The latest trailer for Mulan, which promotes its release on Disney+, gives a glimpse at a possible live-action replacement for the animated version's sidekick dragon character Mushu. The live-action version of the movie will hit Disney's streaming service on September 4 in an unprecedented decision, made as a result of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Fans will have to pay $29.99 on top of their existing subscription fee to watch the movie, but it will be a permanent addition to their subscription, not a one-off rental, though fans in China will still be able to watch it in theaters.
The movie is a remake of Disney's 1998 animated film, which starred Ming-Na Wen in the title role and featured Eddie Murphy in the part of her sidekick Mushu, who is sent by her ancestors to guide her on her journey. The movie was a hit, and Mushu proved to be a popular sidekick, appearing in the direct-to-video sequel and becoming a featured character in some of Disney's parks. However, the filmmakers behind the live-action version stated that Mushu would not appear, partly because the live-action version will be less fantastical, but also due to the cultural sensitivities surrounding the actor. There was speculation that instead, the character that provides a bridge between Mulan and her ancestors would be a phoenix.
Now, the latest teaser trailer for Mulan not only shows off just how epic the action scenes in the movie are but also gives a glimpse of the phoenix. Near the end of the teaser, Mulan looks into her sword and sees the reflection of a phoenix flying behind her. There is no other reference to the magical creature, and it's unclear whether it's a vision she sees or a real phoenix. Watch the action-packed trailer below to see for yourself.
While Disney reps have rebuffed the rumors that the phoenix will replace Mushu in the past, the speculation hasn't died out. Given that Mushu plays such a big part in the original, not only as the comic relief but also as a guide and source of wisdom for Mulan, it's unlikely that Disney wouldn't have replaced his character with something else. And a phoenix is seemingly a great replacement, given that the magical creature is heavily represented in parts of Chinese culture.
However, it is also possible that the phoenix appears as Mulan is at the most challenging part of her fight, and she uses her vision of it to spur her on to victory over the invaders. The not-so-subtle reference in the trailer, though, does point to the phoenix playing a more significant role than that and might be a clue from Disney that it will take the role Mushu did in the original Mulan. As the film releases on Disney+ in less than a month, fans won't have to wait long to find out.
Source: Walt Disney Studios