Mushu: Difference between revisions
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'''Mushu'''<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mushu |url=https://d23.com/a-to-z/mushu/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240429134256/https://d23.com/a-to-z/mushu/ |archive-date=April 29, 2024 |access-date=May 6, 2024 |website=[[D23 (Disney)|D23]]}}</ref> is a fictional character in [[Walt Disney Animation Studios|Disney]]'s ''[[Mulan (franchise)|Mulan]]'' franchise, first appearing in the [[Mulan (1998 film)|1998 animated film of the same name]]. A small [[Chinese dragon]], Mushu was a guardian of [[List of Disney's Mulan characters#The Fa / Hua family|Mulan's family]] before |
'''Mushu'''<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mushu |url=https://d23.com/a-to-z/mushu/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240429134256/https://d23.com/a-to-z/mushu/ |archive-date=April 29, 2024 |access-date=May 6, 2024 |website=[[D23 (Disney)|D23]]}}</ref> is a fictional character in [[Walt Disney Animation Studios|Disney]]'s ''[[Mulan (franchise)|Mulan]]'' franchise, first appearing in the [[Mulan (1998 film)|1998 animated film of the same name]]. A small [[Chinese dragon]], Mushu was a guardian of [[List of Disney's Mulan characters#The Fa / Hua family|Mulan's family]] before he was demoted for failing to protect an ancestor. He plots to redeem himself by ensuring Mulan's safety and success when she [[Conscription|enlists herself in the army]] in her father's place, ultimately becoming her closest confidant. In the sequel ''[[Mulan II]]'', he attempts to sabotage Mulan's impending marriage in order to remain her guardian. |
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Although ''Mulan'' is based on the Chinese legend |
Although ''Mulan'' is based on the Chinese legend about [[Hua Mulan]], Mushu is an original character created specifically for the film, at the suggestion of [[Roy E. Disney]]. The creators decided to make the dragon small as to not appear imposing next to Mulan. Inspired by [[Robin Williams]]' performance as the [[Genie (Disney)|Genie]] in ''[[Aladdin (1992 Disney film)|Aladdin]]'' (1992), ''Mulan''<nowiki/>'s producers hoped to cast another comedian as Mushu, and had originally hired [[Joe Pesci]] in the role role. After deciding to go in an African-American direction for Mulan's sidekick, they cast [[Eddie Murphy]], who recorded all of his dialogue from his home studio due to scheduling conflicts. Supervising animator Tom Bancroft studied both Chinese culture and dragon characters from previous animated Disney films to design the character, while drawing inspiration from [[Eddie Murphy filmography|Murphy's previous work]] and mannerisms. |
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Mushu's humor was generally well-received by American critics and audiences. Most reviewers praised Murphy's performance, but some |
Mushu's humor was generally well-received by American critics and audiences. Most reviewers praised Murphy's performance, but some felt the character diminished the seriousness of the film's subject matter''.'' Meanwhile, reception towards Mushu in China was negative, with viewers accusing him of disrespecting Chinese culture and dragons. Several publications have ranked him as one of Disney's greatest sidekicks. Disney's decision to not include the character in the [[Mulan (2020 film)|2020 live-action adaptation]] of ''Mulan'' in an effort to be more culturally sensitive to Chinese audiences drew mixed reviews from fans of the character. |
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== Role == |
== Role == |
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=== Creation and casting === |
=== Creation and casting === |
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Mushu is not mentioned in the Chinese |
Mushu is not mentioned in the Chinese legend about [[Hua Mulan]] or the ''Ballad of Hua Mulan'', on which the film is based.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Desta |first=Yohana |date=December 5, 2019 |title=''Mulan'' Looks Like a High-Flying Epic that Will Pack Dangerous Levels of Nostalgia |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2019/12/mulan-trailer-disney-live-action-adaptation |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230528194502/https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2019/12/mulan-trailer-disney-live-action-adaptation |archive-date=May 28, 2023 |access-date=April 26, 2024 |work=[[Vanity Fair (magazine)|Vanity Fair]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Tsai |first=Martin |date=September 4, 2020 |title=The live-action ''Mulan'' is not the first retelling of the legend. Or the second. Or the sixth. |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/mulan-remakes/2020/09/03/c2976662-ebc3-11ea-b4bc-3a2098fc73d4_story.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221207081318/https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/mulan-remakes/2020/09/03/c2976662-ebc3-11ea-b4bc-3a2098fc73d4_story.html |archive-date=December 7, 2022 |access-date=April 29, 2024 |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Haynes |first=Suyin |date=September 11, 2020 |title=The Controversial Origins of the Story Behind Mulan |url=https://time.com/5881064/mulan-real-history/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404193827/https://time.com/5881064/mulan-real-history/ |archive-date=April 4, 2023 |access-date=May 15, 2024 |magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]]}}</ref> He was created specifically for the animated film,<ref name=":2">{{Cite news |last=Rowney |first=Jo-Anne |date=September 7, 2020 |title=Why Mulan 2020 doesn't have Mushu - director's three reasons for the change |url=https://www.radiotimes.com/movies/disney-mulan-no-mushu/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240426170553/https://www.radiotimes.com/movies/disney-mulan-no-mushu/ |archive-date=April 26, 2024 |access-date=April 26, 2024 |work=[[Radio Times]]}}</ref><ref name=":27" /> although most of its writers considered him to be obligatory and protested his inclusion.<ref>{{Cite web |last=John |date=November 3, 2023 |title=Ten Legendary Years: The Disney Renaissance of the '90s |url=https://www.librarypoint.org/blogs/post/disney-renaissance-90s/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240111214842/https://www.librarypoint.org/blogs/post/disney-renaissance-90s/ |archive-date=January 11, 2024 |access-date=May 28, 2024 |website=[[Central Rappahannock Regional Library]]}}</ref> Despite recognizing dragons among the most recognizable aspects of [[Chinese culture#Loong|Chinese culture]] and imagery,<ref name=":29">{{Cite news |last=Seno |first=Alexandra A. |date=1998 |title=Woman Warrior |url=http://www.cnn.com/ASIANOW/asiaweek/98/0605/feat7.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240507173413/http://www.cnn.com/ASIANOW/asiaweek/98/0605/feat7.html |archive-date=May 7, 2024 |access-date=May 7, 2024 |work=[[CNN]]}}</ref> Disney was initially concerned that a dragon sidekick would dwarf Mulan on screen.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Hischak |first=Thomas S. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=e1RTP8thtR0C&dq=best+disney+animated+voice+performances+mushu&pg=PA151 |title=Disney Voice Actors: A Biographical Dictionary |publisher=[[McFarland & Company]] |year=2011 |isbn=9780786486946 |location=United States |pages=152 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240502123556/https://books.google.ca/books?id=e1RTP8thtR0C&pg=PA151&lpg=PA151&dq=best+disney+animated+voice+performances+mushu&source=bl&ots=AUWBqqwHT_&sig=ACfU3U0Gq8igJgSwZ37b5yLH95p9XeW7KA&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiLp76A3eqFAxUbGFkFHU7hDXo4FBDoAXoECAIQAw#v=onepage&q=best%20disney%20animated%20voice%20performances%20mushu&f=false |archive-date=May 2, 2024 |via=[[Google Books]]}}</ref> Disney chairman [[Roy E. Disney]] suggested the character of Mushu upon learning that dragons in [[Chinese folklore]] can be different sizes.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Gray |first=Tanis |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hkdOEAAAQBAJ&dq=The+Art+of+Disney%E2%80%99s+Dragons+mushu&pg=PA103 |title=Knitting with Disney: 28 Official Patterns Inspired by Mickey Mouse, The Little Mermaid, and More! (Disney Craft Books, Knitting Books, Books for Disney Fans) |publisher=[[Simon & Schuster]] |year=2021 |isbn=9781647221805 |location=United States |pages=103 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240429135718/https://books.google.ca/books?id=hkdOEAAAQBAJ&pg=PA103&lpg=PA103&dq=The+Art+of+Disney%E2%80%99s+Dragons+mushu&source=bl&ots=vTHkr8K8zC&sig=ACfU3U3hjaPgVBfpIEpuSKqDMbt0gxNe8g&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjM-OKlyOeFAxXrD1kFHVmkBHI4HhDoAXoECAIQAw#v=onepage&q=The%20Art%20of%20Disney%E2%80%99s%20Dragons%20mushu&f=false |archive-date=April 29, 2024 |via=[[Google Books]]}}</ref><ref name=":21" /> The character was created to provide [[comic relief]], and named after a [[Moo shu pork|Chinese-American dish]];<ref name=":29" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Haylock |first=Zoe |date=September 1, 2020 |title=Where Is Mushu? And Five Other Questions About the Mulan Trailer |url=https://www.vulture.com/2020/09/is-mushu-in-the-new-mulan-movie-and-more-questions-answered.html |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230831164444/https://www.vulture.com/2020/09/is-mushu-in-the-new-mulan-movie-and-more-questions-answered.html |archive-date=August 31, 2023 |access-date=May 15, 2024 |work=[[Vulture (website)|Vulture]]}}</ref> he ultimately replaced a panda sidekick named "Moo Goo Gai Panda".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mouroux |first=Olivier |title=''Mulan'' |url=https://am.animatedviews.com/Mulan.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210604112715/https://am.animatedviews.com/Mulan.html |archive-date=June 4, 2021 |access-date=April 30, 2024 |website=Animated Movies Animation Database}}</ref> At one point, Mushu was intended to be two characters, a [[gryphon]] and a [[Phoenix (mythology)|phoenix]],<ref name=":9">{{Cite news |last=Foster |first=Tim |date=March 2015 |title=Featured Attraction |url=https://www.celebrationspress.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Celebrations-Issue-40-DV42983.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240501151602/https://www.celebrationspress.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Celebrations-Issue-40-DV42983.pdf |archive-date=May 1, 2024 |access-date=April 29, 2024 |work=Celebrations Press |pages=37}}</ref> and featured in the film much more prominently.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Korkis |first=Jim |date=September 21, 2018 |title=Animation Anecdotes #381 |url=https://cartoonresearch.com/index.php/animation-anecdotes-381/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240430195758/https://cartoonresearch.com/index.php/animation-anecdotes-381/ |archive-date=April 30, 2024 |access-date=April 30, 2024 |website=[[Cartoon Research]]}}</ref> Inspired by the success of [[Robin Williams]]' performance as the [[Genie (Disney)|Genie]] in ''[[Aladdin (1992 Disney film)|Aladdin]]'' (1992),<ref name=":16">{{Cite news |last=Vice |first=Jeff |date=June 19, 1998 |title='Mulan' ala Disney |url=https://www.deseret.com/1998/6/19/19386707/mulan-ala-disney/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230607191734/https://www.deseret.com/1998/6/19/19386707/mulan-ala-disney/ |archive-date=June 7, 2023 |access-date=April 30, 2024 |work=[[Deseret News]]}}</ref><ref name=":18" /> the producers hoped to cast a comic actor in the role, and had considered [[Joe Pesci]], [[Steve Martin]], and [[Sinbad (comedian)|Sinbad]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bricker |first=Tierney |date=June 19, 2023 |title=Let Your Reflection Show You These 17 Secrets About Mulan |url=https://www.eonline.com/ca/news/1377430/let-your-reflection-show-you-these-17-secrets-about-mulan |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240501101753/https://www.eonline.com/ca/news/1377430/let-your-reflection-show-you-these-17-secrets-about-mulan |archive-date=May 1, 2024 |access-date=April 26, 2024 |work=[[E!]]}}</ref> They also animated a [[demo reel]] to some of Pesci's dialogue from one of his films.<ref name=":35" /> Pesci was originally cast, with an early version of Mushu being described as a serpent with two different heads and personalities voiced by Pesci and [[Richard Dreyfuss]], respectively.<ref name=":7">{{Cite news |last=Gass |first=Zach |date=October 1, 2018 |title=Disney Denied: 15 Actors Who Almost Starred As Disney Characters |url=https://www.cbr.com/disney-actors-who-never-were/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220620031954/https://www.cbr.com/disney-actors-who-never-were/ |archive-date=June 20, 2022 |access-date=April 29, 2024 |work=[[Comic Book Resources]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Libbey |first=Dirk |date=October 19, 2017 |title=10 Disney Characters Who Almost Had Totally Different Voices |url=https://www.cinemablend.com/news/1714870/10-disney-characters-who-almost-had-totally-different-voices |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231101180656/https://www.cinemablend.com/news/1714870/10-disney-characters-who-almost-had-totally-different-voices |archive-date=November 1, 2023 |access-date=April 29, 2024 |work=[[CinemaBlend]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Lulic |first=Michelle |date=December 31, 2015 |title=Actors Who Almost Voiced Famous Disney Characters |url=https://www.bustle.com/articles/132231-12-disney-characters-who-were-almost-voiced-by-different-actors |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200810023636/https://www.bustle.com/articles/132231-12-disney-characters-who-were-almost-voiced-by-different-actors |archive-date=August 10, 2020 |access-date=May 6, 2024 |work=[[Bustle (magazine)|Bustle]]}}</ref> The filmmakers had originally envisioned the character having a "[[New York accent|New York]], tough guy, streetwise" accent reminiscent of actors [[Billy Crystal]] and [[Danny DeVito]], but deemed these traits too derivative of supporting characters from previous Disney films''.''<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Noyer |first=Jérémie |date=August 14, 2008 |title=Tony Bancroft balances the yin and the yang in directing Mulan |url=https://animatedviews.com/2008/tony-bancroft-balances-the-yin-and-the-yang-in-directing-mulan/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240426190834/https://animatedviews.com/2008/tony-bancroft-balances-the-yin-and-the-yang-in-directing-mulan/ |archive-date=April 26, 2024 |access-date=April 26, 2024 |website=Animated Views}}</ref>[[File:Eddie Murphy 2010.jpg|thumb|248x248px|[[Eddie Murphy]] voices Mushu.<ref>{{Cite news |date=March 31, 2003 |title=Blacks Who've Won Fame with Character Voices |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=k7UDAAAAMBAJ&q=mushu&pg=PA54 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240524150301/https://books.google.com/books?id=k7UDAAAAMBAJ&q=mushu&pg=PA54 |archive-date=May 24, 2024 |access-date=May 1, 2024 |work=[[Jet (magazine)|Jet]] |publisher=[[Johnson Publishing Company]] |pages=55 |via=[[Google Books]] |issn=0021-5996}}</ref>]] |
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According to director [[Tony Bancroft]], Mushu had always been described as the opposite of Mulan's personality, and felt an African-American character would deliver the perfect contrast to the heroine's more traditionally Chinese characterization.<ref name=":4" /><ref>{{Cite book |last=Sim Lau |first=Dorothy Wai |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=yzsiEAAAQBAJ&dq=eddie+murphy+biography+%22mushu%22&pg=PA163 |title=Reorienting Chinese Stars in Global Polyphonic Networks: Voice, Ethnicity, Power |publisher=[[Springer Nature]] |year=2021 |isbn=9789811603136 |pages=163 |via=[[Google Books]]}}</ref> They started interviewing several African-American performers,<ref name=":4" /> with Disney executive [[Michael Eisner]] ultimately |
According to director [[Tony Bancroft]], Mushu had always been described as the opposite of Mulan's personality, and felt an African-American character would deliver the perfect contrast to the heroine's more traditionally Chinese characterization.<ref name=":4" /><ref>{{Cite book |last=Sim Lau |first=Dorothy Wai |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=yzsiEAAAQBAJ&dq=eddie+murphy+biography+%22mushu%22&pg=PA163 |title=Reorienting Chinese Stars in Global Polyphonic Networks: Voice, Ethnicity, Power |publisher=[[Springer Nature]] |year=2021 |isbn=9789811603136 |pages=163 |via=[[Google Books]]}}</ref> They started interviewing several African-American performers,<ref name=":4" /> with Disney executive [[Michael Eisner]] ultimately suggesting actor-comedian [[Eddie Murphy]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Barnes |first=Jakob |date=March 2024 |title=Joe Pesci nearly played this iconic Disney character |url=https://www.thedigitalfix.com/disney/joe-pesci |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240429132941/https://www.thedigitalfix.com/disney/joe-pesci |archive-date=April 29, 2024 |access-date=April 29, 2024 |work=The Digital Fix}}</ref> While Murphy had expressed interest in doing animation at the time,<ref name=":16" /> Eisner claimed Murphy owed him a favor for producing one of the actor's first major films, ''[[Beverly Hills Cop]]'' (1984).<ref name=":35" /> Tom Bancroft, Mushu's supervising animator and Tony's twin brother, was initially unsure about contrasting the film's serious depiction of Chinese culture against an [[African-American English|urban voice]], but ultimately felt the character would bring dynamic chemistry to ''Mulan''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lyons |first=Michael |date=June 9, 2023 |title=The Art of War: The 25th Anniversary of "Mulan" |url=https://cartoonresearch.com/index.php/the-art-of-war-the-25th-anniversary-of-mulan/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240430170803/https://cartoonresearch.com/index.php/the-art-of-war-the-25th-anniversary-of-mulan/ |archive-date=April 30, 2024 |access-date=April 30, 2023 |website=[[Cartoon Research]]}}</ref> Mushu's role was expanded to that of one of the film's main characters as the story evolved.<ref name=":23">{{Cite news |date=March 9, 2012 |title=Artist Interview: Tom Bancroft |url=https://www.artsketch.org/artist-interview-tom-bancroft/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160821192251/https://www.artsketch.org/artist-interview-tom-bancroft/ |archive-date=August 21, 2016 |access-date=May 2, 2024 |work=ArtSketch.org}}</ref> The silent character of the cricket [[List of Disney's Mulan characters|Cri-Kee]] was added to balance him,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Miller |first=Bruce R. |date=June 26, 1996 |title=the Art of "Mulan" |url=https://theguardian.newspapers.com/article/sioux-city-journal-the-art-of-mulan/139127485/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240507193322/https://theguardian.newspapers.com/article/sioux-city-journal-the-art-of-mulan/139127485/ |archive-date=May 7, 2024 |access-date=May 7, 2024 |work=[[Sioux City Journal]] |via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref> since Mushu is the only character who can understand Cri-Kee's chirps.<ref name=":36" /> |
