“Mulan” Global Releases Postponed As COVID-19 Continues to Spread

While originally set for late March debut, Disney announced that the global releases of its live-action “Mulan” will be postponed amid growing concerns about the COVID-19 outbreak, which has been declared a pandemic by the WHO this week.

SEE ALSO: Disney Drops First Teaser for its Live-Action Remake of Mulan

Before the worldwide cancellation, Disney has pushed back “Mulan’s” releases in some of the most affected countries such as China, Japan and South Korea but said would stick to the original schedule in other parts of the world. However, the rapidly evolving situation has made Disney rethink its plan.

“Mulan” director Niki Caro wrote on her instagram, “We are so excited to share this film with the world, but given the current ever-shifting circumstances we are all experiencing, unfortunately, we have to postpone the worldwide release of “Mulan” for now. Our hearts are with everyone the world over who is affected by this virus, and we hope that Mulan’s fighting spirit will continue to inspire those who are working so hard to keep us all safe.”

“Mulan,” which is based on an ancient Chinese legend, was set to hit screens in North America on March 27. Actress Liu Yifei, who stars as the eponymous heroine, has featured in multiple magazine covers over the past month. Disney’s latest live-action also had its world premiere in Los Angeles on March 9. Now with the release delayed to indefinitely, these early publicity efforts are likely to have little impact.

Disney is also pushing the releases of X-Men spin-off “New Mutants,” which had a release date of April 3, and “Antlers,” which was supposed to open on April 17. “No Time to Die,” the latest film in the 007 franchise, was postponed by six months, as Disney announced earlier this month. The entertainment conglomerate is looking into new release dates for all of its movies this year.