Will Disney move forward with Mulan 2? If so, when will it release, and what will the storyline be about? Over two decades after releasing an animated version of the legendary Chinese story, a live-action adaptation debuted on Disney+. Based on early reviews, Mulan has resonated with both critics and streamers, and so a second chapter seems likely.
Mulan stars Liu Yifei as the title character, a young woman who bravely (and secretly) enlists in the Imperial Army. She pretends to be a man, and impresses her superiors with brave performances on the battlefield. The movie's conflict derives from Mulan's attempts to help The Emperor (Jet Li) defeat the Rouran warrior Bori Khan (Jason Scott Lee), who receives guidance from the witch-y character Xian Lang (Gong Li), who in turn uses her magical abilities to connect with Mulan. Incidentally, the Disney protagonist sheds her male persona and presents her true self to the world. Mulan was directed by Niki Caro, who previously helmed Whale Rider, North Country, and - most recently - The Zookeeper's Wife.
Produced for $200 million, Mulan has a budget twice the size of its 1998 predecessor. Even so, the spectacular action sequences and top-notch performances imply that Disney made a wise investment and will earn back their money several times over. Here's everything we expect for Mulan 2.
Will Disney Make Mulan 2?
An April 2020 report (via Full Circle) revealed that Disney was already moving forward with Mulan 2. Given that the studio originally planned to release the remake in late March 2020, just as the COVID-19 pandemic began shutting down movie theaters, it seems that executives were planning ahead with an official sequel announcement. So, it seems probable that Disney will announce Mulan 2 by the end of September or shortly after, if the movie is successful enough; a major sign of faith moving forward.
Mulan 2 Release Date Info
Disney will most likely aim higher with Mulan 2 than they did with the 2004 animated sequel of the same name. Now, the stakes are much bigger, of course, due to the ongoing streaming wars. In addition, several notable performers make appearances in Mulan 2020, and they'll naturally want to know if they're part of Disney's future for the Mulan franchise. Given the magnitude of the live-action adaption, there presumably won't be a quick two-year turnaround. However, it's certainly plausible than Disney could release Mulan 2 in the summer of 2023 or 2024, if it happens.
Mulan 2 Story Details
In Mulan's ending, the title character defeats Bori Khan and subsequently refuses an invitation to be an officer in the Emperor's Guard. Mulan vows to be "loyal, brave, and true" after dishonoring her family, and so she returns home. Unsurprisingly, her father acknowledges his "foolish pride" in retrospect. The Disney film ends with Mulan's military colleagues making a surprise visit and presenting the female warrior with a sword that includes the virtues "loyal, brave, true," along with a customized fourth virtue inscription that reads "devotion to family."
Given that Mulan strays from the romantic subplot of the animated films, a new storyline will theoretically be about the title character's independence as a woman. She'll want to support her family, of course, but will undoubtedly begin a new adventure. Expect Mulan to reunite with her love interest Chen Honghui in Mulan 2. The concept of "loyal, brave, true" will apply to their experiences on the battlefield, and will also ground their romantic relationship as well.