Ming-Na Wen, a veteran actress celebrated for her roles in The Mandalorian, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., and the Star Wars series, recently shared her sentiments on the enduring legacy of Disney’s Mulan as the beloved classic marked its 27th anniversary. Ming-Na was attending the premiere of ‘Karate Kid: Legends’ in May 2025, where she stars as Dr. Fong in the movie series, but it was her portrayal of the iconic Mulan that garnered special attention during the event.
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Reflecting on the timeless impact of Mulan, Ming-Na expressed her deep connection to the character, stating, “Mulan is so near and dear to my heart, and I am telling you that her legacy will continue on forever.” In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, she added, “She will find new fans every which way, inspire a whole new generation, and I am so thrilled to be a part of it. It’s such a gift.”
Having voiced Mulan in the original animated film released by Disney in 1998, as well as its sequel ‘Mulan II’ in 2004, Ming-Na’s association with the character runs deep. She also made a special cameo in the 2020 live-action adaptation of Mulan, with Liu Yifei taking on the lead role. Apart from her professional achievements, Ming-Na has been happily married to Eric Michael Zee for 28 years, and together, they share two children – 24-year-old Michaela and 19-year-old Cooper Dominic Zee.
Proud of her children’s appreciation for Mulan, Ming-Na revealed that they have watched the animated films multiple times and have come to love the story just as much. Light-heartedly, she remarked, “Whether they want to or not, but yes, they love Mulan just as much, and I guess they’re not sick of my voice yet.” Ming-Na’s versatile acting prowess has seen her take on diverse roles, including Fennec Shand in The Mandalorian, Agent Melinda May in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., and various characters in the Star Wars series.
In her latest project, ‘Karate Kid: Legends’, Ming-Na plays a pivotal role as the mother figure, expressing her excitement to be part of the acclaimed franchise. She praised the cast and crew, stating, “I was so excited when [director Jonathan Entwistle] wanted me to participate and be the mom. And I have fallen in love with all the men that are in this as well as [costar Sadie Stanley]. It’s a great cast. We had an incredible experience, and I cannot wait for the fans to see the film.”
‘Karate Kid: Legends’ hit theatres on May 30, 2025, bringing back familiar faces like Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio reprising their roles. The martial arts drama promises an engaging narrative that fans of the franchise will surely appreciate. Ming-Na’s enduring commitment to her craft and her ability to bring characters to life on screen continue to captivate audiences globally, solidifying her status as a revered actress in the industry.
As Ming-Na Wen fondly reflects on her journey with Mulan and embraces new projects like ‘Karate Kid: Legends’, her passion for storytelling and connecting with audiences remains unwavering. With each role she undertakes, Ming-Na leaves an indelible mark on the entertainment world, inspiring generations and leaving a lasting legacy that will transcend time.