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Murphy accepted the role partially because he wanted to make some films that his own children could watch, having mostly starred in movies intended for adults prior to ''Mulan''.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Feinberg |first=Scott |date=August 20, 2016 |title='Awards Chatter' Podcast — Eddie Murphy ('Mr. Church') |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/awards-chatter-podcast-eddie-murphy-920805/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240213230642/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/awards-chatter-podcast-eddie-murphy-920805/ |archive-date=February 13, 2024 |access-date=April 26, 2024 |work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]}}</ref> He was also one of its few non-Asian main cast members.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Pickett |first=Leah |date=November 17, 2014 |title=Ranking: The Disney Renaissance From Worst to Best |url=https://time.com/3590521/disney-renaissance/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230824100710/https://time.com/3590521/disney-renaissance/ |archive-date=August 24, 2023 |access-date=April 29, 2024 |magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]]}}</ref> Due to his busy filming schedule,<ref name=":22">{{Cite book |last=Bancroft |first=Tony |author-link=Tony Bancroft |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PbUhAQAAQBAJ&dq=eddie+murphy+basement+mulan&pg=PA148 |title=Directing for Animation: Everything You Didn't Learn in Art School |publisher=[[CRC Press]] |year=2013 |isbn=9781136126543 |location=United States |pages=148 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240501171251/https://books.google.ca/books?id=PbUhAQAAQBAJ&pg=PA148&lpg=PA148&dq=eddie+murphy+basement+mulan&source=bl&ots=7oWnh0ehzR&sig=ACfU3U0TIpA4TTrFg_zlZhorKSi5IFASZw&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjQ9s_ejeCFAxWFEVkFHU2hCzQQ6AF6BAguEAM#v=onepage&q=eddie%20murphy%20basement%20mulan&f=false |archive-date=May 1, 2024 |via=[[Google Books]]}}</ref> Murphy requested that Disney allow him to record his part from his home studio in Englewood, New Jersey,<ref name=":17">{{Cite news |last=Pearlman |first=Cindy |date=June 14, 1998 |title='Mulan' earns her stripes // Disney banks on a brave new girl |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-4446841.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924194422/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-4446841.html |archive-date=September 24, 2015 |access-date=April 30, 2024 |work=[[Chicago Sun-Times]] |via=[[HighBeam Research]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=June 16, 2023 |title=17 Secrets About Mulan Revealed |url=https://www.eonline.com/ca/photos/36241/17-secrets-about-mulan-revealed |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240501102711/https://www.eonline.com/ca/photos/36241/17-secrets-about-mulan-revealed |archive-date=May 1, 2024 |access-date=April 26, 2024 |work=[[E!]]}}</ref> to where Disney brought character sketches.<ref name=":17" /> According to Tony, they were forced to comply with Murphy's demands to avoid the risk of not completing his animation on time, which he admitted ultimately benefited the performance.<ref name=":22" /> |
Murphy accepted the role partially because he wanted to make some films that his own children could watch, having mostly starred in movies intended for adults prior to ''Mulan''.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Feinberg |first=Scott |date=August 20, 2016 |title='Awards Chatter' Podcast — Eddie Murphy ('Mr. Church') |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/awards-chatter-podcast-eddie-murphy-920805/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240213230642/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/awards-chatter-podcast-eddie-murphy-920805/ |archive-date=February 13, 2024 |access-date=April 26, 2024 |work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]}}</ref> He was also one of its few non-Asian main cast members.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Pickett |first=Leah |date=November 17, 2014 |title=Ranking: The Disney Renaissance From Worst to Best |url=https://time.com/3590521/disney-renaissance/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230824100710/https://time.com/3590521/disney-renaissance/ |archive-date=August 24, 2023 |access-date=April 29, 2024 |magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Suzanne-Mayer |first=Dominick |last2=Pickett |first2=Leah |date=November 22, 2016 |title=From The Little Mermaid to Tarzan: Ranking the Disney Renaissance |url=https://consequence.net/2016/11/ranking-the-disney-renaissance/9/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240711123335/https://consequence.net/2016/11/ranking-the-disney-renaissance/9/ |archive-date=July 11, 2024 |access-date=July 11, 2024 |work=[[Consequence (publication)|Consequence]]}}</ref> Due to his busy filming schedule,<ref name=":22">{{Cite book |last=Bancroft |first=Tony |author-link=Tony Bancroft |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PbUhAQAAQBAJ&dq=eddie+murphy+basement+mulan&pg=PA148 |title=Directing for Animation: Everything You Didn't Learn in Art School |publisher=[[CRC Press]] |year=2013 |isbn=9781136126543 |location=United States |pages=148 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240501171251/https://books.google.ca/books?id=PbUhAQAAQBAJ&pg=PA148&lpg=PA148&dq=eddie+murphy+basement+mulan&source=bl&ots=7oWnh0ehzR&sig=ACfU3U0TIpA4TTrFg_zlZhorKSi5IFASZw&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjQ9s_ejeCFAxWFEVkFHU2hCzQQ6AF6BAguEAM#v=onepage&q=eddie%20murphy%20basement%20mulan&f=false |archive-date=May 1, 2024 |via=[[Google Books]]}}</ref> Murphy requested that Disney allow him to record his part from his home studio in Englewood, New Jersey,<ref name=":17">{{Cite news |last=Pearlman |first=Cindy |date=June 14, 1998 |title='Mulan' earns her stripes // Disney banks on a brave new girl |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-4446841.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924194422/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-4446841.html |archive-date=September 24, 2015 |access-date=April 30, 2024 |work=[[Chicago Sun-Times]] |via=[[HighBeam Research]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=June 16, 2023 |title=17 Secrets About Mulan Revealed |url=https://www.eonline.com/ca/photos/36241/17-secrets-about-mulan-revealed |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240501102711/https://www.eonline.com/ca/photos/36241/17-secrets-about-mulan-revealed |archive-date=May 1, 2024 |access-date=April 26, 2024 |work=[[E!]]}}</ref> to where Disney brought character sketches.<ref name=":17" /> According to Tony, they were forced to comply with Murphy's demands to avoid the risk of not completing his animation on time, which he admitted ultimately benefited the performance.<ref name=":22" /> Murphy did little improvisation because the part had already been written for him.<ref name=":35" /> |
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Songwriters [[Matthew Wilder]] and [[David Zippel]] had written at least two songs intended for |
Songwriters [[Matthew Wilder]] and [[David Zippel]] had written at least two songs intended for Mushu to sing when he introduces himself to Mulan.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |last=Rowney |first=Jo-Anne |date=September 11, 2020 |title=Mushu's songs were cut from Disney's Mulan after Eddie Murphy 'refused to sing' |url=https://www.radiotimes.com/movies/mushus-song-cut-original-disney-mulan-eddie-murphy-refused-sing/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240426151811/https://www.radiotimes.com/movies/mushus-song-cut-original-disney-mulan-eddie-murphy-refused-sing/ |archive-date=April 26, 2024 |access-date=April 26, 2024 |work=[[Radio Times]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Gold |first=Gina |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7OcREAAAQBAJ&dq=eddie+murphy+%22mushu%22&pg=PA18 |title=Disney Princess Sticker Art Puzzles |publisher=[[Thunder Bay Press]] |year=2019 |isbn=978-1684128716 |location=United States |pages=18 |via=[[Google Books]]}}</ref> One of them, "[[Keep 'Em Guessing]]", would have taught Mulan about being a convincing male soldier.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Lenker |first=Maureen Lee |date=June 19, 2018 |title=Mulan: The story behind 'I'll Make a Man Out of You' and its other hit songs |url=https://ew.com/movies/2018/06/19/mulan-ill-make-a-man-out-of-you-story/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230320001444/https://ew.com/movies/2018/06/19/mulan-ill-make-a-man-out-of-you-story/ |archive-date=March 20, 2023 |access-date=May 2, 2024 |magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Gutoskey |first=Ellen |date=March 20, 2020 |title=11 Memorable Facts About Disney's Mulan |url=https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/620569/mulan-disney-movie-facts |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240426150033/https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/620569/mulan-disney-movie-facts |archive-date=April 26, 2024 |access-date=April 26, 2024 |work=[[Mental Floss]]}}</ref> The song was [[Cutting room floor|cut]] because Murphy did not want to sing in the film,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Sarkisian |first=Jacob |date=September 6, 2020 |title=20 details you might have missed in Disney's original 'Mulan' |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/disney-original-mulan-details-you-might-have-missed-2020-9#13-eddie-murphys-mushu-originally-had-a-song-to-sing-but-it-was-cut-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240426150033/https://www.businessinsider.com/disney-original-mulan-details-you-might-have-missed-2020-9#13-eddie-murphys-mushu-originally-had-a-song-to-sing-but-it-was-cut-13 |archive-date=April 26, 2024 |access-date=April 26, 2024 |work=[[Business Insider]]}}</ref> despite several attempts to re-write it to his liking.<ref name=":0" /> Tony felt Mushu's songs ruined the [[Pace (narrative)|pacing]] of the film.<ref name=":4" /> They decided to replace it with Mushu introducing himself to Mulan in the manner of an African-American preacher because they felt they needed a big introduction in the song's absence.<ref name=":4" /> In 2020, [[Ming-Na Wen]], who voices Mulan, revealed that she had yet to meet Murphy in person, despite having voiced characters in the same film.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Polowy |first=Kevin |date=November 9, 2020 |title=Ming-Na Wen says she still hasn't met 'Mulan' co-star Eddie Murphy, talks surprise cameo in live-action version |url=https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/ming-na-wen-mulan-eddie-murphy-mushu-remake-cameo-160036679.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240426144917/https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/ming-na-wen-mulan-eddie-murphy-mushu-remake-cameo-160036679.html |archive-date=April 26, 2024 |access-date=April 26, 2024 |work=[[Yahoo! Entertainment]]}}</ref> Mushu was Murphy's first voice acting role,<ref name=":18">{{Cite news |last=Spiegel |first=Josh |date=September 25, 2019 |title=Disney's 'Mulan' Was Another Attempt To Tell A Story About A Culture Of Color, And It Landed With Mixed Results |url=https://www.slashfilm.com/569325/mulan-revisited/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231130073444/https://www.slashfilm.com/569325/mulan-revisited/ |archive-date=November 30, 2023 |access-date=April 30, 2024 |work=[[/Film]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Bulten |first=Izak |date=September 13, 2020 |title=Mulan (1998): 10 Behind-The-Scenes Facts About The Disney Classic |url=https://screenrant.com/disney-mulan-1998-behind-scenes-facts-trivia/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210325130041/https://screenrant.com/disney-mulan-1998-behind-scenes-facts-trivia/ |archive-date=March 25, 2021 |access-date=April 30, 2024 |work=[[Screen Rant]]}}</ref> and Tom theorizes this inspired [[DreamWorks Animation|DreamWorks]] to eventually cast him as [[Donkey (Shrek)|Donkey]] in the [[Shrek (franchise)|''Shrek'' franchise]].<ref name=":10" /> Murphy is one of the film's few original cast members who did not reprise his role in the sequel ''[[Mulan II]]'' (2004),<ref>{{Cite news |last=Adekaiyero |first=Ayomikun |date=June 17, 2023 |title=Then and Now: The cast of 'Mulan' 25 years later |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/then-and-now-the-cast-of-mulan-25-years-later-2023-6#eddie-murphy-is-now-an-oscar-nominated-and-emmy-winning-actor-4 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240429132939/https://www.businessinsider.com/then-and-now-the-cast-of-mulan-25-years-later-2023-6#eddie-murphy-is-now-an-oscar-nominated-and-emmy-winning-actor-4 |archive-date=April 29, 2024 |access-date=April 29, 2024 |work=[[Business Insider]]}}</ref> early versions of which had a dragon love interest for Mushu.<ref name=":36" /> |
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=== Design and personality === |
=== Design and personality === |
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Tom was Mushu's supervising animator,<ref name=":5">{{Cite news |last=Acuna |first=Kirsten |date=October 17, 2019 |title=The original 'Mulan' director and animator are happy that Disney's upcoming remake isn't a carbon copy of the animated classic |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/what-mulan-director-mushu-animator-think-of-disney-remake-2019-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240426193536/https://www.businessinsider.com/what-mulan-director-mushu-animator-think-of-disney-remake-2019-10 |archive-date=April 26, 2024 |access-date=April 26, 2024 |work=[[Business Insider]]}}</ref> and [[Chris Sanders]] was one of his character designers.<ref name=":9" /> Tom had originally expected to be assigned a less prominent character, but Mushu ultimately became his first job as a supervising animator.<ref name=":23" /> He was hired to work on Mushu a year before [[Pre-production|production]] began on ''Mulan'', during a period when Disney had yet to cast the character or determine his personality.<ref name=":10">{{Cite news |last=Belz |first=Aaron |author-link=Aaron Belz |date=March 11, 2013 |title=The Maker of Mulan's Mushu Speaks |url=https://www.curatormagazine.com/aaronbelz/the-maker-of-mulans-mushu-speaks/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231025012705/https://www.curatormagazine.com/aaronbelz/the-maker-of-mulans-mushu-speaks/ |archive-date=October 25, 2023 |access-date=April 29, 2024 |work=The Curator}}</ref><ref name=":13">{{Cite web |last=Minow |first=Nell |author-link=Nell Minow |date=March 18, 2013 |title=Interview: Tom Bancroft of "Mulan" |url=https://moviemom.com/interview-tom-bancroft-of-mulan/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240429191029/https://moviemom.com/interview-tom-bancroft-of-mulan/ |archive-date=April 29, 2024 |access-date=April 29, 2024 |website=[[Nell Minow|Movie Mom]]}}</ref> Additionally, character designer [[Harald Siepermann]] drew [[concept art]] from his studio in Germany for the first few weeks of production,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bacher |first=Hans |title=Mushu from Walt Disney's Mulan |url=https://haraldsiepermann.com/2020/01/13/mushu-from-walt-disneys-mulan/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240430150609/https://haraldsiepermann.com/2020/01/13/mushu-from-walt-disneys-mulan/ |archive-date=April 30, 2024 |access-date=April 30, 2024 |website=[[Harald Siepermann|The Harald Siepermann Archive]]|date=13 January 2020 }}</ref> but remained uncredited due to working less than 200 hours on the film.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Schütze |first=Silke |date=December 1, 2002 |title=The creator of Disney's fairytale creatures |url=https://www-welt-de.translate.goog/print-wams/article104266/Der-Schoepfer-von-Disneys-Maerchenwesen.html?_x_tr_sl=de&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240501160409/https://www-welt-de.translate.goog/print-wams/article104266/Der-Schoepfer-von-Disneys-Maerchenwesen.html?_x_tr_sl=de&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc |archive-date=May 1, 2024 |access-date=May 1, 2024 |work=[[Die Welt]] |language=German}}</ref> The animators had considered several animals for Mushu, including a two-headed serpent.<ref name=":7" /> At various stages of development, Mushu was changed from two different dragons who morph into one by the end of the film, to a phoenix, and finally a dragon.<ref name=":10" /> Due to constant script revisions early on, Tom drew generic versions of the character, avoiding poses and facial expressions.<ref name=":13" /> |
Tom was Mushu's supervising animator,<ref name=":5">{{Cite news |last=Acuna |first=Kirsten |date=October 17, 2019 |title=The original 'Mulan' director and animator are happy that Disney's upcoming remake isn't a carbon copy of the animated classic |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/what-mulan-director-mushu-animator-think-of-disney-remake-2019-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240426193536/https://www.businessinsider.com/what-mulan-director-mushu-animator-think-of-disney-remake-2019-10 |archive-date=April 26, 2024 |access-date=April 26, 2024 |work=[[Business Insider]]}}</ref> and [[Chris Sanders]] was one of his character designers.<ref name=":9" /> Tom had originally expected to be assigned a less prominent character, but Mushu ultimately became his first job as a supervising animator.<ref name=":23" /> He was hired to work on Mushu a year before [[Pre-production|production]] began on ''Mulan'', during a period when Disney had yet to cast the character or determine his personality.<ref name=":10">{{Cite news |last=Belz |first=Aaron |author-link=Aaron Belz |date=March 11, 2013 |title=The Maker of Mulan's Mushu Speaks |url=https://www.curatormagazine.com/aaronbelz/the-maker-of-mulans-mushu-speaks/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231025012705/https://www.curatormagazine.com/aaronbelz/the-maker-of-mulans-mushu-speaks/ |archive-date=October 25, 2023 |access-date=April 29, 2024 |work=The Curator}}</ref><ref name=":13">{{Cite web |last=Minow |first=Nell |author-link=Nell Minow |date=March 18, 2013 |title=Interview: Tom Bancroft of "Mulan" |url=https://moviemom.com/interview-tom-bancroft-of-mulan/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240429191029/https://moviemom.com/interview-tom-bancroft-of-mulan/ |archive-date=April 29, 2024 |access-date=April 29, 2024 |website=[[Nell Minow|Movie Mom]]}}</ref> Additionally, character designer [[Harald Siepermann]] drew [[concept art]] from his studio in Germany for the first few weeks of production,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bacher |first=Hans |title=Mushu from Walt Disney's Mulan |url=https://haraldsiepermann.com/2020/01/13/mushu-from-walt-disneys-mulan/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240430150609/https://haraldsiepermann.com/2020/01/13/mushu-from-walt-disneys-mulan/ |archive-date=April 30, 2024 |access-date=April 30, 2024 |website=[[Harald Siepermann|The Harald Siepermann Archive]]|date=13 January 2020 }}</ref> but remained uncredited due to working less than 200 hours on the film.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Schütze |first=Silke |date=December 1, 2002 |title=The creator of Disney's fairytale creatures |url=https://www-welt-de.translate.goog/print-wams/article104266/Der-Schoepfer-von-Disneys-Maerchenwesen.html?_x_tr_sl=de&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240501160409/https://www-welt-de.translate.goog/print-wams/article104266/Der-Schoepfer-von-Disneys-Maerchenwesen.html?_x_tr_sl=de&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc |archive-date=May 1, 2024 |access-date=May 1, 2024 |work=[[Die Welt]] |language=German}}</ref> The animators had considered several animals for Mushu, including a two-headed serpent.<ref name=":7" /> At various stages of development, Mushu was changed from two different dragons who morph into one by the end of the film, to a phoenix, and finally a dragon.<ref name=":10" /> Due to constant script revisions early on, Tom drew generic versions of the character, avoiding poses and facial expressions.<ref name=":13" /> |
