Mulan: Disney remake might not get released in China amid coronavirus outbreak

Decision would prove a huge blow for Disney

Disney‘s new version of Mulan might have its release pulled in China due to the increasing coronavirus death toll.

The film, which is the studio’s most expensive live-action remake to date, is expected to be a huge hit when it’s released in March, but having the Chinese market eliminated from its box office projections would undoubtedly place a lot more pressure on the film to perform well in other territories.

“It certainly has worldwide and global appeal, but there’s no denying that this is a very important film for the Chinese market,” Comscore analyst Paul Dergarabedian said, stating it would be “a huge blow for Disney” if the film doesn’t get released there.

The studio’s president of production, Sean Bailey, says he’s “looking at [the situation] day by day”.

Since January, the coronavirus has caused all 70,000 cinemas in the country to close. The virus has now killed more than 2,800 people around the world, and more than 82,000 people have been infected.

The film’s lead star Liu Yifei told The Hollywood Reporter: “People are doing the right thing. They are being careful for themselves and others. I’m so touched actually to see how they haven’t been out for weeks. I’m really hoping for a miracle and that this will just be over soon.”

The outbreak has led to cancellations across the world of entertainment, from concert tour dates to the production of Mission: Impossible 7 and US series The Amazing Race.

Mulan will be released in cinemas on 27 March.