When plans for Disney's live-action version of "Mulan" were announced earlier this year, fans of the beloved animated movie drew up a petition to make sure the studio actually hires Asian actors for the film.
"Take a stand against whitewashing in our media. Sign this petition to tell Disney that we demand to see them cast an Asian Mulan!" the said petition reads, which already has more than 70,000 signatures as of press time.
"Fresh Off The Boat" actress Constance Wu was initially pegged by Fusion and Buzzfeed as strong candidates for the role. On the other hand, Twitter users reportedly opted to have Ming-na Wen, who voiced Fa Mulan in the 1998 animated movie, reprise her role as Mulan.
Now, Popcrush reported that "Glee" star Jenna Ushkowitz has been tapped to play the feisty Disney Princess. The tip was supposedly sent 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," the tip said. "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."
Ushkowitz or any other actor's involvement in Disney's live-action version of "Mulan" is still unconfirmed but media outlets have already been thinking about the casting line-up. Buzzfeed, in particular, thought it would be great to have Godfrey Gao play Li Shang and Jackie Chan voice the mischievous dragon, Mushu.
Meanwhile, the film will be written by Elizabeth Martin and Lauren Hynek, while Chris Bender and J.C. Spink are tapped to produce.
Disney's live-action version of "Mulan" is just one of the studio's adaptation projects of past animation feature films. Some of the movie lined up in the next couple of years include "Beauty And The Beast," "Dumbo," "Winnie The Pooh," "The Jungle Book" and "Pinnocchio."