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Tom borrowed inspiration from several aspects of Chinese culture when designing the character, including [[woodblock printing]] and sculptures from temples.<ref name=":6">{{Cite news |last=Lei |first=Zhang |date=March 12, 2022 |title=An animated character |url=https://global.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202203/12/WS622bfb97a310cdd39bc8c264_2.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240426195343/https://global.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202203/12/WS622bfb97a310cdd39bc8c264_2.html |archive-date=April 26, 2024 |access-date=April 26, 2024 |work=[[China Daily]]}}</ref> Although Disney had featured [[European dragon|European-style dragons]] in several previous animated projects, Mushu was the studio's first Chinese dragon, and Tom worked to differentiate the character from his predecessors.<ref name=":10" /> The animator realized that Chinese and European dragons are very different in appearance, describing the former as "thin and snake-like while the European dragons were often thick and more like a crocodile".<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 13, 2022 |title=An animated character |url=http://www.china.org.cn/arts/2022-03/13/content_78105501.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240426195802/http://www.china.org.cn/arts/2022-03/13/content_78105501.htm |archive-date=April 26, 2024 |access-date=April 26, 2024 |website=[[China Internet Information Center]]}}</ref> Tom also researched dragons and dragon-like characters from previous Disney films, including Elliott from ''[[Pete's Dragon (1977 film)|Pete’s Dragon]]'' (1977), [[Maleficent]] from ''[[Sleeping Beauty (1959 film)|Sleeping Beauty]]'' (1959) and the [[Lernaean Hydra|Hydra]] from ''[[Hercules (1997 film)|Hercules]]'' (1997), while ''[[The Reluctant Dragon (1941 film)|The Reluctant Dragon]]'' (1941) in particular was studied to see how animators approached a simplified, humorous dragon during the 1940s.<ref name=":8">{{Cite news |last=McMullen |first=Jonathan |date=August 10, 2016 |title=How Disney Dragons are Drawn to Life |url=https://d23.com/how-disney-dragons-are-drawn-to-life/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240429134254/https://d23.com/how-disney-dragons-are-drawn-to-life/ |archive-date=April 29, 2024 |access-date=April 29, 2024 |work=[[D23 (Disney)|D23]]}}</ref> Tom was also inspired by the work of fellow Disney animator [[Eric Goldberg (animator)|Eric Goldberg]], who had sketched ''Aladdin''<nowiki/>'s Genie briefly transforming into a dragon.<ref name=":8" /> He described the final design of Mushu as a combination of many different animals, possessing "whiskers like a catfish, scales like a fish, cow ears, the hairy lip of a camel, horns like a goat and talons of an eagle".<ref name=":6" /> Although the animators had wanted Mushu's tale to be purple to match his horns, a Disney executive insisted that it be red like the rest of the character, much to Tony's chagrin.<ref name=":14">{{Cite news |date=June 30, 2017 |title=Original 'Mulan' director in Manila to inspire young Filipino artists |url=https://coconuts.co/manila/lifestyle/original-mulan-director-manila-inspire-young-filipino-artists/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240429194704/https://coconuts.co/manila/lifestyle/original-mulan-director-manila-inspire-young-filipino-artists/ |archive-date=April 29, 2024 |access-date=April 29, 2024 |work=[[Coconuts.co]]}}</ref> In an act of protest, the animators secretly colored his tail purple in one brief scene in the film.<ref name=":14" /> |
Tom borrowed inspiration from several aspects of Chinese culture when designing the character, including [[woodblock printing]] and sculptures from temples.<ref name=":6">{{Cite news |last=Lei |first=Zhang |date=March 12, 2022 |title=An animated character |url=https://global.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202203/12/WS622bfb97a310cdd39bc8c264_2.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240426195343/https://global.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202203/12/WS622bfb97a310cdd39bc8c264_2.html |archive-date=April 26, 2024 |access-date=April 26, 2024 |work=[[China Daily]]}}</ref> Although Disney had featured [[European dragon|European-style dragons]] in several previous animated projects, Mushu was the studio's first Chinese dragon, and Tom worked to differentiate the character from his predecessors.<ref name=":10" /> The animator realized that Chinese and European dragons are very different in appearance, describing the former as "thin and snake-like while the European dragons were often thick and more like a crocodile".<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 13, 2022 |title=An animated character |url=http://www.china.org.cn/arts/2022-03/13/content_78105501.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240426195802/http://www.china.org.cn/arts/2022-03/13/content_78105501.htm |archive-date=April 26, 2024 |access-date=April 26, 2024 |website=[[China Internet Information Center]]}}</ref> Tom also researched dragons and dragon-like characters from previous Disney films, including Elliott from ''[[Pete's Dragon (1977 film)|Pete’s Dragon]]'' (1977), [[Maleficent]] from ''[[Sleeping Beauty (1959 film)|Sleeping Beauty]]'' (1959) and the [[Lernaean Hydra|Hydra]] from ''[[Hercules (1997 film)|Hercules]]'' (1997), while ''[[The Reluctant Dragon (1941 film)|The Reluctant Dragon]]'' (1941) in particular was studied to see how animators approached a simplified, humorous dragon during the 1940s.<ref name=":8">{{Cite news |last=McMullen |first=Jonathan |date=August 10, 2016 |title=How Disney Dragons are Drawn to Life |url=https://d23.com/how-disney-dragons-are-drawn-to-life/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240429134254/https://d23.com/how-disney-dragons-are-drawn-to-life/ |archive-date=April 29, 2024 |access-date=April 29, 2024 |work=[[D23 (Disney)|D23]]}}</ref> Tom was also inspired by the work of fellow Disney animator [[Eric Goldberg (animator)|Eric Goldberg]], who had sketched ''Aladdin''<nowiki/>'s Genie briefly transforming into a dragon.<ref name=":8" /> He described the final design of Mushu as a combination of many different animals, possessing "whiskers like a catfish, scales like a fish, cow ears, the hairy lip of a camel, horns like a goat and talons of an eagle".<ref name=":6" /> Tom made his own color models for the character, which was uncommon for a supervising animator to do.<ref name=":35">{{Cite web |last=Reif |first=Alex |date=April 12, 2021 |title=WDFM Event Recap: “Reflections on Mulan” with Tony and Tom Bancroft |url=https://www.laughingplace.com/w/articles/2021/04/12/wdfm-event-recap-reflections-on-mulan-with-tony-and-tom-bancroft/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220116220417/https://www.laughingplace.com/w/articles/2021/04/12/wdfm-event-recap-reflections-on-mulan-with-tony-and-tom-bancroft/ |archive-date=January 16, 2022 |access-date=July 10, 2024 |website=LaughingPlace.com}}</ref> Although the animators had wanted Mushu's tale to be purple to match his horns, a Disney executive insisted that it be red like the rest of the character, much to Tony's chagrin.<ref name=":14">{{Cite news |date=June 30, 2017 |title=Original 'Mulan' director in Manila to inspire young Filipino artists |url=https://coconuts.co/manila/lifestyle/original-mulan-director-manila-inspire-young-filipino-artists/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240429194704/https://coconuts.co/manila/lifestyle/original-mulan-director-manila-inspire-young-filipino-artists/ |archive-date=April 29, 2024 |access-date=April 29, 2024 |work=[[Coconuts.co]]}}</ref> In an act of protest, the animators secretly colored his tail purple in one brief scene in the film when he is riding on Khan's back.<ref name=":14" /><ref name=":35" /> |
||
Tom refined Murphy's facial expressions, poses, and personality once Murphy was cast,<ref name=":10" /><ref name=":13" /> attending at least two of his recording sessions.<ref name=":10" /> Murphy's performance greatly influenced Tom's drawings, spending as much as a week animating each scene while listening to tape recordings of Murphy's sessions.<ref name=":13" /> He was also inspired by Murphy's work in ''[[Trading Places]]'' (1983) and ''[[Saturday Night Live]]'', specifically his facial expressions, joke delivery, and how he uses his hands,<ref name=":13" /> as well as prints of the actor's face.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Korkis |first=Jim |date=August 26, 2022 |title=Remembering "Mulan" |url=https://cartoonresearch.com/index.php/remembering-mulan/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240502131050/https://cartoonresearch.com/index.php/remembering-mulan/ |archive-date=May 2, 2024 |access-date=May 2, 2024 |website=[[Cartoon Research]]}}</ref> He maintains that the character is very similar to Murphy personality-wise.<ref name=":10" /> Despite Murphy's influence on Mushu, Tom said he incorporated more of himself into the dragon than his voice actor,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Korkis |first=Jim |date=January 24, 2014 |title=Animation Anecdotes #146 |url=https://cartoonresearch.com/index.php/animation-anecdotes-146/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240502125720/https://cartoonresearch.com/index.php/animation-anecdotes-146/ |archive-date=May 2, 2024 |access-date=May 2, 2024 |work=[[Cartoon Research]]}}</ref> and considers him a favorite of the characters he has worked on.<ref name=":23" /> He claims he learned from peers working at DreamWorks that their animators had reviewed animation footage of Mushu when developing Donkey for ''Shrek'', who was also voiced by Murphy.<ref name=":10" /> Disney archivist [[Dave Smith (archivist)|Dave Smith]] described Mushu as boastful, brave, and excitable, a character who "has more than enough personality and bravado for the biggest dragons", despite his small size.<ref name=":32" /> |
Tom refined Murphy's facial expressions, poses, and personality once Murphy was cast,<ref name=":10" /><ref name=":13" /> attending at least two of his recording sessions.<ref name=":10" /> Murphy's performance greatly influenced Tom's drawings, spending as much as a week animating each scene while listening to tape recordings of Murphy's sessions.<ref name=":13" /> He was also inspired by Murphy's work in ''[[Trading Places]]'' (1983) and ''[[Saturday Night Live]]'', specifically his facial expressions, joke delivery, and how he uses his hands,<ref name=":13" /> as well as prints of the actor's face.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Korkis |first=Jim |date=August 26, 2022 |title=Remembering "Mulan" |url=https://cartoonresearch.com/index.php/remembering-mulan/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240502131050/https://cartoonresearch.com/index.php/remembering-mulan/ |archive-date=May 2, 2024 |access-date=May 2, 2024 |website=[[Cartoon Research]]}}</ref> He maintains that the character is very similar to Murphy personality-wise.<ref name=":10" /> Despite Murphy's influence on Mushu, Tom said he incorporated more of himself into the dragon than his voice actor,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Korkis |first=Jim |date=January 24, 2014 |title=Animation Anecdotes #146 |url=https://cartoonresearch.com/index.php/animation-anecdotes-146/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240502125720/https://cartoonresearch.com/index.php/animation-anecdotes-146/ |archive-date=May 2, 2024 |access-date=May 2, 2024 |work=[[Cartoon Research]]}}</ref> and considers him a favorite of the characters he has worked on.<ref name=":23" /> He claims he learned from peers working at DreamWorks that their animators had reviewed animation footage of Mushu when developing Donkey for ''Shrek'', who was also voiced by Murphy.<ref name=":10" /> In an effort to appeal to older audiences, Disney omitted Mushu from ''Mulan''<nowiki/>'s marketing campaign until two weeks before the film was released.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bates |first=James |last2=Eller |first2=Claudia |date=June 12, 1998 |title=Bridled Optimism |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1998-jun-12-fi-59077-story.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326030347/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1998-jun-12-fi-59077-story.html |archive-date=March 26, 2023 |access-date=July 11, 2024 |work=[[Los Angeles Times]]}}</ref> Disney archivist [[Dave Smith (archivist)|Dave Smith]] described Mushu as boastful, brave, and excitable, a character who "has more than enough personality and bravado for the biggest dragons", despite his small size.<ref name=":32" /> |
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== Critical reception == |
== Critical reception == |
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Murphy's performance has received positive reviews.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 13, 2022 |title=Eddie Murphy |url=https://www.biography.com/actors/eddie-murphy |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240404055925/https://www.biography.com/actors/eddie-murphy |archive-date=April 4, 2024 |access-date=April 29, 2024 |website=[[Biography (TV program)|Biography]] |quote=He provided the voice of Mushu the Lizard in Disney's animated picture Mulan (1998) to enormous critical praise}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last1=Mazurkiewicz |first1=Greg |last2=Rosen |first2=Isaac |date=May 21, 2018 |title=Murphy, Eddie 1961– |url=https://www.encyclopedia.com/people/literature-and-arts/film-and-television-biographies/eddie-murphy |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240228215719/https://www.encyclopedia.com/people/literature-and-arts/film-and-television-biographies/eddie-murphy |archive-date=February 28, 2024 |access-date=April 29, 2024 |website=[[Encyclopedia.com]] |quote=Murphy's energy and attitude propelled glowing reviews of the movie}}</ref> Film critic [[Richard Corliss]] found him "very funny",<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Corliss |first=Richard |author-link=Richard Corliss |date=June 22, 1998 |title=Cinema: An Ode to Martial Smarts |url=https://content.time.com/time/subscriber/article/0,33009,988596,00.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240502020514/https://content.time.com/time/subscriber/article/0,33009,988596,00.html |archive-date=May 2, 2024 |access-date=April 30, 2024 |magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]]}}</ref> and Dan DiNicola of ''[[The Daily Gazette]]'' said he "delivers a knockout performance".<ref>{{Cite news |last=DiNicola |first=Dan |date=August 9, 1998 |title=Movie Closeups |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TX5GAAAAIBAJ&pg=PA36 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240508131901/https://books.google.ca/books?id=TX5GAAAAIBAJ&pg=PA36&dq=&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q&f=false |archive-date=May 8, 2024 |access-date=May 8, 2024 |work=[[The Daily Gazette]]}}</ref> Eileen Fitzpatrick, a critic for ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'', called Murphy "hilarious" in the role.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Fitzpatrick |first=Eileen |date=July 4, 1998 |title=Mulan |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-gkEAAAAMBAJ&dq=best+fictional+dragons+%22mushu%22&pg=PA22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240521144203/https://books.google.ca/books?id=-gkEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA22&lpg=PA22&dq=best+fictional+dragons+%22mushu%22&source=bl&ots=d91GU_ZQKA&sig=ACfU3U3Y3k9rRX38qhkZsteIWEX1WhQFNg&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiP8O36xuqFAxXYFFkFHcv-Aps4KBDoAXoECAIQAw#v=onepage&q=best%20fictional%20dragons%20%22mushu%22&f=false |archive-date=May 21, 2024 |access-date=May 21, 2024 |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |publisher=[[Nielsen Business Media, Inc.]] |via=[[Google Books]] |issn=0006-2510}}</ref> [[Salon.com|''Salon'']]'s Jenn Shreve said Murphy contributes enough comedy without stealing the spotlight, and felt the character's [[cliché]]s "seem to exist for the express purpose of being destroyed, and they're often responsible for some of the film's most hilarious moments".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Shreve |first=Jenn |title=Mulan |url=http://www.salon.com/ent/movies/reviews/1998/06/19reviewb.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080423052525/http://www.salon.com/ent/movies/reviews/1998/06/19reviewb.html |archive-date=April 23, 2008 |access-date=May 9, 2024 |work=[[Salon.com|Salon]]}}</ref> Film critic [[Owen Gleiberman]] called Murphy irresistible, but wished his character had been provided with stronger material.<ref name=":30" /> Barbara Shulgasser of ''[[SFGate]]'' said the actor "gives a rather dull movie whatever life it's got".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Shulgasser |first=Barbara |date=June 19, 1998 |title="Mulan': Girl power from Disney |url=https://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Mulan-Girl-power-from-Disney-3083511.php |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231106002316/https://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Mulan-Girl-power-from-Disney-3083511.php |archive-date=November 6, 2023 |access-date=May 9, 2024 |work=[[SFGate]]}}</ref> [[Essence (magazine)|''Essence'']] considers Mushu to be one of Murphy's most iconic roles,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Forde |first=Kisha |date=February 24, 2021 |title=Coming 2 America Cast Talks About Legacy of the First Movie and New Sequel |url=https://www.essence.com/entertainment/iconic-eddie-murphy-characters/#1039365 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220616132303/https://www.essence.com/entertainment/iconic-eddie-murphy-characters/#1039365 |archive-date=June 16, 2022 |access-date=April 29, 2024 |work=[[Essence (magazine)|Essence]]}}</ref> while several publications such as ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]'' and [[Gold Derby]] have ranked it among the best performances of his career.<ref name=":11" /><ref>{{Cite news |last1=Pius |first1=Robert |last2=Holland |first2=Misty |last3=Beachum |first3=Chris |last4=Laws |first4=Zach |date=March 30, 2024 |title=Eddie Murphy movies: 13 greatest films ranked worst to best |url=https://www.goldderby.com/gallery/best-eddie-murphy-movies-ranked/eddie-murphy-movies-ranked-boomerang/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240502152931/https://www.goldderby.com/gallery/best-eddie-murphy-movies-ranked/eddie-murphy-movies-ranked-boomerang/ |archive-date=May 2, 2024 |access-date=May 1, 2024 |work=[[Gold Derby]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Daniels |first=Robert |title=The 14 Best Eddie Murphy Movie Performances |url=https://www.okayplayer.com/originals/best-eddie-murphy-movies.