In case anyone is actually worried about this…Here are the actual character descriptions and casting information from Disney’s official casting call for Mulan (Note that Li Shang is not actually in the movie and is replaced by a different character, rendering the above screenshot false; also, Unreel News? Come on, y’all. Take five seconds of your life and Google their fake asses).
- Potential participants must be available April of 2017 through October 2017
- Those auditioning must be 100% available for the entire shoot and will live in China during the film’s production dates.
- Martial arts training is a plus
- Must be at least 18 years old by May 1st, 2017. No exceptions.
- The movie is set in China in the 17th century. Therefore, most roles are Chinese.
Mulan: 18 – 20 years old to play 18; must be able to speak fluent English and Mandarin Chinese; lithe, athletic, quick, tougher than she looks, Mulan lives in rural China in 630 AD, and her country is besieged, under attack by the Gokturk invaders. When her aging father volunteers to join the Army, Mulan sneaks out by night and takes his place, strapping down her breasts so she can pass for a man. There is a mysterious power inside Mulan, a power of speed and coordination and sheer force that places her at the peak of her unit- where no one suspects her secret.
Chen Honghui: In his 20s, must be able to speak fluent English and Mandarin Chinese; strapping, cocky and handsome, Honghui is another recruit who joins Commander Tung’s unit, and he’s determined to be the best soldier in human history. Full of himself, with a mean, bullying stream to him, he quickly realizes that Mulan is his chief rival, but he does not realize that she is a woman. Grittily determined to be simply the best at everything, Honghui is increasingly peeved by Mulan’s ability to match or out-maneuver him. But after learning that his rival is a woman, his intense feelings of rivalry turn into something very different, something like love.
(X)
I promise you, they are not casting white actors in the lead roles. The “most” is probably there so they have more free reign with non-human characters.
If any of the above applies to you (if you are 18+, fluent in English and Mandarin, of Chinese descent, athletic and have some martial arts training), the link provided in the quote tells you how to send in your resume and headshot! This is an open casting call! If you think you can do it, go for it!
