded actors that have graced the action screen for years. Among the cast are also some famous stars who made their mark in their home countries before translating to American films. Let’s take a look at the new live-action film’s main cast and where you might recognize them from.
11 Chen Tang (Yao): Escape Plan 2: Hades
Chen Tang plays the role of Yao in the live-action film Mulan. Fans would recall Yao as being the shorter and more stocky soldier who originally gives Mulan a hard time at training camp. In this film, Tang portrays the character and instead has a taller stature but the same brute attitude.
Tang has been in a variety of works including the role of Yusheng Ma in the Sylvester Stallone sequel film, Escape Plan 2: Hades. His role was as the cousin of the main character’s protege. Besides this film, some might recognize him for his small roles on tv including Bosch and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. He plays Hong in the main cast of Warrior season two.
10 Doua Moua (Chien-Po): Gran Torino
Before playing the role of the lovable Chien-Po in Mulan, Doua Moua played the role of an antagonist in a popular film. He played the role of Spider in the 2008 film, Gran Torino. His role was as one of the main character’s cousins who runs a local gang. In Mulan, Moua portrays one of Mulan’s comrades who’s on the heavier side who adores food and has a sweet smile.
Throughout his career, Moua has also taken some small roles in films like Tracers and Memoria. Like many actors, he has also had guest roles in television in shows such as Blue Bloods, Marvel’s Iron Fist, and Veep.
9 Jun Yu (Cricket):
Jun Yu played the reimagined role of Cricket in the live-action film. Instead of the famous sidekick insect character that Mulan travels within the film, its an actual soldier she trains alongside. Jun Yu made his feature debut with the Disney film. But he has been seen as a guest actor in another work.
He played the role of Pete in the sitcom comedy show, Fresh Off the Boat. He only appeared in two episodes, “Under the Taipei Sun” and “No Apology Necessary.” Yu is still a promising rising actor in the film and television industry.
8 Jimmy Wong (Ling): Polaris Primetime
Jimmy Wong plays the role of Ling in the live-action film but is known for only a handful of on-screen work. Besides film, Wong is more popular on Youtube and co-hosts a video game theme variety show called Polaris Primetime with Meghan Camarena. In 2017, he had a recurring guest role in the series, Parker Plays.
In terms of film, he has played minor roles in The Circle as Mitch. Wong also appears in the feature film, John Dies at the End in 2012 as character Fred Chu.
7 Tzi Ma (Hua Zhou): Rush Hour
Tzi Ma is a famous actor who has been in a plethora of films and television roles. The Hong-Kong American actor is highly recognized for his recurring role in the Rush Hour franchise films. He played the role of Consul Solon Han in the films. He starred alongside the main actors, Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker.
Some may also recognize him for playing a supporting character in Dante’s Peak as Stan. He recently appeared in the popular comedy-drama film The Farewell starring Awkwafina. Ma also has an extensive list of television credits including 13 episodes on 24 and voicing Bah Bah Ling in American Dad.
6 Jet Li (The Emperor): Romeo Must Die
Jet Li doesn’t need much introduction when it comes to recognizing some of his most popular work. He is one of the most famous martial artists to hit the screen alongside Jackie Chan, Bruce Lee, and Donnie Yen. Jet Li is known for a variety of films including one of his more famous being The One and Romeo Must Die
His filmography is so extensive that it has its own separate page. He’s more recently known for his supporting character role in The Expendables franchise films alongside a famous ensemble cast.
5 Yoson An (Chen Honghui): Mortal Engines
He may not be Li Shang but actor Yoson An does play somewhat of romantic interest in Mulan as Chen Honghui. An plays an army recruit who understands Mulan more than others ad has trust in him. Yoson An doesn’t have the longest list of on-screen work but is known for his role as Major Chen in Mortal Engines.
He made his big break in the main cast of the Australian crime thriller drama, Dead Lucky as Charlie Fung. His role in Mulan was his giant shift into American cinema.
4 Jason Scott Lee (Bori Khan): Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story
Jason Scoot Lee has a face that might be recognizable for his roles in many films. Much like his cast, Lee also has a background in martial arts and starred as Bruce Lee in the 1993 film, Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story.
In Mulan, he takes on a darker role as the main antagonist Bori Khan inspired by the character Shan Yu. Mulan wasn’t his first live-action Disney film. Lee actually played the title role of Mowgli in the 1994 live-action version of The Jungle Book. He has then taken part in various films such as Solider, Nomad and Seventh Son. He also played a small role in the sports comedy Balls of Fury.
3 Donnie Yen (Commander Tung): Ip Man
Much like Jet Li, Donnie Yen is one of the most highly acclaimed martial artists and action stars of his generation. Yen has many accolades outside of films that have contributed to his career. His most recognized role is as the legendary Wing Chun grandmaster Ip Man franchise films starting 2008.
It’s his most recognized role to date, but he also gained fame for his role as Chirrut Îmwe in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. His filmography is not only limited to on-screen roles but behind the camera as a director and producer.
2 Gong Li (Xian Lang): Memoirs Of A Geisha
Actress Gong Li took on the role of the new character, Xian Lang in the live-action film. Gong Li looks familiar due to the fact that she has a famous career in Chinese films. She is known for her role as Hatsumomo in the 2005 epic drama Memoirs of a Geisha. She is often regarded as one of China’s most notable actresses.
She has taken part in films that have received high acclaim and nominations such as the Oscar-nominated film, Farewell My Concubine. Li has been awarded numerous times with some of China’s most sought after awards in film. If she looks familiar in American films, some might even recall her as Lady Murasaki Shikibu Lecter in Hannibal Rising.
1 Liu Yifei (Mulan): The Return Of Condor Heroes
Liu Yifei is more widely recognized for playing roles in Chinese films and television. Her biggest role to date is portraying the Disney animated character Mulan in the live-action film. Yifei has gained recognition for her roles on-screen such as playing the lead in The Return of the Condor Heroes based on the novel of the same name.
She also gained popularity for her work in The Legend of Sword and Fairy and Chinese Paladin. Her first transition to American film was a supporting role as Golden Sparrow in the fantasy kung fu film, The Forbidden Kingdom alongside Jet Li and Jackie Chan.
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