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230403224537/https://www.okayplayer.com/originals/best-eddie-murphy-movies.html |archive-date=April 3, 2023 |access-date=May 6, 2024 |website=[[Okayplayer]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Ames |first=Jeff |date=February 15, 2023 |title=Eddie Murphy 90s Movies Ranked From Bowfinger to Vampire in Brooklyn |url=https://www.comingsoon.net/movies/features/1264417-eddie-murphy-90s-movies-ranked-from-bowfinger-to-vampire-in-brooklyn |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240501181448/https://www.comingsoon.net/movies/features/1264417-eddie-murphy-90s-movies-ranked-from-bowfinger-to-vampire-in-brooklyn |archive-date=May 1, 2024 |access-date=May 1, 2024 |work=[[ComingSoon.net]]}}</ref> [[Variety (magazine)|''Variety'']] ranked Murphy's work as Mushu the 11th greatest voiceover performance in a Disney film,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Davis |first=Clayton |date=July 12, 2023 |title=13 Best Disney Voice Performances: Robin Williams as Genie, Idina Menzel as Elsa and More |url=https://variety.com/lists/best-voice-actor-performances-animated-movies/bruno-campos-the-princess-and-the-frog-2009/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240430184019/https://variety.com/lists/best-voice-actor-performances-animated-movies/bruno-campos-the-princess-and-the-frog-2009/ |archive-date=April 30, 2024 |access-date=April 30, 2024 |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]}}</ref> while [[MovieWeb]] and [[Game Rant]] ranked it 8th.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Watkins |first=Matt |date=August 8, 2022 |title=Best Voice Performances in Disney Animated Movies, Ranked |url=https://movieweb.com/disney-animated-movies-voice-performances/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230829185124/https://movieweb.com/disney-animated-movies-voice-performances/ |archive-date=August 29, 2023 |access-date=May 1, 2024 |work=[[MovieWeb]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Mullings |first=Nadia Grace |date=May 19, 2024 |title=Best Voice Acting Performances In Disney's Animated Movies, Ranked |url=https://gamerant.com/best-performances-in-disney-animated-movies/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240520220038/https://gamerant.com/best-performances-in-disney-animated-movies/ |archive-date=May 20, 2024 |access-date=May 24, 2024 |work=[[Game Rant]]}}</ref> [[Backstage (magazine)|''Backstage'']] named it among the 14 "Best Voice Acting Performances of All Time".<ref>{{Cite news |date=February 29, 2024 |title=14 of the Best Voice Acting Performances of All Time |url=https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/the-14-best-ever-voiceover-performances-in-film-66943/#:~:text=Eddie%20Murphy%2C%20%E2%80%9CShrek%E2%80%9D%20or%20%E2%80%9CMulan%E2%80%9D&text=As%20the%20daffy%20Donkey%20in,only%20he%20could%20pull%20off. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240501131800/https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/the-14-best-ever-voiceover-performances-in-film-66943/ |archive-date=May 1, 2024 |access-date=May 1, 2024 |work=[[Backstage (magazine)|Backstage]]}}</ref> Mushu also helped launch the family-friendly period of the actor's career,<ref name=":11" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Sanwari |first=Ahad |date=August 2, 2023 |title=Eddie Murphy - Biography |url=https://www.hellomagazine.com/profiles/20091008856/eddie-murphy/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240524133659/https://www.hellomagazine.com/profiles/20091008856/eddie-murphy/ |archive-date=May 24, 2024 |access-date=May 24, 2024 |work=[[Hello! (magazine)|Hello!]]}}</ref> during which he acquired a younger fanbase by appearing in several family films;<ref>{{Cite news |last=Smart |first=Jack |date=September 15, 2020 |title=Eddie Murphy, the One-Audition Wonder |url=https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/eddie-murphy-netflix-comedy-career-standup-advice-69675/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240429155422/https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/eddie-murphy-netflix-comedy-career-standup-advice-69675/ |archive-date=April 29, 2024 |access-date=April 29, 2024 |work=[[Backstage (magazine)|Backstage]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Vo |first=Alex |title=All Eddie Murphy Movies Ranked |url=https://editorial.rottentomatoes.com/guide/all-eddie-murphy-movies-ranked/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230328221116/https://editorial.rottentomatoes.com/guide/all-eddie-murphy-movies-ranked/ |archive-date=March 28, 2023 |access-date=May 1, 2024 |work=[[Rotten Tomatoes]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Eddie Murphy |url=https://kids.britannica.com/scholars/article/Eddie-Murphy/399751 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240524133706/https://kids.britannica.com/scholars/article/Eddie-Murphy/399751 |archive-date=May 24, 2024 |access-date=May 24, 2024 |website=[[Encyclopædia Britannica|Britannica Kids]]}}</ref> he did not star in an [[R rating (Motion Picture Association)|R-rated]] film until 2019.<ref name=":11" /> Writing for ''[[Paste (magazine)|Paste]]'', Josh Jackson quipped that Murphy’s best comedic performances since ''[[Coming to America]]'' (1988) appear to be animated.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Jackson |first=Josh |date=November 30, 2023 |title=Every Walt Disney Animation Movie, Ranked |url=https://www.pastemagazine.com/movies/disney/every-walt-disney-animation-movie-ranked |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240429144653/https://www.pastemagazine.com/movies/disney/every-walt-disney-animation-movie-ranked |archive-date=April 29, 2024 |access-date=April 29, 2024 |work=[[Paste (magazine)|Paste]]}}</ref> Tim Grierson of [[Cracked.com]] ranked Mushu his second-best family film performance, citing it as a precursor to his long-running role as Donkey in the ''Shrek'' franchise,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Grierson |first=Tim |date=November 29, 2023 |title=Eddie Murphy's Very, Very Bad Family Films, Ranked |url=https://www.cracked.com/article_40342_eddie-murphys-very-very-bad-family-films-ranked.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240430193650/https://www.cracked.com/article_40342_eddie-murphys-very-very-bad-family-films-ranked.html |archive-date=April 30, 2024 |access-date=April 30, 2024 |website=[[Cracked.com|Cracked]]}}</ref> which Jason Fraley of [[WTSP]] agreed with.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Fraley |first=Jason |date=September 4, 2020 |title=Review: 'Mulan' live-action remake debuts on Disney+, but is it worth $30? |url=https://wtop.com/entertainment/2020/09/review-mulan-is-disneys-best-live-action-remake-since-jungle-book/ |access-date=May 30, 2024 |work=[[WBCT]]}}</ref> According to a [[Metacritic]] article published in 2023, ''Mulan'' was the sixth best-reviewed film of Murphy's career to that point.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Dietz |first=Jason |date=March 9, 2021 |title=Every Eddie Murphy Movie, Ranked |url=https://www.metacritic.com/pictures/every-eddie-murphy-movie-ranked/39/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240430182854/https://www.metacritic.com/pictures/every-eddie-murphy-movie-ranked/39/ |archive-date=April 30, 2024 |access-date=April 30, 2024 |work=[[Metacritic]]}}</ref> Ethan Alter of [[Yahoo! Entertainment]] said the film "capped a successful mid-‘90s comeback for the comedy icon".<ref name=":28" /> |
Murphy's performance has received positive reviews.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 13, 2022 |title=Eddie Murphy |url=https://www.biography.com/actors/eddie-murphy |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240404055925/https://www.biography.com/actors/eddie-murphy |archive-date=April 4, 2024 |access-date=April 29, 2024 |website=[[Biography (TV program)|Biography]] |quote=He provided the voice of Mushu the Lizard in Disney's animated picture Mulan (1998) to enormous critical praise}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last1=Mazurkiewicz |first1=Greg |last2=Rosen |first2=Isaac |date=May 21, 2018 |title=Murphy, Eddie 1961– |url=https://www.encyclopedia.com/people/literature-and-arts/film-and-television-biographies/eddie-murphy |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240228215719/https://www.encyclopedia.com/people/literature-and-arts/film-and-television-biographies/eddie-murphy |archive-date=February 28, 2024 |access-date=April 29, 2024 |website=[[Encyclopedia.com]] |quote=Murphy's energy and attitude propelled glowing reviews of the movie}}</ref> Film critic [[Richard Corliss]] found him "very funny",<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Corliss |first=Richard |author-link=Richard Corliss |date=June 22, 1998 |title=Cinema: An Ode to Martial Smarts |url=https://content.time.com/time/subscriber/article/0,33009,988596,00.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240502020514/https://content.time.com/time/subscriber/article/0,33009,988596,00.html |archive-date=May 2, 2024 |access-date=April 30, 2024 |magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]]}}</ref> and Dan DiNicola of ''[[The Daily Gazette]]'' said he "delivers a knockout performance".<ref>{{Cite news |last=DiNicola |first=Dan |date=August 9, 1998 |title=Movie Closeups |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TX5GAAAAIBAJ&pg=PA36 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240508131901/https://books.google.ca/books?id=TX5GAAAAIBAJ&pg=PA36&dq=&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q&f=false |archive-date=May 8, 2024 |access-date=May 8, 2024 |work=[[The Daily Gazette]]}}</ref> Eileen Fitzpatrick, a critic for ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'', called Murphy "hilarious" in the role.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Fitzpatrick |first=Eileen |date=July 4, 1998 |title=Mulan |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-gkEAAAAMBAJ&dq=best+fictional+dragons+%22mushu%22&pg=PA22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240521144203/https://books.google.ca/books?id=-gkEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA22&lpg=PA22&dq=best+fictional+dragons+%22mushu%22&source=bl&ots=d91GU_ZQKA&sig=ACfU3U3Y3k9rRX38qhkZsteIWEX1WhQFNg&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiP8O36xuqFAxXYFFkFHcv-Aps4KBDoAXoECAIQAw#v=onepage&q=best%20fictional%20dragons%20%22mushu%22&f=false |archive-date=May 21, 2024 |access-date=May 21, 2024 |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |publisher=[[Nielsen Business Media, Inc.]] |via=[[Google Books]] |issn=0006-2510}}</ref> [[Salon.com|''Salon'']]'s Jenn Shreve said Murphy contributes enough comedy without stealing the spotlight, and felt the character's [[cliché]]s "seem to exist for the express purpose of being destroyed, and they're often responsible for some of the film's most hilarious moments".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Shreve |first=Jenn |title=Mulan |url=http://www.salon.com/ent/movies/reviews/1998/06/19reviewb.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080423052525/http://www.salon.com/ent/movies/reviews/1998/06/19reviewb.html |archive-date=April 23, 2008 |access-date=May 9, 2024 |work=[[Salon.com|Salon]]}}</ref> Film critic [[Owen Gleiberman]] called Murphy irresistible, but wished his character had been provided with stronger material.<ref name=":30" /> Barbara Shulgasser of ''[[SFGate]]'' said the actor "gives a rather dull movie whatever life it's got".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Shulgasser |first=Barbara |date=June 19, 1998 |title="Mulan': Girl power from Disney |url=https://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Mulan-Girl-power-from-Disney-3083511.php |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231106002316/https://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Mulan-Girl-power-from-Disney-3083511.php |archive-date=November 6, 2023 |access-date=May 9, 2024 |work=[[SFGate]]}}</ref> [[Essence (magazine)|''Essence'']] considers Mushu to be one of Murphy's most iconic roles,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Forde |first=Kisha |date=February 24, 2021 |title=Coming 2 America Cast Talks About Legacy of the First Movie and New Sequel |url=https://www.essence.com/entertainment/iconic-eddie-murphy-characters/#1039365 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220616132303/https://www.essence.com/entertainment/iconic-eddie-murphy-characters/#1039365 |archive-date=June 16, 2022 |access-date=April 29, 2024 |work=[[Essence (magazine)|Essence]]}}</ref> while several publications such as ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]'' and [[Gold Derby]] have ranked it among the best performances of his career.<ref name=":11" /><ref>{{Cite news |last1=Pius |first1=Robert |last2=Holland |first2=Misty |last3=Beachum |first3=Chris |last4=Laws |first4=Zach |date=March 30, 2024 |title=Eddie Murphy movies: 13 greatest films ranked worst to best |url=https://www.goldderby.com/gallery/best-eddie-murphy-movies-ranked/eddie-murphy-movies-ranked-boomerang/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240502152931/https://www.goldderby.com/gallery/best-eddie-murphy-movies-ranked/eddie-murphy-movies-ranked-boomerang/ |archive-date=May 2, 2024 |access-date=May 1, 2024 |work=[[Gold Derby]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Daniels |first=Robert |title=The 14 Best Eddie Murphy Movie Performances |url=https://www.okayplayer.com/originals/best-eddie-murphy-movies.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230403224537/https://www.okayplayer.com/originals/best-eddie-murphy-movies.html |archive-date=April 3, 2023 |access-date=May 6, 2024 |website=[[Okayplayer]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Ames |first=Jeff |date=February 15, 2023 |title=Eddie Murphy 90s Movies Ranked From Bowfinger to Vampire in Brooklyn |url=https://www.comingsoon.net/movies/features/1264417-eddie-murphy-90s-movies-ranked-from-bowfinger-to-vampire-in-brooklyn |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240501181448/https://www.comingsoon.net/movies/features/1264417-eddie-murphy-90s-movies-ranked-from-bowfinger-to-vampire-in-brooklyn |archive-date=May 1, 2024 |access-date=May 1, 2024 |work=[[ComingSoon.net]]}}</ref> [[Variety (magazine)|''Variety'']] ranked Murphy's work as Mushu the 11th greatest voiceover performance in a Disney film,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Davis |first=Clayton |date=July 12, 2023 |title=13 Best Disney Voice Performances: Robin Williams as Genie, Idina Menzel as Elsa and More |url=https://variety.com/lists/best-voice-actor-performances-animated-movies/bruno-campos-the-princess-and-the-frog-2009/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240430184019/https://variety.com/lists/best-voice-actor-performances-animated-movies/bruno-campos-the-princess-and-the-frog-2009/ |archive-date=April 30, 2024 |access-date=April 30, 2024 |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]}}</ref> while [[MovieWeb]] and [[Game Rant]] ranked it 8th.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Watkins |first=Matt |date=August 8, 2022 |title=Best Voice Performances in Disney Animated Movies, Ranked |url=https://movieweb.com/disney-animated-movies-voice-performances/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230829185124/https://movieweb.com/disney-animated-movies-voice-performances/ |archive-date=August 29, 2023 |access-date=May 1, 2024 |work=[[MovieWeb]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Mullings |first=Nadia Grace |date=May 19, 2024 |title=Best Voice Acting Performances In Disney's Animated Movies, Ranked |url=https://gamerant.com/best-performances-in-disney-animated-movies/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240520220038/https://gamerant.com/best-performances-in-disney-animated-movies/ |archive-date=May 20, 2024 |access-date=May 24, 2024 |work=[[Game Rant]]}}</ref> [[Backstage (magazine)|''Backstage'']] named it among the 14 "Best Voice Acting Performances of All Time".<ref>{{Cite news |date=February 29, 2024 |title=14 of the Best Voice Acting Performances of All Time |url=https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/the-14-best-ever-voiceover-performances-in-film-66943/#:~:text=Eddie%20Murphy%2C%20%E2%80%9CShrek%E2%80%9D%20or%20%E2%80%9CMulan%E2%80%9D&text=As%20the%20daffy%20Donkey%20in,only%20he%20could%20pull%20off. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240501131800/https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/the-14-best-ever-voiceover-performances-in-film-66943/ |archive-date=May 1, 2024 |access-date=May 1, 2024 |work=[[Backstage (magazine)|Backstage]]}}</ref> Mushu also helped launch the family-friendly period of the actor's career,<ref name=":11" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Sanwari |first=Ahad |date=August 2, 2023 |title=Eddie Murphy - Biography |url=https://www.hellomagazine.com/profiles/20091008856/eddie-murphy/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240524133659/https://www.hellomagazine.com/profiles/20091008856/eddie-murphy/ |archive-date=May 24, 2024 |access-date=May 24, 2024 |work=[[Hello! (magazine)|Hello!]]}}</ref> during which he acquired a younger fanbase by appearing in several family films;<ref>{{Cite news |last=Smart |first=Jack |date=September 15, 2020 |title=Eddie Murphy, the One-Audition Wonder |url=https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/eddie-murphy-netflix-comedy-career-standup-advice-69675/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240429155422/https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/eddie-murphy-netflix-comedy-career-standup-advice-69675/ |archive-date=April 29, 2024 |access-date=April 29, 2024 |work=[[Backstage (magazine)|Backstage]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Vo |first=Alex |title=All Eddie Murphy Movies Ranked |url=https://editorial.rottentomatoes.com/guide/all-eddie-murphy-movies-ranked/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230328221116/https://editorial.rottentomatoes.com/guide/all-eddie-murphy-movies-ranked/ |archive-date=March 28, 2023 |access-date=May 1, 2024 |work=[[Rotten Tomatoes]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Eddie Murphy |url=https://kids.britannica.com/scholars/article/Eddie-Murphy/399751 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240524133706/https://kids.britannica.com/scholars/article/Eddie-Murphy/399751 |archive-date=May 24, 2024 |access-date=May 24, 2024 |website=[[Encyclopædia Britannica|Britannica Kids]]}}</ref> he did not star in an [[R rating (Motion Picture Association)|R-rated]] film until 2019.<ref name=":11" /> Writing for ''[[Paste (magazine)|Paste]]'', Josh Jackson quipped that Murphy’s best comedic performances since ''[[Coming to America]]'' (1988) appear to be animated.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Jackson |first=Josh |date=November 30, 2023 |title=Every Walt Disney Animation Movie, Ranked |url=https://www.pastemagazine.com/movies/disney/every-walt-disney-animation-movie-ranked |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240429144653/https://www.pastemagazine.com/movies/disney/every-walt-disney-animation-movie-ranked |archive-date=April 29, 2024 |access-date=April 29, 2024 |work=[[Paste (magazine)|Paste]]}}</ref> Tim Grierson of [[Cracked.com]] ranked Mushu his second-best family film performance, citing it as a precursor to his long-running role as Donkey in the ''Shrek'' franchise,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Grierson |first=Tim |date=November 29, 2023 |title=Eddie Murphy's Very, Very Bad Family Films, Ranked |url=https://www.cracked.com/article_40342_eddie-murphys-very-very-bad-family-films-ranked.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240430193650/https://www.cracked.com/article_40342_eddie-murphys-very-very-bad-family-films-ranked.html |archive-date=April 30, 2024 |access-date=April 30, 2024 |website=[[Cracked.com|Cracked]]}}</ref> which Jason Fraley of [[WTSP]] agreed with.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Fraley |first=Jason |date=September 4, 2020 |title=Review: 'Mulan' live-action remake debuts on Disney+, but is it worth $30? |url=https://wtop.com/entertainment/2020/09/review-mulan-is-disneys-best-live-action-remake-since-jungle-book/ |access-date=May 30, 2024 |work=[[WBCT]]}}</ref> According to a [[Metacritic]] article published in 2023, ''Mulan'' was the sixth best-reviewed film of Murphy's career to that point.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Dietz |first=Jason |date=March 9, 2021 |title=Every Eddie Murphy Movie, Ranked |url=https://www.metacritic.com/pictures/every-eddie-murphy-movie-ranked/39/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240430182854/https://www.metacritic.com/pictures/every-eddie-murphy-movie-ranked/39/ |archive-date=April 30, 2024 |access-date=April 30, 2024 |work=[[Metacritic]]}}</ref> Ethan Alter of [[Yahoo! Entertainment]] said the film "capped a successful mid-‘90s comeback for the comedy icon".<ref name=":28" /> |
