The Star of ‘Mulan’ Speaks About Being From Wuhan, the Epicenter of the Coronavirus
Liu Yifei lives in Beijing, but she is originally from Wuhan, the epicenter of the coronavirus.
Liu is also starring in Mulan, the Disney live-action film. In an interview with the Hollywood Reporter, she spoke about what the process has been like amidst the backdrop of the coronavirus.
The outbreak has now infected more than 77,000 people and killed more than 2,500 in her home country.
“It’s really heavy for me to even think about it,” said Liu, who left Wuhan when she was 10. “People are doing the right thing. They are being careful for themselves and others. I’m so touched actually to see how they haven’t been out for weeks. I’m really hoping for a miracle and that this will just be over soon.”
As THR points out, Liu is a household name in China — she’s nicknamed “Fairy Sister” for her elegance and beauty.
The coronavirus has shut down all 70,000 of China’s theaters since January 24, and it’s unclear whether they will reopen in time for its planned release.
“It certainly has worldwide and global appeal, but there’s no denying that this is a very important film for the Chinese market,” Comscore analyst Paul Dergarabedian told THR. “It’s a huge blow for Disney if it doesn’t release in China.”
Disney president of production Sean Bailey added that he’s “looking at it day by day.”
Without a doubt, we know this film will do well. How could it not? We might not know Liu — yet! — but we will.
Read the full interview at The Hollywood Reporter.