Yifei Liu in Disney's live-action Mulan
‘Mulan’ Access Varies by Region; Free in France
August 26, 2020
The upcoming Sept. 4 premium VOD debut of much-delayed live-actioner Mulan is Disney’s first foray bypassing theatrical distribution for direct-to-consumer access. The movie, with a reported production/marketing budgets around $200 million and $100 million, respectively, is the most-expensive direct-to-consumer release ever.
In the U.S., Disney+ subscribers will be able to buy the movie from $29.99. Subs who access Disney+ via Apple, Google Play or Roku will be able to purchase the movie on those platforms as well. The price is 50% higher than the typical PVOD release.
Subscribe HERE to the FREE Media Play News Daily Newsletter!
Outside the U.S., Mulan costs £19.99 ($26.42) in the United Kingdom; €21.99 ($26) in Spain and Italy; $34.99 ($25.32) in Australia and $39.99 ($28.94) in New Zealand.
In France, Disney+ subs can watch Mulan for free — at an unspecified later date. Disney is making the movie available theatrically in select foreign markets without Disney+ and with re-opened cinemas.
Disney released the first Mulan in 1998 as an animated theatrical feature film, grossing $304 million worldwide. A direct-to-video sequel, Mulan II, was released in 2004. The new live-action movie is based on “The Ballad of Mulan,” about a young girl (Yifei Liu) who masquerades as a man to take her sick father’s place in the Imperial Army. It’s a story of a young woman who must test her inner fortitude to rise to the challenges of a warrior.
If Mulan proves a success with consumers and theaters remain off-putting, Disney could follow up offering Marvel’s Black Widow, starring Scarlett Johansson, and Marvel’s WandaVision in November and December, respectively, on Premium Access.