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Both Hollis Chacona of ''[[The Austin Chronicle]]'' and film critic [[Todd McCarthy]] described the character's [[anachronistic|anachronisms]] as jarring, despite finding some of his humor amusing.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Chacona |first=Hollis |date=June 19, 1998 |title=Mulan |url=https://www.austinchronicle.com/events/film/1998-06-19/mulan/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240508165415/https://www.austinchronicle.com/events/film/1998-06-19/mulan/ |archive-date=May 8, 2024 |access-date=May 8, 2024 |work=[[The Austin Chronicle]]}}</ref><ref name=":12" /> Writer [[Mari Ness]] called Murphy an irritating, unnecessary addition to the cast, criticizing his perceived reliance on anachronistic humor, and deeming him inferior to the Genie.<ref name=":21">{{Cite news |last=Ness |first=Mari |author-link=Mari Ness |date=March 31, 2016 |title=Girl Power, A Cricket, and a Dragon: Disney's Mulan |url=https://reactormag.com/girl-power-a-cricket-and-a-dragon-disneys-mulan/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240429141405/https://reactormag.com/girl-power-a-cricket-and-a-dragon-disneys-mulan/ |archive-date=April 29, 2024 |access-date=April 29, 2024 |work=[[Reactor (magazine)|Reactor]]}}</ref> Animation historian [[Jerry Beck]] said Mushu's jokes weaken the film and clash with its serious subject matter.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Beck |first=Jerry |author-link=Jerry Beck |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fTI1yeZd-tkC&q=+%22mushu%22&pg=PA23 |title=The Animated Movie Guide |publisher=[[Chicago Review Press]] |year=2005 |isbn=9781569762226 |location=United States |pages=174 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240509185437/https://books.google.com/books?id=fTI1yeZd-tkC&q=+%22mushu%22&pg=PA23 |archive-date=May 9, 2024 |via=[[Google Books]]}}</ref> Jeffrey Gantz of the ''[[Boston Phoenix]]'' dismissed him as a less interesting "African-American take on" sidekicks from Disney's ''Aladdin'', ''The Lion King'', and ''Hercules''.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Gantz |first=Jeffrey |date=June 18, 1998 |title=Romance takes a back seat to action in Mulan |url=https://bostonphoenix.com/archives/1998/documents/00525230.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240522085504/https://bostonphoenix.com/archives/1998/documents/00525230.htm |archive-date=May 22, 2024 |access-date=May 8, 2024 |work=[[Boston Phoenix]]}}</ref> Ian Freer of ''[[Empire (magazine)|Empire]]'' dismissed Mushu as "obligatory" and "completely superfluous".<ref name=":31" /> For ''[[The New York Times]]'', [[Janet Maslin]] criticized the film for relegating a "Black" character to a "servile clown".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Maslin |first=Janet |author-link=Janet Maslin |date=June 19, 1998 |title=Film Review; A Warrior, She Takes on Huns and Stereotypes |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1998/06/19/movies/film-review-a-warrior-she-takes-on-huns-and-stereotypes.html |url-access=limited |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230403234718/https://www.nytimes.com/1998/06/19/movies/film-review-a-warrior-she-takes-on-huns-and-stereotypes.html |archive-date=April 3, 2023 |access-date=May 9, 2024 |work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> Mushu was negatively received in China.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Sewell-Peterson |first=Sam |date=August 15, 2020 |title=Mulan (1998) Review |url=https://www.thefilmagazine.com/mulan-disneyanimation-movie-review-1998/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230628091010/https://www.thefilmagazine.com/mulan-disneyanimation-movie-review-1998/ |archive-date=June 28, 2023 |access-date=May 27, 2024 |work=[[The Film Magazine]] |quote=The negative criticism the character received in China for cultural insensitivity is understandable}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Leung |first=Phillip |date=February 28, 2020 |title=Recent Rewinds: Live-action 'Mulan' sacrifices Mushu and music for cultural accuracy, realism |url=https://dailybruin.com/2020/02/28/recent-rewinds-live-action-mulan-sacrifices-mushu-and-music-for-cultural-accuracy-realism |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221003092356/https://dailybruin.com/2020/02/28/recent-rewinds-live-action-mulan-sacrifices-mushu-and-music-for-cultural-accuracy-realism |archive-date=October 3, 2022 |access-date=May 27, 2024 |work=[[Daily Bruin]]}}</ref> According to ''[[Country Living]]'' and ''[[The Baltimore Sun]]'', some viewers found his characterization to be an inaccurate and insensitive depiction of Chinese culture.<ref name=":25">{{Cite news |last=Madison |first=Angel |date=November 15, 2023 |title=We Ranked the Best Disney Movie Animal Sidekicks—And We Broke Our Own Hearts |url=https://www.countryliving.com/life/entertainment/g45852431/best-disney-animal-sidekicks-ranked/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240502165514/https://www.countryliving.com/life/entertainment/g45852431/best-disney-animal-sidekicks-ranked/ |archive-date=May 2, 2024 |access-date=May 2, 2024 |work=[[Country Living]] |quote=Unfortunately, though, his appearance didn't please everyone—as dragons are supposed to be stately, and many viewers found his character insensitive.}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=May 3, 1999 |title=Disney magic fails 'Mulan' in China; Cultures: The Americanized version of the famous folk tale is all too American for Chinese movie audiences. |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/1999/05/03/disney-magic-fails-mulan-in-china-cultures-the-americanized-version-of-the-famous-folk-tale-is-all-too-american-for-chinese-movie-audiences/ |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240106025307/https://www.baltimoresun.com/1999/05/03/disney-magic-fails-mulan-in-china-cultures-the-americanized-version-of-the-famous-folk-tale-is-all-too-american-for-chinese-movie-audiences/ |archive-date=January 6, 2024 |access-date=May 7, 2024 |work=[[The Baltimore Sun]] |quote=}}</ref> Alter noted that not some of Murphy's material has not aged well in the decades since the film's release, specifically his character's jokes about [[Mongolian cuisine]] and wearing drag.<ref name=":28" /> |
Both Hollis Chacona of ''[[The Austin Chronicle]]'' and film critic [[Todd McCarthy]] described the character's [[anachronistic|anachronisms]] as jarring, despite finding some of his humor amusing.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Chacona |first=Hollis |date=June 19, 1998 |title=Mulan |url=https://www.austinchronicle.com/events/film/1998-06-19/mulan/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240508165415/https://www.austinchronicle.com/events/film/1998-06-19/mulan/ |archive-date=May 8, 2024 |access-date=May 8, 2024 |work=[[The Austin Chronicle]]}}</ref><ref name=":12" /> Writer [[Mari Ness]] called Murphy an irritating, unnecessary addition to the cast, criticizing his perceived reliance on anachronistic humor, and deeming him inferior to the Genie.<ref name=":21">{{Cite news |last=Ness |first=Mari |author-link=Mari Ness |date=March 31, 2016 |title=Girl Power, A Cricket, and a Dragon: Disney's Mulan |url=https://reactormag.com/girl-power-a-cricket-and-a-dragon-disneys-mulan/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240429141405/https://reactormag.com/girl-power-a-cricket-and-a-dragon-disneys-mulan/ |archive-date=April 29, 2024 |access-date=April 29, 2024 |work=[[Reactor (magazine)|Reactor]]}}</ref> Animation historian [[Jerry Beck]] said Mushu's jokes weaken the film and clash with its serious subject matter.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Beck |first=Jerry |author-link=Jerry Beck |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fTI1yeZd-tkC&q=+%22mushu%22&pg=PA23 |title=The Animated Movie Guide |publisher=[[Chicago Review Press]] |year=2005 |isbn=9781569762226 |location=United States |pages=174 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240509185437/https://books.google.com/books?id=fTI1yeZd-tkC&q=+%22mushu%22&pg=PA23 |archive-date=May 9, 2024 |via=[[Google Books]]}}</ref> Jeffrey Gantz of the ''[[Boston Phoenix]]'' dismissed him as a less interesting "African-American take on" sidekicks from Disney's ''Aladdin'', ''The Lion King'', and ''Hercules''.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Gantz |first=Jeffrey |date=June 18, 1998 |title=Romance takes a back seat to action in Mulan |url=https://bostonphoenix.com/archives/1998/documents/00525230.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240522085504/https://bostonphoenix.com/archives/1998/documents/00525230.htm |archive-date=May 22, 2024 |access-date=May 8, 2024 |work=[[Boston Phoenix]]}}</ref> Ian Freer of ''[[Empire (magazine)|Empire]]'' dismissed Mushu as "obligatory" and "completely superfluous".<ref name=":31" /> For ''[[The New York Times]]'', [[Janet Maslin]] criticized the film for relegating a "Black" character to a "servile clown".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Maslin |first=Janet |author-link=Janet Maslin |date=June 19, 1998 |title=Film Review; A Warrior, She Takes on Huns and Stereotypes |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1998/06/19/movies/film-review-a-warrior-she-takes-on-huns-and-stereotypes.html |url-access=limited |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230403234718/https://www.nytimes.com/1998/06/19/movies/film-review-a-warrior-she-takes-on-huns-and-stereotypes.html |archive-date=April 3, 2023 |access-date=May 9, 2024 |work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> Mushu was negatively received in China.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Sewell-Peterson |first=Sam |date=August 15, 2020 |title=Mulan (1998) Review |url=https://www.thefilmagazine.com/mulan-disneyanimation-movie-review-1998/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230628091010/https://www.thefilmagazine.com/mulan-disneyanimation-movie-review-1998/ |archive-date=June 28, 2023 |access-date=May 27, 2024 |work=[[The Film Magazine]] |quote=The negative criticism the character received in China for cultural insensitivity is understandable}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Leung |first=Phillip |date=February 28, 2020 |title=Recent Rewinds: Live-action 'Mulan' sacrifices Mushu and music for cultural accuracy, realism |url=https://dailybruin.com/2020/02/28/recent-rewinds-live-action-mulan-sacrifices-mushu-and-music-for-cultural-accuracy-realism |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221003092356/https://dailybruin.com/2020/02/28/recent-rewinds-live-action-mulan-sacrifices-mushu-and-music-for-cultural-accuracy-realism |archive-date=October 3, 2022 |access-date=May 27, 2024 |work=[[Daily Bruin]]}}</ref> According to ''[[Country Living]]'' and ''[[The Baltimore Sun]]'', some viewers found his characterization to be an inaccurate and insensitive depiction of Chinese culture.<ref name=":25">{{Cite news |last=Madison |first=Angel |date=November 15, 2023 |title=We Ranked the Best Disney Movie Animal Sidekicks—And We Broke Our Own Hearts |url=https://www.countryliving.com/life/entertainment/g45852431/best-disney-animal-sidekicks-ranked/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240502165514/https://www.countryliving.com/life/entertainment/g45852431/best-disney-animal-sidekicks-ranked/ |archive-date=May 2, 2024 |access-date=May 2, 2024 |work=[[Country Living]] |quote=Unfortunately, though, his appearance didn't please everyone—as dragons are supposed to be stately, and many viewers found his character insensitive.}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=May 3, 1999 |title=Disney magic fails 'Mulan' in China; Cultures: The Americanized version of the famous folk tale is all too American for Chinese movie audiences. |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/1999/05/03/disney-magic-fails-mulan-in-china-cultures-the-americanized-version-of-the-famous-folk-tale-is-all-too-american-for-chinese-movie-audiences/ |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240106025307/https://www.baltimoresun.com/1999/05/03/disney-magic-fails-mulan-in-china-cultures-the-americanized-version-of-the-famous-folk-tale-is-all-too-american-for-chinese-movie-audiences/ |archive-date=January 6, 2024 |access-date=May 7, 2024 |work=[[The Baltimore Sun]] |quote=}}</ref> Alter noted that not some of Murphy's material has not aged well in the decades since the film's release, specifically his character's jokes about [[Mongolian cuisine]] and wearing drag.<ref name=":28" /> However, Dennis E. Yi of ''The China Project'' argued that Chinese audiences were not offended by Mushu's depiction because he believes it is common to make jokes at the expense of "lower-tier" dragons in Chinese culture.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Yi |first=Dennis E. |date=September 11, 2020 |title=Why Chinese viewers hate Disney’s ‘Mulan’ |url=https://thechinaproject.com/2020/09/11/why-chinese-viewers-hate-disneys-mulan/ |access-date=July 18, 2024 |work=The China Project}}</ref> |
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Anthony Brett of ''[[The Daily Telegraph]]'' and Petrana Radulovic of ''[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]'' panned ''Mulan II'' for undoing Mushu's character development by having him attempt to sabotage Mulan and Shang's wedding.<ref name=":1">{{Cite news |last=Brett |first=Anthony |date=September 7, 2020 |title=The Mulan II misfire: inside the dismal straight-to-video sequel Disney would rather forget |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/films/0/mulan-ii-misfire-inside-dismal-straight-to-video-sequel-disney/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240120182829/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/films/0/mulan-ii-misfire-inside-dismal-straight-to-video-sequel-disney/ |archive-date=January 20, 2024 |access-date=April 26, 2024 |work=[[The Daily Telegraph]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Radulovic |first=Petrana |date=March 28, 2019 |title=Every Disney direct-to-video sequel, prequel, and mid-quel, ranked |url=https://www.polygon.com/features/2019/3/28/18261900/best-disney-sequels-movies-animation |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240429152337/https://www.polygon.com/features/2019/3/28/18261900/best-disney-sequels-movies-animation |archive-date=April 29, 2024 |access-date=May 2, 2024 |work=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]}}</ref> Brett also criticized Disney for replacing Murphy with white actor [[Mark Moseley (actor)|Mark Moseley]], calling it "voiceover [[blackface]]".<ref name=":1" /> Kevin Wong of ''[[GameSpot]]'' called these changes to Mushu "the worst, most left-field aspect of ''Mulan II''".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Wong |first=Kevin |date=March 5, 2019 |title=The Weirdest Disney Movie Sequels You Probably Forgot Existed |url=https://www.gamespot.com/gallery/the-weirdest-disney-movie-sequels-you-probably-for/2900-2608/#2 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220516192552/https://www.gamespot.com/gallery/the-weirdest-disney-movie-sequels-you-probably-for/2900-2608/#2 |archive-date=May 16, 2022 |access-date=May 7, 2024 |work=[[GameSpot]]}}</ref> |
Anthony Brett of ''[[The Daily Telegraph]]'' and Petrana Radulovic of ''[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]'' panned ''Mulan II'' for undoing Mushu's character development by having him attempt to sabotage Mulan and Shang's wedding.<ref name=":1">{{Cite news |last=Brett |first=Anthony |date=September 7, 2020 |title=The Mulan II misfire: inside the dismal straight-to-video sequel Disney would rather forget |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/films/0/mulan-ii-misfire-inside-dismal-straight-to-video-sequel-disney/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240120182829/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/films/0/mulan-ii-misfire-inside-dismal-straight-to-video-sequel-disney/ |archive-date=January 20, 2024 |access-date=April 26, 2024 |work=[[The Daily Telegraph]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Radulovic |first=Petrana |date=March 28, 2019 |title=Every Disney direct-to-video sequel, prequel, and mid-quel, ranked |url=https://www.polygon.com/features/2019/3/28/18261900/best-disney-sequels-movies-animation |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240429152337/https://www.polygon.com/features/2019/3/28/18261900/best-disney-sequels-movies-animation |archive-date=April 29, 2024 |access-date=May 2, 2024 |work=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]}}</ref> Brett also criticized Disney for replacing Murphy with white actor [[Mark Moseley (actor)|Mark Moseley]], calling it "voiceover [[blackface]]".<ref name=":1" /> Kevin Wong of ''[[GameSpot]]'' called these changes to Mushu "the worst, most left-field aspect of ''Mulan II''".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Wong |first=Kevin |date=March 5, 2019 |title=The Weirdest Disney Movie Sequels You Probably Forgot Existed |url=https://www.gamespot.com/gallery/the-weirdest-disney-movie-sequels-you-probably-for/2900-2608/#2 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220516192552/https://www.gamespot.com/gallery/the-weirdest-disney-movie-sequels-you-probably-for/2900-2608/#2 |archive-date=May 16, 2022 |access-date=May 7, 2024 |work=[[GameSpot]]}}</ref> |
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== Legacy == |
== Legacy == |
