One of Hollywood's most prolific heavy-weight producers and a Beijing film production company are teaming up to make a live-action version of Mulan, the legendary Chinese heroine made famous worldwide by the Disney animated production that earned US$300 million.

 

The deal between Harvey Weinstein, the executive producer of Lord of the Rings and Kill Bill, and the Beijing-based City Glory Pictures, calls for the partners to split the US$20 million cost of the film.

 

Staff with City Glory told Xinhua News Agency that is the first time Weinstein has invested in a Chinese production.

 

Mulan is a traditional Chinese story that has been told for centuries in China. "Mulan" was a young woman who disguised herself as a man to take her father's place in battle 1,500 years ago.

 

The story was first put on the screen in a 1956 Chinese production, a half century before it was adapted by Disney.

 

"Mulan enabled Walt Disney Inc. to rake in US$300 million, which no doubt left an indelible impression on Weinstein ," said the City Glory staff member who asked to remain anonymous.

 

A famous Taiwan scriptwriter wrote the script four years ago with encouragement from Malaysian-Chinese actress Michelle Yeoh, who starred in the Oscar-winning film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.

 

"We got the script with the help of Michelle Yeoh," the City Glory staff said, adding that "the script was a hot property among overseas film makers".

 

Both Yeoh and Chinese mega star Zhang Ziyi have been courted by other producers who have for several years attempted to put together a live-action Mulan production.

 

"We will select the right cast and crew for Mulan from among the most popular stars and directors," the City Glory staff said, stressing that the original Mulan story will be preserved.

 

Shooting is expected to begin next February.

 

(Xinhua News Agency June 6, 2006)