Disney

Shanghai Disneyland has caved in to pressure. After months of public debate in China, the resort has scrapped its ban on outside food and said visitors can now bring their own food and drinks. But please, no durians. The forbidden fruit is named among several food items, such as instant noodles that require hot water, that remain unwelcome at the park, according to rules recently updated on the Shanghai resort’s website. The change brought the food policy of Shanghai Disneyland into line with those of Disney parks in the US and Europe, where outside food and drinks are generally allowed. The shift came about after the American entertainment behemoth came under fire from Chinese consumers for

Chinese fans are questioning the authenticity of Disney’s depiction of the iconic heroine Mulan, after viewing a new trailer for the highly anticipated live-action film. In the trailer, the titular character is seen riding her horse across emerald-green rice paddies and arriving at home – a distinctive donut-shaped structure with mud walls, tiled roofs and a bustling courtyard shared with neighbors. This scene has Chinese fans scratching their heads. The real Mulan, if she lived at all, could not have lived in such a house. “This is American-style ancient China,” said one internet user on the Twitter-like Weibo.  The unique, instantly identifiable home seen in the trailer is called a tulou,

Chinese fans may love NBA players and African-American entertainers, but they’re upset with Disney’s decision to cast Halle Bailey to play Ariel in the live-action movie adaption of The Little Mermaid. Disney announced the casting of 19-year-old Bailey, who is black, this week. While the casting was largely praised on Western social media, it triggered a wave of disappointment and anger on the Chinese internet.  “I don’t discriminate against black people, but the Little Mermaid is just not black in my memory,” said one of the most liked comments on the Twitter-like Weibo. “Is this mermaid from the Somali Sea?” another Weibo user said. “Don’t ruin my childhood, you big-head fish!” Internet u

After stealing the show in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Hong Kong action star Donnie Yen is lending his fighting skills to Disney once again.  He is set to star in Disney’s new live-action adaptation of Mulan. The actor will join Chinese actress Crystal Liu Yifei, who was cast in November to play the titular female warrior. Yen will play Mulan’s mentor, Commander Tung – a role with plenty of chances to show off his considerable martial arts prowess. Meanwhile, Chinese martial arts star Jet Li is in final talks to play the Chinese emperor, while actress Gong Li is signed on to play the villain. With a tentative release date of March 27, 2020, the new Mulan is executive-produced by influenti