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Mushu has been called a beloved and fan-favorite character from the [[Mulan (franchise)|''Mulan'' franchise]].<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":20">{{Cite news |last=Fincher |first=Annalyssa |date=October 6, 2022 |title=10 Best Dragons In Movies |url=https://www.cbr.com/best-dragon-movies/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230126161653/https://www.cbr.com/best-dragon-movies/ |archive-date=January 26, 2023 |access-date=April 30, 2024 |work=[[Comic Book Resources]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Chapman |first=Madeleine |author-link=Madeleine Chapman |date=December 23, 2016 |title=Moana is a rare and wonderful celebration of the Pacific islands – this movie is us |url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2016/dec/23/moana-is-a-rare-and-wonderful-celebration-of-the-pacific-islands-this-movie-is-us |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240426161309/https://www.theguardian.com/film/2016/dec/23/moana-is-a-rare-and-wonderful-celebration-of-the-pacific-islands-this-movie-is-us |archive-date=April 26, 2024 |access-date=April 26, 2024 |work=[[The Guardian]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Rahman-Jones |first=Imran |date=September 2, 2020 |title=Mulan: Disney remakes and the power of nostalgia during coronavirus |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-47696220 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240426161756/https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-47696220 |archive-date=April 26, 2024 |access-date=April 26, 2024 |work=[[BBC News Online]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Weiss |first=Josh |date=February 21, 2020 |title=Mulan Remake Filmmakers Explain Why They Had to Slay Mushu and the Famous Songs |url=https://www.syfy.com/syfy-wire/mulan-remake-producer-explains-absence-of-mushu |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231129185746/https://www.syfy.com/syfy-wire/mulan-remake-producer-explains-absence-of-mushu |archive-date=November 29, 2023 |access-date=May 7, 2024 |work=[[Syfy]]}}</ref> Kelsey Dickson of ''[[Comic Book Resources]]'' described Mushu as ''Mulan''<nowiki/>'s unsung hero, which Dickson attributed due to decisions and actions that inadvertently result in Mulan proving herself as a capable soldier and hero.<ref name=":34" /> Phil Pirrello of ''[[The A.V. Club]]'' ranked Mushu the 44th best Disney character of all-time, describing him as a more [[Round character|fully-rounded]] supporting character than ''Aladdin''<nowiki/>'s Genie.''<ref>{{Cite news |last=Pirrello |first=Phil |date=January 25, 2023 |title=The 50 best Disney animated characters of all time – 44. Mushu |url=https://www.avclub.com/best-disney-animated-characters-ranked-1850020180/slides/8 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240501133200/https://www.avclub.com/best-disney-animated-characters-ranked-1850020180/slides/8 |archive-date=May 1, 2024 |access-date=May 1, 2024 |work=[[The A.V. Club]]}}</ref>'' [[Disney.com|Disney Rewards]] and ''[[Esquire (magazine)|Esquire]]'' described Mushu as one of the studio's most beloved animated sidekicks,<ref name=":27">{{Cite news |last=Westenfeld |first=Adrienne |date=April 21, 2021 |title=Mulan Never Really Needed Mushu Anyway |url=https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/movies/a33901440/why-mushu-is-not-in-mulan-2020/ |url-access=limited |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240430193652/https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/movies/a33901440/why-mushu-is-not-in-mulan-2020/ |archive-date=April 30, 2024 |access-date=May 7, 2024 |work=[[Esquire (magazine)|Esquire]] |quote=Fans of the animated classic were outraged when word spread that Mushu would be excised from the big budget, live-action remake of Mulan}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=March 3, 2021 |title=A Look Back at 10 Memorable Disney Dragons |url=https://disneyrewards.com/blog/entertainment/10-memorable-disney-dragons/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240429134251/https://disneyrewards.com/blog/entertainment/10-memorable-disney-dragons/ |archive-date=April 29, 2024 |access-date=April 29, 2024 |website=[[Disney.com|Disney Rewards]]}}</ref> and ''[[Game Rant]]'' ranked him Disney's third best [[side character]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Stewart |first=Nikole |date=Mar 29, 2022 |title=Best Side Characters In Disney |url=https://gamerant.com/best-side-characters-disney/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230920043228/https://gamerant.com/best-side-characters-disney/ |archive-date=September 20, 2023 |access-date=May 24, 2024 |work=[[Game Rant]]}}</ref> In 2022, ''Entertainment Weekly'' reported that the character appears to be widely admired as a sidekick.<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=August 15, 2022 |title=The 29 most underappreciated Disney sidekicks |url=https://ew.com/movies/underappreciated-disney-sidekicks/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240503151812/https://ew.com/movies/underappreciated-disney-sidekicks/ |archive-date=May 3, 2024 |access-date=May 3, 2024 |magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]}}</ref> The same publication |
Mushu has been called a beloved and fan-favorite character from the [[Mulan (franchise)|''Mulan'' franchise]].<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":20">{{Cite news |last=Fincher |first=Annalyssa |date=October 6, 2022 |title=10 Best Dragons In Movies |url=https://www.cbr.com/best-dragon-movies/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230126161653/https://www.cbr.com/best-dragon-movies/ |archive-date=January 26, 2023 |access-date=April 30, 2024 |work=[[Comic Book Resources]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Chapman |first=Madeleine |author-link=Madeleine Chapman |date=December 23, 2016 |title=Moana is a rare and wonderful celebration of the Pacific islands – this movie is us |url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2016/dec/23/moana-is-a-rare-and-wonderful-celebration-of-the-pacific-islands-this-movie-is-us |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240426161309/https://www.theguardian.com/film/2016/dec/23/moana-is-a-rare-and-wonderful-celebration-of-the-pacific-islands-this-movie-is-us |archive-date=April 26, 2024 |access-date=April 26, 2024 |work=[[The Guardian]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Rahman-Jones |first=Imran |date=September 2, 2020 |title=Mulan: Disney remakes and the power of nostalgia during coronavirus |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-47696220 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240426161756/https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-47696220 |archive-date=April 26, 2024 |access-date=April 26, 2024 |work=[[BBC News Online]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Weiss |first=Josh |date=February 21, 2020 |title=Mulan Remake Filmmakers Explain Why They Had to Slay Mushu and the Famous Songs |url=https://www.syfy.com/syfy-wire/mulan-remake-producer-explains-absence-of-mushu |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231129185746/https://www.syfy.com/syfy-wire/mulan-remake-producer-explains-absence-of-mushu |archive-date=November 29, 2023 |access-date=May 7, 2024 |work=[[Syfy]]}}</ref> Kelsey Dickson of ''[[Comic Book Resources]]'' described Mushu as ''Mulan''<nowiki/>'s unsung hero, which Dickson attributed due to decisions and actions that inadvertently result in Mulan proving herself as a capable soldier and hero.<ref name=":34" /> Phil Pirrello of ''[[The A.V. Club]]'' ranked Mushu the 44th best Disney character of all-time, describing him as a more [[Round character|fully-rounded]] supporting character than ''Aladdin''<nowiki/>'s Genie.''<ref>{{Cite news |last=Pirrello |first=Phil |date=January 25, 2023 |title=The 50 best Disney animated characters of all time – 44. Mushu |url=https://www.avclub.com/best-disney-animated-characters-ranked-1850020180/slides/8 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240501133200/https://www.avclub.com/best-disney-animated-characters-ranked-1850020180/slides/8 |archive-date=May 1, 2024 |access-date=May 1, 2024 |work=[[The A.V. Club]]}}</ref>'' [[Disney.com|Disney Rewards]] and ''[[Esquire (magazine)|Esquire]]'' described Mushu as one of the studio's most beloved animated sidekicks,<ref name=":27">{{Cite news |last=Westenfeld |first=Adrienne |date=April 21, 2021 |title=Mulan Never Really Needed Mushu Anyway |url=https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/movies/a33901440/why-mushu-is-not-in-mulan-2020/ |url-access=limited |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240430193652/https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/movies/a33901440/why-mushu-is-not-in-mulan-2020/ |archive-date=April 30, 2024 |access-date=May 7, 2024 |work=[[Esquire (magazine)|Esquire]] |quote=Fans of the animated classic were outraged when word spread that Mushu would be excised from the big budget, live-action remake of Mulan}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=March 3, 2021 |title=A Look Back at 10 Memorable Disney Dragons |url=https://disneyrewards.com/blog/entertainment/10-memorable-disney-dragons/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240429134251/https://disneyrewards.com/blog/entertainment/10-memorable-disney-dragons/ |archive-date=April 29, 2024 |access-date=April 29, 2024 |website=[[Disney.com|Disney Rewards]]}}</ref> and ''[[Game Rant]]'' ranked him Disney's third best [[side character]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Stewart |first=Nikole |date=Mar 29, 2022 |title=Best Side Characters In Disney |url=https://gamerant.com/best-side-characters-disney/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230920043228/https://gamerant.com/best-side-characters-disney/ |archive-date=September 20, 2023 |access-date=May 24, 2024 |work=[[Game Rant]]}}</ref> In 2022, ''Entertainment Weekly'' reported that the character appears to be widely admired as a sidekick.<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=August 15, 2022 |title=The 29 most underappreciated Disney sidekicks |url=https://ew.com/movies/underappreciated-disney-sidekicks/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240503151812/https://ew.com/movies/underappreciated-disney-sidekicks/ |archive-date=May 3, 2024 |access-date=May 3, 2024 |magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]}}</ref> The same publication said Mushu deserves his own [[Spin-off (media)|spin-off]],<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Kinane |first=Ruth |date=June 17, 2016 |title=Disney Characters Who Deserve Their Own Spinoffs |url=https://ew.com/gallery/disney-character-spinoffs/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240503201604/https://ew.com/gallery/disney-character-spinoffs/ |archive-date=May 3, 2024 |access-date=May 27, 2024 |magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]}}</ref> and ''[[Collider (website)|Collider]]'' ranked him Disney's best animal sidekick.<ref>{{Cite news |last=De Leo |first=Alyssa |date=April 5, 2023 |title=Disney's 12 Best Animal Sidekicks, Ranked |url=https://collider.com/disneys-10-best-animal-sidekicks-ranked/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240301003044/https://collider.com/disneys-10-best-animal-sidekicks-ranked/ |archive-date=March 1, 2024 |access-date=May 27, 2024 |work=[[Collider (website)|Collider]]}}</ref> ''[[HuffPost]]'' ranked Mushu 14th on their "Definitive Ranking Of Disney Sidekicks".<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Duca |first1=Lauren |last2=Goodman |first2=Jessica |date=May 20, 2014 |title=A Definitive Ranking Of Disney Sidekicks |url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/disney-sidekicks_n_5085158 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240503150915/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/disney-sidekicks_n_5085158 |archive-date=May 3, 2024 |access-date=May 3, 2024 |work=[[HuffPost]]}}</ref> ''[[Country Living]]'' ranked him 29th,<ref name=":25" /> [[Bustle (magazine)|''Bustle'']] ranked him second'',''<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kupfer |first=Lindsey |date=February 20, 2024 |title=A Ranking Of All The Disney Sidekicks |url=https://www.bustle.com/entertainment/91807-35-disney-sidekicks-ranked-from-meeko-flit-to-the-seven-dwarves |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230622023058/https://www.bustle.com/entertainment/91807-35-disney-sidekicks-ranked-from-meeko-flit-to-the-seven-dwarves |archive-date=June 22, 2023 |access-date=May 6, 2024 |work=[[Bustle (magazine)|Bustle]]}}</ref> and [[WKLB-FM|Country 102.5]] named him seventh.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Brown |first=Ayla |author-link=Ayla Brown |date=August 21, 2023 |title=9 Of The Greatest Disney Sidekicks, Ranked! |url=https://country1025.com/listicle/9-of-the-greatest-disney-sidekicks-ranked/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231201220949/https://country1025.com/listicle/9-of-the-greatest-disney-sidekicks-ranked/ |archive-date=December 1, 2023 |access-date=May 24, 2024 |work=[[WKLB-FM|Country 102.5]]}}</ref> Several publications consider Mushu to be among the greatest [[List of dragons in popular culture|dragons in popular culture]],<ref>{{Cite news |date=March 3, 2018 |title=TV and cinema's most famous dragons! |url=https://www.starsinsider.com/celebrity/190665/tv-and-cinemas-most-famous-dragons |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240502090617/https://www.starsinsider.com/celebrity/190665/tv-and-cinemas-most-famous-dragons |archive-date=May 2, 2024 |access-date=May 1, 2024 |work=Stars Insider}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Renee |first=Cherylene |date=September 13, 2016 |title=6 of the most famous dragons in TV & movie history |url=https://uk.style.yahoo.com/6-most-famous-dragons-tv-005547106.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAF4SRw_lMIHWTCOI2sfGyURKIJH1E612d2BhNpZfeT7feFfvSdhQvPL8Mk30ikWqkKXAIyGGf0TNP9OQFr-vMMcTwwywW1UQA3n_zhBiWdcsuY6xN0QbMCXhDb5kFrOSPfBmLgGNRKpksbMC_Yg2fCJjg-9XeKvoigYKin47IE3P |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240501152947/https://uk.style.yahoo.com/6-most-famous-dragons-tv-005547106.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAF4SRw_lMIHWTCOI2sfGyURKIJH1E612d2BhNpZfeT7feFfvSdhQvPL8Mk30ikWqkKXAIyGGf0TNP9OQFr-vMMcTwwywW1UQA3n_zhBiWdcsuY6xN0QbMCXhDb5kFrOSPfBmLgGNRKpksbMC_Yg2fCJjg-9XeKvoigYKin47IE3P |archive-date=May 1, 2024 |access-date=May 1, 2024 |work=[[Yahoo Life|Yahoo Life UK]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Rutigliano |first=Olivia |date=August 26, 2022 |title=The 50 Best Fictional Dragons, Ranked |url=https://lithub.com/the-50-best-fictional-dragons-ranked/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240501193154/https://lithub.com/the-50-best-fictional-dragons-ranked/ |archive-date=May 1, 2024 |access-date=May 1, 2024 |work=[[Literary Hub]]}}</ref><ref name=":33">{{Cite web |date=August 5, 2019 |title=Our Hearts Burn For These Unforgettable Disney Dragons |url=https://d23.com/our-hearts-burn-for-these-unforgettable-disney-dragons/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240502080958/https://d23.com/our-hearts-burn-for-these-unforgettable-disney-dragons/ |archive-date=May 2, 2024 |access-date=May 2, 2024 |website=[[D23 (Disney)|D23]]}}</ref> including [[MTV News]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Zalben |first=Alex |date=December 13, 2013 |title=From Smaug To Mushu, Which Movie Dragon Is The Biggest Of All Time? |url=https://www.mtv.com/news/u2oafc/hobbit-smaug-dragons-infographic |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240430194739/https://www.mtv.com/news/u2oafc/hobbit-smaug-dragons-infographic |archive-date=April 30, 2024 |access-date=April 30, 2024 |website=[[MTV News]]}}</ref> ''[[USA Today]]'',<ref>{{Cite news |last=Lawler |first=Kelly |date=April 11, 2016 |title=The 5 best pop culture dragons |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/entertainthis/2016/08/11/best-pop-culture-dragons-petes-dragon/88462956/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240430184616/https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/entertainthis/2016/08/11/best-pop-culture-dragons-petes-dragon/88462956/ |archive-date=April 30, 2024 |access-date=April 30, 2024 |work=[[USA Today]]}}</ref> ''[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]'',<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Volk |first1=Pete |last2=Radulovic |first2=Petrana |last3=Robinson |first3=Tasha |title=Our favorite dragons from movies and TV |url=https://www.polygon.com/entertainment/23308296/best-dragons-movies-tv-anime-list |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230226102939/https://www.polygon.com/entertainment/23308296/best-dragons-movies-tv-anime-list |archive-date=February 26, 2023 |access-date=April 30, 2024 |work=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]}}</ref> and ''[[Comic Book Resources]]''.<ref name=":20" /> ''Collider'' ranked him the second greatest dragon in the [[history of cinema]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fischer |first=William |date=April 3, 2022 |title=The Best Dragons Of Cinema, Ranked: 'Raya & the Last Dragon's Sisu to 'The Hobbit's Smaug |url=https://collider.com/best-dragons-of-cinema-ranked/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220404060410/https://collider.com/best-dragons-of-cinema-ranked/ |archive-date=April 4, 2022 |access-date=May 5, 2023 |website=[[Collider (website)|Collider]]}}</ref> In an article for ''[[The Guardian]]'', author [[Julie Kagawa]] ranked Mushu the sixth best dragon across films and books,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kagawa |first=Julie |author-link=Julie Kagawa |date=May 5, 2016 |title=Top 10 dragons in fiction |url=https://www.theguardian.com/childrens-books-site/2016/may/05/top-10-dragons-in-fiction#:~:text=Mushu%2C%20the%20tiny%20oriental%20dragon,war%20and%20save%20a%20country. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240430184019/https://www.theguardian.com/childrens-books-site/2016/may/05/top-10-dragons-in-fiction |archive-date=April 30, 2024 |access-date=April 30, 2024 |work=[[The Guardian]]}}</ref> while ''The A.V. Club'' ranked him the ninth best movie dragon.<ref name=":19">{{Cite news |last=White |first=Cindy |date=March 28, 2023 |title=9. Mushu from Mulan |url=https://www.avclub.com/best-movie-dragons-ranked-1850271331/slides/9 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240430185846/https://www.avclub.com/best-movie-dragons-ranked-1850271331/slides/9 |archive-date=April 30, 2024 |access-date=April 30, 2024 |work=[[The A.V. Club]]}}</ref> [[Dictionary.com]] cited Mushu among pop culture's most famous dragons in 2022, noting that "This depiction differs from typical Chinese dragons, who are often portrayed as being elegant, imposing, and wise".<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 10, 2022 |title=Blaze Through This List Of Famous Dragon Names |url=https://www.dictionary.com/e/famous-dragon-names/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240119055108/https://www.dictionary.com/e/famous-dragon-names/ |archive-date=January 19, 2024 |access-date=May 3, 2024 |website=[[Dictionary.com]]}}</ref> Sketches and concept art of Mushu were featured in animator Tom Bancroft's book ''The Art of Disney's Dragons'' (2016).<ref name=":33" /><ref>{{Cite book |last=Bancroft |first=Tom |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HmJpjgEACAAJ |title=The Art of Disney's Dragons |publisher=[[Disney Editions]] |year=2016 |isbn=9781484747162 |location=United States}}</ref> The character's popularity has led to him appearing in various tie-in media, including sequels, video games, and theme parks,<ref name=":19" /> notably [[Hong Kong Disneyland]] beginning with its opening ceremony in 2005.<ref>{{Cite news |date=September 12, 2005 |title=Disney opens its newest theme park in Hong Kong |url=https://www.9news.com/article/entertainment/disney-opens-its-newest-theme-park-in-hong-kong/73-344694356 |access-date=May 28, 2024 |work=[[KUSA (TV)|9News]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Foreman |first=William |date=September 12, 2005 |title=Hong Kong Disneyland opens |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna9313873 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230208213715/https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna9313873 |archive-date=February 8, 2023 |access-date=May 28, 2024 |work=[[NBCNews.com]]}}</ref> Mushu hosted [[The Magic of Disney Animation]] tour at [[Disney's Hollywood Studios]].<ref name=":36">{{Cite news |last=Foster |first=Tim |date=June 3, 2024 |title=10 Things You May Not Know About Mushu |url=https://celebrationspress.com/2024/06/03/10-things-you-may-not-know-about-mushu/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240711171511/https://celebrationspress.com/2024/06/03/10-things-you-may-not-know-about-mushu/ |archive-date=July 11, 2024 |access-date=July 11, 2024 |work=Celebrations Press}}</ref> |
