Plan for new Mulan ignites social media

Mulan, the legendary ancient Chinese heroine who gained worldwide fame from a 1998 Disney animated movie, is trending again on the internet.

Disney announced on Monday that production has begun on a live-action version of the animated classic Mulan. The studio also released the first look at Chinese actress Liu Yifei in the title role.

She has been cast as a fifth-century Chinese girl who dressed up as a man and joined the army, taking her father's place, according to an ancient poem. The sneak peek, featuring Liu in classic red outfits holding a sword, generated anticipation among Mulan fans.