Ming-Na Wen Says “Mulan”‘s Legacy Will Continue ‘Forever’ as Disney Favorite Marks 27th Anniversary (Exclusive)
PEOPLE caught up with the 61-year-old actress at the ‘Karate Kid: Legends’ premiere on May 27, 2025
NEED TO KNOW
- Ming-Na Wen is known for her roles in The Mandalorian, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., the Star Wars series and more
- On May 30, 2025, Karate Kid: Legends hit theaters with Wen playing Dr. Fong in the franchise’s sixth film
- At the premiere, Wen spoke to PEOPLE about Mulan‘s lasting impact as the animated movie turns 27
Actress Ming-Na Wen took a heartfelt trip down memory lane while attending the Karate Kid: Legends premiere event in May 2025.
Although she was there to promote her role as Dr. Fong in the sixth film in The Karate Kid franchise, the 61-year-old is best known as the voice of Mulan in Disney’s animated films.
During a chat on the red carpet, Wen reflected on the film’s lasting impact 27 years later – a full circle moment that resonated with fans of the iconic classic.
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“Mulan is so near and dear to my heart, and I am telling you that her legacy will continue on forvever,” se tells PEOPLE exclusively. “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.”
Disney brought Mulan to life in two animated films – first in 1998 and then in a sequel, Mulan II, in 2004 – with Wen lending her voice to the iconic role in both. She later returned to the franchise with a special cameo in the 2020 live-action adaptation, in which Liu Yifei portrayed Mulan.
For the past 28 years, Wen has been married to Eric Michael Zee. The pair have welcomed two children together: 24-year-old Michaela and 19-year-old Cooper Dominic Zee.
Credit: Albert L. Ortega/Getty
Given that her children are all grown up, Wen says that they’ve watched the animated film series numerous times and have grown to love it.
“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,” she jokes.
The Asian American actress has since been recognized for playing Fennec Shand in The Mandalorian, Agent Melinda May in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., and her role in the Star Wars series.
Credit: Kelsey McNeal/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty
As for her latest project, Karate Kid: Legends, she tells PEOPLE she loves being part of the franchise.
“I was so excited when [director Jonathan Entwhistle] 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],” Wen explains. “It’s a great cast. We had an incredible experience, and I cannot wait for the fans to see the film.”
The martial arts drama hit theaters on May 30, 2025, with Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio reprising their roles as Mr. Han and Daniel LaRusso.
Original article at People.
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