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Mushu has also been described as a controversial character.<ref name=":26">{{Cite news |last1=Phillips |first1=Ian |last2=Desiderio |first2=Kyle |date=September 8, 2020 |title=Disney's "Mulan" live-action differences from animated movie |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/disney-mulan-live-action-differences-from-animated-movie-2020-9 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240507124946/https://www.businessinsider.com/disney-mulan-live-action-differences-from-animated-movie-2020-9 |archive-date=May 7, 2024 |access-date=May 7, 2024 |work=[[Business Insider]]}}</ref> Chinese viewers are reported to have disliked the dragon upon the film's initial release.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Larson |first=Tara |date=September 4, 2020 |title=The Real Story of Hua Mulan Is More Impressive Than Any Disney Version |url=https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/movies/a33917170/real-hua-mulan-true-story-facts/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240426185406/https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/movies/a33917170/real-hua-mulan-true-story-facts/ |archive-date=April 26, 2024 |access-date=April 26, 2024 |work=[[Esquire (magazine)|Esquire]] |quote=any Chinese viewers disliked his character}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Yuill |first=Bessie |date=September 16, 2020 |title=Before She Was a Warrior Heroine, Mulan Was Rescued by a White Savior |url=https://slate.com/culture/2020/09/mulan-disney-remake-china-history.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230121183905/https://slate.com/culture/2020/09/mulan-disney-remake-china-history.html |archive-date=January 21, 2023 |access-date=May 2, 2024 |work=[[Slate (magazine)|Slate]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last1=Yuill |first1=Bessie |last2=Delahoche |first2=Florence |date=October 26, 2020 |title=Mulan narrowly escaped the arrival of a white savior |url=https://www-slate-fr.translate.goog/story/196160/mulan-niki-caro-liu-yifei-white-savior-gentil-europeen-sauveur-blanc-disney?_x_tr_sl=fr&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240507165853/https://www-slate-fr.translate.goog/story/196160/mulan-niki-caro-liu-yifei-white-savior-gentil-europeen-sauveur-blanc-disney?_x_tr_sl=fr&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc |archive-date=May 7, 2024 |access-date=May 7, 2024 |work=[[Slate.fr]] |language=French}}</ref> According to the [[University of Southern California]] professor Stanley Rosen, the character was well-received in the United States, but accused by some Chinese audiences of [[Minimisation (psychology)|trivializing]] their culture and Mulan's story.<ref name=":26" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Ford |first=Rebecca |date=February 26, 2020 |title=Inside Disney's Bold $200M Gamble on 'Mulan': "The Stakes Couldn't Be Higher" |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/inside-disneys-bold-200m-gamble-mulan-stakes-couldnt-be-higher-1280999/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240410073200/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/inside-disneys-bold-200m-gamble-mulan-stakes-couldnt-be-higher-1280999/ |archive-date=April 10, 2024 |access-date=April 26, 2024 |work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite news |last=Francisco |first=Eric |date=February 20, 2024 |title=The cultural reason Disney's Mulan remake got rid of Mushu |url=https://www.inverse.com/entertainment/mulan-2020-mushu-gone-disney-why |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240426172627/https://www.inverse.com/entertainment/mulan-2020-mushu-gone-disney-why |archive-date=April 26, 2024 |access-date=April 26, 2024 |work=[[Inverse (website)|Inverse]]}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{Cite news |last=Pometsey |first=Olive |date=September 4, 2020 |title=A very serious ranking of the best animal sidekicks of all time |url=https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/culture/article/best-animal-sidekicks |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240502175541/https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/culture/article/best-animal-sidekicks |archive-date=May 2, 2024 |access-date=May 2, 2024 |work=[[British GQ]]}}</ref> When the trailer for the [[Mulan (2020 film)|2020 live-action adaptation of the film]] was released, several fans complained about Mushu's absence from the preview on social media.<ref name=":27" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Evans |first=Nick |date=July 8, 2019 |title=Disney's First Mulan Trailer Doesn't Have Mushu, And The Internet Is Freaking Out |url=https://www.cinemablend.com/news/2476169/disneys-first-mulan-trailer-doesnt-have-mushu-and-the-internet-is-freaking-out |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240426175458/https://www.cinemablend.com/news/2476169/disneys-first-mulan-trailer-doesnt-have-mushu-and-the-internet-is-freaking-out |archive-date=April 26, 2024 |access-date=April 26, 2024 |work=[[CinemaBlend]] |quote=Reactions to the lack of Mushu and the other changes made to the film ranged from disappointment, to anger, to sadness.}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Evans |first=Mel |date=January 15, 2020 |title=Disney fans still livid Mushu is nowhere to be seen as stunt-heavy sneak peek of Mulan is released |url=https://metro.co.uk/2020/01/15/disney-fans-still-livid-mushu-nowhere-seen-stunt-heavy-sneak-peek-mulan-released-12065682/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201126052047/https://metro.co.uk/2020/01/15/disney-fans-still-livid-mushu-nowhere-seen-stunt-heavy-sneak-peek-mulan-released-12065682/ |archive-date=November 26, 2020 |access-date=April 26, 2024 |work=[[Metro (British newspaper)|Metro]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Vaughan |first=Claudia |date=July 19, 2019 |title=In Defense of a Mushu-less Mulan: It's Time to Take Asian Leads Seriously [OP-ED] |url=https://colorlines.com/article/defense-mushu-less-mulan-its-time-take-asian-leads-seriously-op-ed/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240430125211/https://colorlines.com/article/defense-mushu-less-mulan-its-time-take-asian-leads-seriously-op-ed/ |archive-date=April 30, 2024 |access-date=April 30, 2024 |work=[[ColorLines]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last1=Tan |first1=Yvette |last2=Chen |first2=Heather |date=July 19, 2019 |title=Mulan: Disney aims to win over China with second take on the legend |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-48904677 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240205092522/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-48904677 |archive-date=February 5, 2024 |access-date=May 2, 2024 |work=[[BBC News Online]]}}</ref> By July 2019, the [[Twitter]] [[hashtag]] "There’s no Mushu dragon in Mulan" had been viewed over 310 million times.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Davis |first=Rebecca |date=July 11, 2019 |title=China Loves New 'Mulan' Trailer, Except Its Historical Inaccuracies |url=https://variety.com/2019/film/news/mulan-disney-crystal-liu-yifei-mushu-china-1203264522/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240430135404/https://variety.com/2019/film/news/mulan-disney-crystal-liu-yifei-mushu-china-1203264522/ |archive-date=April 30, 2024 |access-date=April 30, 2024 |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]}}</ref> Director [[Niki Caro]] confirmed that the character would not be in the remake, and discredited theories that the phoenix was "an updated version" of Mushu.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Mustafa |first=Filiz |date=January 14, 2020 |title=Mulan director reveals whether Disney remake features Mushu |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a30517030/mulan-disney-live-action-remake-mushu-update/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240426170334/https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a30517030/mulan-disney-live-action-remake-mushu-update/ |archive-date=April 26, 2024 |access-date=April 26, 2024 |work=[[Digital Spy]]}}</ref> Producer Jason Reed explained that Mushu was written out because "the dragon is a sign of respect and of strength and power and sort of using it as a silly sidekick did not play well with a traditional Chinese audience".<ref>{{Cite news |date=March 10, 2020 |title=Two Characters Missing From Mulan Because Of Cultural Appropriation And The #MeToo Movement. |url=https://www.amc.com/blogs/mulan-why-mushu-li-shang-were-removed-from-2020-remake--1004014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240426180730/https://www.amc.com/blogs/mulan-why-mushu-li-shang-were-removed-from-2020-remake--1004014 |archive-date=April 26, 2024 |access-date=April 26, 2024 |work=[[AMC (TV channel)|AMC]]}}</ref> Tom, Mushu's original animator, also appreciated that excluding the character from the remake would allow its creative team to release their own version of ''Mulan'' unhindered by expectations to adapt Mushu successfully.<ref name=":5" /> |
Mushu has also been described as a controversial character.<ref name=":26">{{Cite news |last1=Phillips |first1=Ian |last2=Desiderio |first2=Kyle |date=September 8, 2020 |title=Disney's "Mulan" live-action differences from animated movie |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/disney-mulan-live-action-differences-from-animated-movie-2020-9 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240507124946/https://www.businessinsider.com/disney-mulan-live-action-differences-from-animated-movie-2020-9 |archive-date=May 7, 2024 |access-date=May 7, 2024 |work=[[Business Insider]]}}</ref> Chinese viewers are reported to have disliked the dragon upon the film's initial release.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Larson |first=Tara |date=September 4, 2020 |title=The Real Story of Hua Mulan Is More Impressive Than Any Disney Version |url=https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/movies/a33917170/real-hua-mulan-true-story-facts/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240426185406/https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/movies/a33917170/real-hua-mulan-true-story-facts/ |archive-date=April 26, 2024 |access-date=April 26, 2024 |work=[[Esquire (magazine)|Esquire]] |quote=any Chinese viewers disliked his character}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Yuill |first=Bessie |date=September 16, 2020 |title=Before She Was a Warrior Heroine, Mulan Was Rescued by a White Savior |url=https://slate.com/culture/2020/09/mulan-disney-remake-china-history.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230121183905/https://slate.com/culture/2020/09/mulan-disney-remake-china-history.html |archive-date=January 21, 2023 |access-date=May 2, 2024 |work=[[Slate (magazine)|Slate]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last1=Yuill |first1=Bessie |last2=Delahoche |first2=Florence |date=October 26, 2020 |title=Mulan narrowly escaped the arrival of a white savior |url=https://www-slate-fr.translate.goog/story/196160/mulan-niki-caro-liu-yifei-white-savior-gentil-europeen-sauveur-blanc-disney?_x_tr_sl=fr&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240507165853/https://www-slate-fr.translate.goog/story/196160/mulan-niki-caro-liu-yifei-white-savior-gentil-europeen-sauveur-blanc-disney?_x_tr_sl=fr&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc |archive-date=May 7, 2024 |access-date=May 7, 2024 |work=[[Slate.fr]] |language=French}}</ref> According to the [[University of Southern California]] professor Stanley Rosen, the character was well-received in the United States, but accused by some Chinese audiences of [[Minimisation (psychology)|trivializing]] their culture and Mulan's story.<ref name=":26" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Ford |first=Rebecca |date=February 26, 2020 |title=Inside Disney's Bold $200M Gamble on 'Mulan': "The Stakes Couldn't Be Higher" |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/inside-disneys-bold-200m-gamble-mulan-stakes-couldnt-be-higher-1280999/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240410073200/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/inside-disneys-bold-200m-gamble-mulan-stakes-couldnt-be-higher-1280999/ |archive-date=April 10, 2024 |access-date=April 26, 2024 |work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite news |last=Francisco |first=Eric |date=February 20, 2024 |title=The cultural reason Disney's Mulan remake got rid of Mushu |url=https://www.inverse.com/entertainment/mulan-2020-mushu-gone-disney-why |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240426172627/https://www.inverse.com/entertainment/mulan-2020-mushu-gone-disney-why |archive-date=April 26, 2024 |access-date=April 26, 2024 |work=[[Inverse (website)|Inverse]]}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{Cite news |last=Pometsey |first=Olive |date=September 4, 2020 |title=A very serious ranking of the best animal sidekicks of all time |url=https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/culture/article/best-animal-sidekicks |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240502175541/https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/culture/article/best-animal-sidekicks |archive-date=May 2, 2024 |access-date=May 2, 2024 |work=[[British GQ]]}}</ref> When the trailer for the [[Mulan (2020 film)|2020 live-action adaptation of the film]] was released, several fans complained about Mushu's absence from the preview on social media.<ref name=":27" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Evans |first=Nick |date=July 8, 2019 |title=Disney's First Mulan Trailer Doesn't Have Mushu, And The Internet Is Freaking Out |url=https://www.cinemablend.com/news/2476169/disneys-first-mulan-trailer-doesnt-have-mushu-and-the-internet-is-freaking-out |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240426175458/https://www.cinemablend.com/news/2476169/disneys-first-mulan-trailer-doesnt-have-mushu-and-the-internet-is-freaking-out |archive-date=April 26, 2024 |access-date=April 26, 2024 |work=[[CinemaBlend]] |quote=Reactions to the lack of Mushu and the other changes made to the film ranged from disappointment, to anger, to sadness.}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Evans |first=Mel |date=January 15, 2020 |title=Disney fans still livid Mushu is nowhere to be seen as stunt-heavy sneak peek of Mulan is released |url=https://metro.co.uk/2020/01/15/disney-fans-still-livid-mushu-nowhere-seen-stunt-heavy-sneak-peek-mulan-released-12065682/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201126052047/https://metro.co.uk/2020/01/15/disney-fans-still-livid-mushu-nowhere-seen-stunt-heavy-sneak-peek-mulan-released-12065682/ |archive-date=November 26, 2020 |access-date=April 26, 2024 |work=[[Metro (British newspaper)|Metro]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Vaughan |first=Claudia |date=July 19, 2019 |title=In Defense of a Mushu-less Mulan: It's Time to Take Asian Leads Seriously [OP-ED] |url=https://colorlines.com/article/defense-mushu-less-mulan-its-time-take-asian-leads-seriously-op-ed/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240430125211/https://colorlines.com/article/defense-mushu-less-mulan-its-time-take-asian-leads-seriously-op-ed/ |archive-date=April 30, 2024 |access-date=April 30, 2024 |work=[[ColorLines]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last1=Tan |first1=Yvette |last2=Chen |first2=Heather |date=July 19, 2019 |title=Mulan: Disney aims to win over China with second take on the legend |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-48904677 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240205092522/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-48904677 |archive-date=February 5, 2024 |access-date=May 2, 2024 |work=[[BBC News Online]]}}</ref> By July 2019, the [[Twitter]] [[hashtag]] "There’s no Mushu dragon in Mulan" had been viewed over 310 million times.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Davis |first=Rebecca |date=July 11, 2019 |title=China Loves New 'Mulan' Trailer, Except Its Historical Inaccuracies |url=https://variety.com/2019/film/news/mulan-disney-crystal-liu-yifei-mushu-china-1203264522/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240430135404/https://variety.com/2019/film/news/mulan-disney-crystal-liu-yifei-mushu-china-1203264522/ |archive-date=April 30, 2024 |access-date=April 30, 2024 |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]}}</ref> Director [[Niki Caro]] confirmed that the character would not be in the remake, and discredited theories that the phoenix was "an updated version" of Mushu.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Mustafa |first=Filiz |date=January 14, 2020 |title=Mulan director reveals whether Disney remake features Mushu |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a30517030/mulan-disney-live-action-remake-mushu-update/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240426170334/https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a30517030/mulan-disney-live-action-remake-mushu-update/ |archive-date=April 26, 2024 |access-date=April 26, 2024 |work=[[Digital Spy]]}}</ref> Producer Jason Reed explained that Mushu was written out because "the dragon is a sign of respect and of strength and power and sort of using it as a silly sidekick did not play well with a traditional Chinese audience".<ref>{{Cite news |date=March 10, 2020 |title=Two Characters Missing From Mulan Because Of Cultural Appropriation And The #MeToo Movement. |url=https://www.amc.com/blogs/mulan-why-mushu-li-shang-were-removed-from-2020-remake--1004014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240426180730/https://www.amc.com/blogs/mulan-why-mushu-li-shang-were-removed-from-2020-remake--1004014 |archive-date=April 26, 2024 |access-date=April 26, 2024 |work=[[AMC (TV channel)|AMC]]}}</ref> Tom, Mushu's original animator, also appreciated that excluding the character from the remake would allow its creative team to release their own version of ''Mulan'' unhindered by expectations to adapt Mushu successfully.<ref name=":5" /> |
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Revision as of 17:20, 18 July 2024
Mushu | |
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Mulan character | |
![]() | |
First appearance | Mulan (1998) |
Created by | Robert D. San Souci |
Designed by | Tom Bancroft (supervising animator) |
Voiced by | Eddie Murphy
|
In-universe information | |
Species | Chinese dragon |
Mushu[1] is a fictional character in Disney's Mulan franchise, first appearing in the 1998 animated film of the same name. A small Chinese dragon, Mushu was a guardian of Mulan's family before he was demoted for failing to protect an ancestor. He plots to redeem himself by ensuring Mulan's safety and success when she enlists herself in the army in her father's place, ultimately becoming her closest confidant. In the sequel Mulan II, he attempts to sabotage Mulan's impending marriage in order to remain her guardian.
