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Disney's new Mulan trailer brings warrior action to life

The live-action remake is set for a March 27 release.

Abrar Al-Heeti Technology Reporter
Abrar Al-Heeti is a technology reporter for CNET, with an interest in phones, streaming, internet trends, entertainment, pop culture and digital accessibility. She's also worked for CNET's video, culture and news teams. She graduated with bachelor's and master's degrees in journalism from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Though Illinois is home, she now loves San Francisco -- steep inclines and all.
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2 min read

Disney dropped a new trailer for its live-action remake of Mulan on Thursday, and it's packed with action and fierce imagery. The film, starring Yifei Liu as Mulan, is slated for a March 27 release in the US and UK. 

The film, like its 1998 original animated counterpart, follows the story of a young Chinese woman who disguises herself as a man to fight in the army in her father's place. The remake also stars Donnie Yen as Commander Tung, Jet Li as The Emperor and Jason Scott Lee as Bori Khan.

The trailer opens with Mulan being told "Your job is to bring honor to the family" as she's being dressed in elaborate clothing and makeup. When word arrives about northern invaders led by Bori Khan (who fights alongside a witch), Mulan's father steps forward to fight, saying, "I am blessed with two daughters. I will fight." 

We see Mulan in tears, until she takes it upon herself to take his place. She practices using the sword, saying "Loyal, brave and true. It is my duty to protect my family." We see her go into battle disguised as a man and fighting the witch, who tells her "When they find out who you are, they will show you no mercy."

On Wednesday, Disney shared the official poster for the film, which shows Mulan dressed in red, wielding a sword. 

Disney released a teaser trailer for Mulan in July that shows her being told she must be a "good wife" who is "quiet, composed, graceful, disciplined." Instead, Mulan becomes a fearless soldier. "It is my duty to fight," she says.

First published Dec. 5, 6:05 a.m. PT.
Update, 10:20 a.m. PT, 2:27 p.m. PT: Adds details about the trailer.