Zhang Ziyi will produce/star in a live-action Mulan

Walt Disney Pictures continues to adapt its animated films to live-action. There’s already a live-action films based upon Cinderella, The Little Red Riding Hood, and The Little Mermaid in development. Channel News Asia (via Joblo) has word that Zhang Ziyi will be starring and producing a live-action film on the Chinese folktale, Mulan, which will be backed by Disney.

Oh, and it will be in 3-D as well.

The story revolves around Hua Mulan (Zhang Ziyi), who poses as a man to enlist in the army to repel an invasion. During her time in the army, she becomes close to General Li, and risks his life to keep her gender a secret.

The film has been planned since last year, but had difficulties getting funded. A number of scandals Ziyi became involved with are also said to contribute to the film’s delay. The actress searched for investors at the Cannes International Film Festival back in May, which Disney then became involved. Charles Russel has been picked to direct the film, which will supposedly be action-heavy. There’s no word if the film will be based on the 1998 animated film.

Production is tentatively scheduled to begin in October.