Disney is apparently removing Li Shang from the upcoming live-action “Mulan” and fans are not having it.
In fact, they have taken to social media to voice their opinion on who should play the beloved character. As you may know, Li Shang is Mulan’s superior in the animated movie. Although he initially looked down on her, the warrior came to respect her as an equal and eventually developed feelings for the titular character.
Can’t seem to find the perfect Li Shang, Disney? Don’t worry, social media has plenty to say.
1. Lewis Tan
You may remember him as the badass drunkard Zhou Cheng who fought Danny Rand in the Marvel-Netflix series “Iron Fist”. Last month, it was announced that the 31-year-old British-born actor will Gaveedra-Seven/ Shatterstar in “Deadpool 2”. He’s also reprising his role as Gaius Chau for “Into the Badlands” season 3.
2. Ludi Lin
Born in Fuzhou, China, Ludi Lin has lived in Australia, Canada, Thailand, and the US. His breakout role was in “Power Rangers” as Zack Taylor/ Black Ranger. He’ll be returning to the big screen late this year in the much-anticipated DC’s “Aquaman” as Murk. With experiences in Muay Thai kickboxing, jujitsu, and Olympic-style wrestling, this Chinese-Canadian actor certainly has the tools to bring Li Shang to live.
3. Aarif Rahman
Known for portraying the legendary Bruce Lee in the film “Bruce Lee, My Brother”, Aarif Rahman is of Arab, Chinese, and Malay heritage. His Malaysian father is of Malay, Arab and Chinese ancestry, while his mother is Hong Kong Chinese. We last saw him starring opposite Jackie Chan in “Kung Fu Yoga” and “The Thousand Faces of Dunjia”.
4. Godfrey Gao
Similar to Aarif Rahman, Godfrey Gao is also half Malaysian. He was born to a Shanghainese dad (Taipei) and a Peranakan Chinese mom from Penang. The handsome star is not only fluent in English and Mandarin, but he has played Chinese generals before (2016’s “God of War: Zhao Yun”).
5. Eddie Peng
Eddie Peng is not new to the Hollywood scene, having starred in “The Great Wall”. What makes him a good contender is his versatility as an actor. He has acted from as an autistic teen to Chinese kungfu hero (Wong Fei Hung). The cherry on top? He has previously worked with “Mulan” lead actress Liu Yifei in “Chinese Paladin”, so we know the chemistry will be there.
As you can see, there are plenty in the acting pool to bring Li Shang to life. Who else do y’all think is worthy to play the beloved character?
Sources: Rojak Daily, Next Shark.
