Disney's magical thinking won't keep politics away from 'Mulan'

Lure of Chinese profits has led studios away from Hollywood's professed agenda

20200904 Yifei Liu Mulan.jpg

Liu Yifei in the title role of "Mulan:" the film makes clear the willingness of major U.S. production houses to serve as China's megaphone. © Disney/AP

Aynne Kokas teaches media studies at the University of Virginia and is the author of: "Hollywood Made in China." Jeffrey Wasserstrom teaches Chinese history at the University of California, Irvine, and is the author of "Vigil: Hong Kong on the Brink."

Hollywood faces a fresh test in its bid to gain audiences in China without alienating film viewers elsewhere with the release on Friday of Disney's much-hyped live-action remake of "Mulan."

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