Fans call on Disney 'not to whitewash' Mulan

Who should play Mulan?

Cast member Constance Wu speaks at a panel for the television series "Fresh Off the Boat" during the Disney ABC Television Critics Association winter press tour in Pasadena, California January 14, 2015. [Photo/Chinadaily.com.cn]

To Molnar, through producing a live-action adaptation of Mulan, Disney has an incredible opportunity to not only revitalize the legendary Chinese story, but also offer major roles to a group of actors "often shunted into supporting or antagonist roles."

"Taking away Mulan's potentially breakout roles from Asian-American actors and actresses in favor of casting Caucasians would be nothing short of racist," Molnar said.

US-based news aggregator Buzzfeed.com has handpicked its dream cast for the film.

Constance Wu for the titular Mulan, Godfrey Gao for General Li Shang, Russell Wong for Fa Zhou (Mulan's father), Wen Ming-na for Fa Li (Mulan's mother), Benedict Wong for Shan Yu, Tzi Ma for the emperor and Jackie Chan, for the "sassiest role", the dragon Mushu.

Most American fans disagree with Jackie Chan playing Mushu, who was voiced by Eddie Murphy in the animated Mulan.

"I love Jackie Chan buuuuuut Mushu needs to stay voiced by Eddie Murphy. We grew up with his voice being Mushu so anything different wouldn't be as good," writes Internet user Liz Garcia in an article on the subject published on Buzzfeed.