Why are people boycotting 'Mulan'? #BoycottMulan trends on Twitter

Disney’s Mulan released on September 4 on its streaming website Disney Plus. Although Mulan’s trailer came out on December 9, release of this much-awaited live-action thriller film had been postponed several times by Disney due to COVID-19 pandemic.

While most viewers across world are mesmerised by captivating story and stunning locations of Disney film, many internet users are urging people to boycott film. As a result, #BoycottMulan has started trending on Twitter post film's highly anticipated release.

Read | Mulan director Niki Caro explains absence of Mushu from live-action adaptation

Why are people boycotting Mulan?

It might come across as bizarre to many Disney fans that some people are urging viewers across world to boycott Mulan. film’s trailer itself received more than 18 million views on YouTube and it was one of highly anticipated films of 2020. However, #BoycottMulan trend on Twitter is t without cause.

Read | Liu Yifei reveals cast and crew of 'Mulan' treated her as "one of guys" on set

According to a report by Guardian, incessant calls for  boycott of Mulan started after its lead actor Liu Yifei, who plays titular role of Mulan, made a comment about democratic protests going on in Hong Kong at time. Liu posted on Chinese social media site Weibo in August 2019. 33-year-old actor commented saying, ”I also support Hong Kong police. You can beat me up w." 

Read | Cast of 'Mulan 2020' boasts of Liu Yifei alongside several big-screen names

According to  Guardian, Liu had also added that it was a shame that people were protesting against Chinese Communist regime in Hong Kong. Liu reportedly had more than 65 million followers on site and expressed her opinion with a hashtag #IAlsoSupportHongKongPolice and a heart emoji.

In many countries, Mulan has been lauded for its representation of Asian actors. However, pro-democracy activist Joshua Wong took to his Twitter and urged everyone who believed human rights to #BoycottMulan.

Read | Where was Mulan filmed? Here are stunning shooting locations

Why are people furious at Liu’s comments?

Liu Yifei’s support for Hong Kong police came at a time when institution was being accused of many human rights violations against pro-democracy. A report on BBC stated that protests started because of an extradition bill which, if passed, would have allowed "criminal suspects to be extradited to mainland China under certain circumstances."

people who were opposing bill feared that bill might be used to target particular groups such as journalists and activists. Following opposition, bill was suspended, but protests continued. As days went by, altercations between police and protestors became more violent. Hence, Liu’s public support to Hong Kong was heavily criticised.