'Mulan' Live-Action Sony Vs. Disney: Sony Hires 'Game Of Thrones' Director, Ang Lee Declines Disney

The live-action treatment for "Mulan" will have separate versions from two studios. Sony announced it has hired a "Game of Thrones" director for its version. On the other hand, Disney was supposed to have Ang Lee come aboard as the helmer but the award-winning director has apparently declined from doing the adaptation.

Deadline reports that "Game of Thrones" director Alex Graves will helm Sony's "Mulan" live-action adaptation. The director has also worked on high quality TV shows like "House of Cards, "Homeland" and "Bloodline."

"Mulan" from Sony will be co-produced by a Chinese outfit and will predominantly have a Chinese cast as it is for an "international marketplace." This version of the legend of the female warrior Hua Mulan will be written by Jason Keller ("Mirror, Mirror").

It is believed that Sony's "Mulan" would be a darker and more violent take on the legendary heroine compared to the Disney version. Movie Pilot reports that Sony will take points from "Mulan: Rise of a Warrior," which was released in China in 2009. So far, there is no release date for Sony's "Mulan" just yet.

Meanwhile, Disney's "Mulan" has a confirmed release date -- November 2018 -- but the studio hasn't found its director. Cinema Blend reports that Disney eyed Academy Award winner Ang Lee to direct its adaptation. However, Ang Lee is said to be booked for a boxing movie. Thus, the director won't be able to commit to Disney's "Mulan."

Disney's "Mulan" live-action comes after nearly 20 years when the animated movie was released. Its story is based off "The Ballad of Mulan," which was believed to have been published in the sixth century.

Disney has not yet rounded up casting for "Mulan," but the studio plans on hiring actors with Asian roots. A worldwide casting search has also been announced by the studio, as previously reported by Parent Herald.