Live-action Mulan to star Zhang Ziyi
Last Updated: Wednesday, September 8, 2010 | 10:14 AM ET
The Associated Press
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Chinese actor Zhang Ziyi, shown in a scene from Sophie's Revenge, is to star in a live-action version of Mulan. (CJ Entertainment/Associated Press) The folk story of an ancient Chinese woman who replaces her father in battle will get its second live-action adaptation — this time in English starring Zhang Ziyi.
The legend of Mulan became known worldwide with the 1998 Disney animation. Hong Kong director Jingle Ma shot a Chinese-language version released last year.
Now Speed director Jan de Bont is taking on an English adaptation featuring Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon star Zhang.
Filming will begin this fall in Hengdian Studios in eastern China, according to producer Christopher Brough.
After catapulting to stardom with Crouching Tiger, Zhang has juggled roles in Hollywood and Chinese film. Her subsequent English credits include Rush Hour 2, Memoirs of a Geisha and Horsemen.
Recent Chinese releases include Forever Enthralled and Sophie's Revenge. She plays an AIDS patient in Gu Changwei's upcoming film A Tale of Magic.
The Chinese actress will soon begin training for bow and arrow and ground combat in preparation for her role, her manager, Ling Lucas, told The Associated Press in an email.
"She has complete trust in Jan de Bont to turn Mulan into a memorable screen legend," Lucas said. "She had admired Jan's work for a long time and really looks forward to working with him."
The Dutch-born director's other works include Twister, The Haunting and Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life.
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