Perhaps aware of the need for some cultural sensitivity when it comes to the live-action Mulan story, Disney tried to tempt Ang Lee with the director's chair. Sony is clearly not so worried with such concerns on its take on the story, going for someone with a track record of shot-calling: Alex Graves.
Sony's version is, however, taking square aim at the international market, lining Chinese co-production companies and searching for a Chinese lead. Jason Keller wrote the script for the film, which will follow the usual story of the young female warrior taking her sick father's place in the Chinese Imperial Army.
Graves, who made a couple of movies in the 1990s but has since gone on to have big success on TV, was an executive producer and director on The West Wing and has overseen episodes of some very successful TV series, including House Of Cards, Homeland and Game Of Thrones (he won two Emmys for his Wing work).
Despite the monolithic competition from the Mouse House, the Sony version is still coming together, but has yet to announce a release date. Disney's version is targeting a 2018 release and is still looking to lock in a director.