Action star Donnie Yen proud of the richness of Chinese culture, celebration of family in Disney's 'Mulan'
Disney's "Mulan" star Donnie Yen used both his martial arts background and skills as a devoted father as inspiration for his role in the live-action remake.
Action star Donnie Yen gets the chance to dazzle us on the big screen with his martial arts skills in Disney's "Mulan." But he had a very personal reason for wanting to be part of this movie. The veteran actor said he is completely familiar with the story; first, as part of Chinese lore. Secondly... because his daughter loved the 1998 animated movie!
"She grew up watching with me, 'Mulan,'" said Yen. "We sang the songs over 100 times!"
Now, in 2020, it's an all new, live-action "Mulan."
MORE: Everything to know about 'Mulan' on Disney+
"The subject, the contents, is something that I feel very proud of," said Yen. "It's about the richness of Chinese culture. The heritage. And on top of that, it's about a female hero, which I adore."
Yen has been the hero plenty of times in the 70-plus movies he's made over his 30 year career, including his role as a blind monk who is a force to be reckoned with in the 2016 blockbuster "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story."
"I do have the force, I carry it with me. I still have that force," said Yen. "So I just borrowed a little bit of that force and put it in "Mulan."
"Mulan" is rated PG-13 and is available exclusively on Disney Plus with Premier Access on Friday, September 4.
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Yen said he was very careful when filming stunts in the film because he's suffered serious injuries in the past.
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