The live-action adaptation of Disney’s Mulan opened in Thailand today with students and activists calling for a boycott of the film.
The calls for boycott came after the main leads had expressed support for the Chinese government and their actions in Hong Kong.
Both Liu Yifei who plays Mulan and Donnie Yen who plays commander Tung have posted messages of support for Hong Kong’s security forces as they cracked down on pro-democracy protesters.
The stance by the actors prompted a worldwide call to boycott the new Mulan adaptations amid growing concern over Chinese interference in Hong Kong and its growing belligerence in the Asia Pacific Region.
The Milk Tea Alliance, a loose coalition of anti Chinese imperialist students in Taiwan, Thailand, the Philippines and Hong Kong, have taken the leadership in organizing the boycott.
“I’ve watched and loved the cartoon version since I was a small child but I can’t stomach going to see this movie after the statements from the actors,” said activist Netiwit Chotiphatphaisal.
“I am sure pro-democracy supporters in Thailand feel the same. It is strange to see the heroes not the big screen and realize they’re the villains in the real world.”
Mulan has had a troubled released not just in Asia but worldwide. The coronavirus pandemic means that theaters have shut down across the world forcing Mulan to go straight to Disney’s streaming service in the United States without a theatrical release.