Although Mulan is based on the Chinese legend about Hua Mulan, Mushu is an original character created specifically for the film, at the suggestion of Roy E. Disney. The creators decided to make the dragon small as to not appear imposing next to Mulan. Inspired by Robin Williams' performance as the Genie in Aladdin (1992), Mulan's producers hoped to cast another comedian as Mushu, and had originally hired Joe Pesci in the role role. After deciding to go in an African-American direction for Mulan's sidekick, they cast Eddie Murphy, who recorded all of his dialogue from his home studio due to scheduling conflicts. Supervising animator Tom Bancroft studied both Chinese culture and dragon characters from previous animated Disney films to design the character, while drawing inspiration from Murphy's previous work and mannerisms.
Mushu's humor was generally well-received by American critics and audiences. Most reviewers praised Murphy's performance, but some felt the character diminished the seriousness of the film's subject matter. Meanwhile, reception towards Mushu in China was negative, with viewers accusing him of disrespecting Chinese culture and dragons. Several publications have ranked him as one of Disney's greatest sidekicks. Disney's decision to not include the character in the 2020 live-action adaptation of Mulan in an effort to be more culturally sensitive to Chinese audiences drew mixed reviews from fans of the character.
Role
When the Great Wall of China is breached by the Huns led by Shan Yu, the Emperor of China demands that one man from every household enlists in the Imperial army.[2] Mulan, the only child of aging war veteran Fa Zhou, disguises herself as a man and enlists herself in the army, risking the death penalty should her gender be discovered. Mulan's ancestors plan to send a dragon guardian to fetch her and summon Mushu, a small dragon who was previously demoted, to awaken him.[3] Mushu accidentally destroys the dragon guardian's statue while attempting to wake him,[4] and seizes the opportunity to accompany Mulan instead, with his own intentions of redeeming himself in the eyes of the ancestors by becoming her guardian.[5][6] Although well-intentioned, his efforts sometimes create further complications for Mulan.[7] Determined to have Mulan prove herself, Mushu forges a document that results in her inexperienced squadron of new recruits traveling to the Tung Shao Pass, where they discover that the village and the rest of their army had already been massacred by the Huns.[8] During a battle in which Mulan defeats most of the Huns by causing an avalanche, Mulan is injured, and her true identity is revealed to the army and General Li Shang.[9] Shang spares her life in return for saving his moments earlier, but discharges Mulan. Mushu gains the courage to confess his self-serving intentions to Mulan,[8] but promises that they will overcome any challenges together. They discover that Shan Yu and a few of his army's surviving members are on their way to the kingdom and decide to pursue them. Mulan successfully traps Shan Yu on the palace rooftop, and Mushu launches a firework that kills him. Upon their safe return, the emperor praises Mulan as a hero and pardons her transgressions. Mulan decides to reject an offer to join the emperor's council and instead returns home to her father's embrace. Lastly, Mushu is finally promoted back to being a guardian.
In Mulan II, Mushu initially attempts to prevent the engaged Mulan and Shang from marrying, since a marriage would result in Mushu losing his position as Mulan's guardian.[10] Mushu travels with Mulan and Shang on a mission to protect three princesses, attempting to sabotage their relationship along the way.[11]
Development
Creation and casting
Mushu is not mentioned in the Chinese legend about Hua Mulan or the Ballad of Hua Mulan, on which the film is based.[12][13][14] He was created specifically for the animated film,[15][16] although most of its writers considered him to be obligatory and protested his inclusion.[17] Despite recognizing dragons among the most recognizable aspects of Chinese culture and imagery,[18] Disney was initially concerned that a dragon sidekick would dwarf Mulan on screen.[19] Disney chairman Roy E. Disney suggested the character of Mushu upon learning that dragons in Chinese folklore can be different sizes.[20][21] The character was created to provide comic relief, and named after a Chinese-American dish;[18][22] he ultimately replaced a panda sidekick named "Moo Goo Gai Panda".[23] At one point, Mushu was intended to be two characters, a gryphon and a phoenix,[24] and featured in the film much more prominently.[25] Inspired by the success of Robin Williams' performance as the Genie in Aladdin (1992),[26][27] the producers hoped to cast a comic actor in the role, and had considered Joe Pesci, Steve Martin, and Sinbad.[28] They also animated a demo reel to some of Pesci's dialogue from one of his films.[29] Pesci was originally cast, with an early version of Mushu being described as a serpent with two different heads and personalities voiced by Pesci and Richard Dreyfuss, respectively.[30][31][32] The filmmakers had originally envisioned the character having a "New York, tough guy, streetwise" accent reminiscent of actors Billy Crystal and Danny DeVito, but deemed these traits too derivative of supporting characters from previous Disney films.[33]
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e3/Eddie_Murphy_2010.jpg/202px-Eddie_Murphy_2010.jpg)
According to director Tony Bancroft, Mushu had always been described as the opposite of Mulan's personality, and felt an African-American character would deliver the perfect contrast to the heroine's more traditionally Chinese characterization.[33][35] They started interviewing several African-American performers,[33] with Disney executive Michael Eisner ultimately suggesting actor-comedian Eddie Murphy.[36] While Murphy had expressed interest in doing animation at the time,[26] Eisner claimed Murphy owed him a favor for producing one of the actor's first major films, Beverly Hills Cop (1984).[29] Tom Bancroft, Mushu's supervising animator and Tony's twin brother, was initially unsure about contrasting the film's serious depiction of Chinese culture against an urban voice, but ultimately felt the character would bring dynamic chemistry to Mulan.[37] Mushu's role was expanded to that of one of the film's main characters as the story evolved.[38] The silent character of the cricket Cri-Kee was added to balance him,[39] since Mushu is the only character who can understand Cri-Kee's chirps.[40]
Murphy accepted the role partially because he wanted to make some films that his own children could watch, having mostly starred in movies intended for adults prior to Mulan.[41] He was also one of its few non-Asian main cast members.[42][43] Due to his busy filming schedule,[44] Murphy requested that Disney allow him to record his part from his home studio in Englewood, New Jersey,[45][46] to where Disney brought character sketches.[45] According to Tony, they were forced to comply with Murphy's demands to avoid the risk of not completing his animation on time, which he admitted ultimately benefited the performance.[44] Murphy did little improvisation because the part had already been written for him.[29]
Songwriters Matthew Wilder and David Zippel had written at least two songs intended for Mushu to sing when he introduces himself to Mulan.[47][48] One of them, "Keep 'Em Guessing", would have taught Mulan about being a convincing male soldier.[49][50] The song was cut because Murphy did not want to sing in the film,[51] despite several attempts to re-write it to his liking.[47] Tony felt Mushu's songs ruined the pacing of the film.[33] They decided to replace it with Mushu introducing himself to Mulan in the manner of an African-American preacher because they felt they needed a big introduction in the song's absence.[33] In 2020, Ming-Na Wen, who voices Mulan, revealed that she had yet to meet Murphy in person, despite having voiced characters in the same film.[52] Mushu was Murphy's first voice acting role,[27][53] and Tom theorizes this inspired DreamWorks to eventually cast him as Donkey in the Shrek franchise.[54] Murphy is one of the film's few original cast members who did not reprise his role in the sequel Mulan II (2004),[55] early versions of which had a dragon love interest for Mushu.[40]
Design and personality
Tom was Mushu's supervising animator,[56] and Chris Sanders was one of his character designers.[24] Tom had originally expected to be assigned a less prominent character, but Mushu ultimately became his first job as a supervising animator.[38] He was hired to work on Mushu a year before production began on Mulan, during a period when Disney had yet to cast the character or determine his personality.[54][57] Additionally, character designer Harald Siepermann drew concept art from his studio in Germany for the first few weeks of production,[58] but remained uncredited due to working less than 200 hours on the film.[59] The animators had considered several animals for Mushu, including a two-headed serpent.[30] At various stages of development, Mushu was changed from two different dragons who morph into one by the end of the film, to a phoenix, and finally a dragon.[54] Due to constant script revisions early on, Tom drew generic versions of the character, avoiding poses and facial expressions.[57]
Tom borrowed inspiration from several aspects of Chinese culture when designing the character, including woodblock printing and sculptures from temples.[60] Although Disney had featured European-style dragons in several previous animated projects, Mushu was the studio's first Chinese dragon, and Tom worked to differentiate the character from his predecessors.[54] The animator realized that Chinese and European dragons are very different in appearance, describing the former as "thin and snake-like while the European dragons were often thick and more like a crocodile".[61] Tom also researched dragons and dragon-like characters from previous Disney films, including Elliott from Pete’s Dragon (1977), Maleficent from Sleeping Beauty (1959) and the Hydra from Hercules (1997), while The Reluctant Dragon (1941) in particular was studied to see how animators approached a simplified, humorous dragon during the 1940s.[62] Tom was also inspired by the work of fellow Disney animator Eric Goldberg, who had sketched Aladdin's Genie briefly transforming into a dragon.[62] He described the final design of Mushu as a combination of many different animals, possessing "whiskers like a catfish, scales like a fish, cow ears, the hairy lip of a camel, horns like a goat and talons of an eagle".[60] Tom made his own color models for the character, which was uncommon for a supervising animator to do.[29] Although the animators had wanted Mushu's tale to be purple to match his horns, a Disney executive insisted that it be red like the rest of the character, much to Tony's chagrin.[63] In an act of protest, the animators secretly colored his tail purple in one brief scene in the film when he is riding on Khan's back.[63][29]
Tom refined Murphy's facial expressions, poses, and personality once Murphy was cast,[54][57] attending at least two of his recording sessions.[54] Murphy's performance greatly influenced Tom's drawings, spending as much as a week animating each scene while listening to tape recordings of Murphy's sessions.[57] He was also inspired by Murphy's work in Trading Places (1983) and Saturday Night Live, specifically his facial expressions, joke delivery, and how he uses his hands,[57] as well as prints of the actor's face.[64] He maintains that the character is very similar to Murphy personality-wise.[54] Despite Murphy's influence on Mushu, Tom said he incorporated more of himself into the dragon than his voice actor,[65] and considers him a favorite of the characters he has worked on.[38] He claims he learned from peers working at DreamWorks that their animators had reviewed animation footage of Mushu when developing Donkey for Shrek, who was also voiced by Murphy.[54] In an effort to appeal to older audiences, Disney omitted Mushu from Mulan's marketing campaign until two weeks before the film was released.[66] Disney archivist Dave Smith described Mushu as boastful, brave, and excitable, a character who "has more than enough personality and bravado for the biggest dragons", despite his small size.[4]
Critical reception
At the time of Mulan's release, Mushu was generally well-received by American critics and audiences.[67][68] Film critic Roger Ebert said the character "quickly grows on us", despite initially finding him disconcerting due to the film's historical setting.[69] Margaret A. McGurk of The Cincinnati Enquirer called Mushu "a major hoot ... although how this thoroughly modern American personality landed in ancient China is a pure mystery".[70] JoBlo.com's Berge Garabedian crowned him the film's "real star", claiming Mushu "managed to get a crack out of the audience during every single one of its wonderful appearances".[71] Several reviewers compared Mushu and Murphy's performance to Robin Williams' Genie from Aladdin.[72][73][74][75][76][77] Jeff Vice of the Deseret News said Murphy "has his share of amusing one-liners", despite feeling the actor was trying too hard to imitate Williams.[78]
Murphy's performance has received positive reviews.[79][80] Film critic Richard Corliss found him "very funny",[81] and Dan DiNicola of The Daily Gazette said he "delivers a knockout performance".[82] Eileen Fitzpatrick, a critic for Billboard, called Murphy "hilarious" in the role.[83] Salon's Jenn Shreve said Murphy contributes enough comedy without stealing the spotlight, and felt the character's clichés "seem to exist for the express purpose of being destroyed, and they're often responsible for some of the film's most hilarious moments".[84] Film critic Owen Gleiberman called Murphy irresistible, but wished his character had been provided with stronger material.[76] Barbara Shulgasser of SFGate said the actor "gives a rather dull movie whatever life it's got".[85] Essence considers Mushu to be one of Murphy's most iconic roles,[86] while several publications such as Entertainment Weekly and Gold Derby have ranked it among the best performances of his career.[74][87][88][89] Variety ranked Murphy's work as Mushu the 11th greatest voiceover performance in a Disney film,[90] while MovieWeb and Game Rant ranked it 8th.[91][92] Backstage named it among the 14 "Best Voice Acting Performances of All Time".[93] Mushu also helped launch the family-friendly period of the actor's career,[74][94] during which he acquired a younger fanbase by appearing in several family films;[95][96][97] he did not star in an R-rated film until 2019.[74] Writing for Paste, Josh Jackson quipped that Murphy’s best comedic performances since Coming to America (1988) appear to be animated.[98] Tim Grierson of Cracked.com ranked Mushu his second-best family film performance, citing it as a precursor to his long-running role as Donkey in the Shrek franchise,[99] which Jason Fraley of WTSP agreed with.[100] According to a Metacritic article published in 2023, Mulan was the sixth best-reviewed film of Murphy's career to that point.[101] Ethan Alter of Yahoo! Entertainment said the film "capped a successful mid-‘90s comeback for the comedy icon".[68]
Both Hollis Chacona of The Austin Chronicle and film critic Todd McCarthy described the character's anachronisms as jarring, despite finding some of his humor amusing.[102][75] Writer Mari Ness called Murphy an irritating, unnecessary addition to the cast, criticizing his perceived reliance on anachronistic humor, and deeming him inferior to the Genie.[21] Animation historian Jerry Beck said Mushu's jokes weaken the film and clash with its serious subject matter.[103] Jeffrey Gantz of the Boston Phoenix dismissed him as a less interesting "African-American take on" sidekicks from Disney's Aladdin, The Lion King, and Hercules.[104] Ian Freer of Empire dismissed Mushu as "obligatory" and "completely superfluous".[77] For The New York Times, Janet Maslin criticized the film for relegating a "Black" character to a "servile clown".[105] Mushu was negatively received in China.[106][107] According to Country Living and The Baltimore Sun, some viewers found his characterization to be an inaccurate and insensitive depiction of Chinese culture.[108][109] Alter noted that not some of Murphy's material has not aged well in the decades since the film's release, specifically his character's jokes about Mongolian cuisine and wearing drag.[68] However, Dennis E. Yi of The China Project argued that Chinese audiences were not offended by Mushu's depiction because he believes it is common to make jokes at the expense of "lower-tier" dragons in Chinese culture.[110]
Anthony Brett of The Daily Telegraph and Petrana Radulovic of Polygon panned Mulan II for undoing Mushu's character development by having him attempt to sabotage Mulan and Shang's wedding.[111][112] Brett also criticized Disney for replacing Murphy with white actor Mark Moseley, calling it "voiceover blackface".[111] Kevin Wong of GameSpot called these changes to Mushu "the worst, most left-field aspect of Mulan II".[113]
Legacy
Mushu has been called a beloved and fan-favorite character from the Mulan franchise.[15][114][115][116][117] Kelsey Dickson of Comic Book Resources described Mushu as Mulan's unsung hero, which Dickson attributed due to decisions and actions that inadvertently result in Mulan proving herself as a capable soldier and hero.[8] Phil Pirrello of The A.V. Club ranked Mushu the 44th best Disney character of all-time, describing him as a more fully-rounded supporting character than Aladdin's Genie.[118] Disney Rewards and Esquire described Mushu as one of the studio's most beloved animated sidekicks,[16][119] and Game Rant ranked him Disney's third best side character.[120] In 2022, Entertainment Weekly reported that the character appears to be widely admired as a sidekick.[121] The same publication said Mushu deserves his own spin-off,[122] and Collider ranked him Disney's best animal sidekick.[123] HuffPost ranked Mushu 14th on their "Definitive Ranking Of Disney Sidekicks".[124] Country Living ranked him 29th,[108] Bustle ranked him second,[125] and Country 102.5 named him seventh.[126] Several publications consider Mushu to be among the greatest dragons in popular culture,[127][128][129][130] including MTV News,[131] USA Today,[132] Polygon,[133] and Comic Book Resources.[114] Collider ranked him the second greatest dragon in the history of cinema.[134] In an article for The Guardian, author Julie Kagawa ranked Mushu the sixth best dragon across films and books,[135] while The A.V. Club ranked him the ninth best movie dragon.[136] Dictionary.com cited Mushu among pop culture's most famous dragons in 2022, noting that "This depiction differs from typical Chinese dragons, who are often portrayed as being elegant, imposing, and wise".[137] Sketches and concept art of Mushu were featured in animator Tom Bancroft's book The Art of Disney's Dragons (2016).[130][138] The character's popularity has led to him appearing in various tie-in media, including sequels, video games, and theme parks,[136] notably Hong Kong Disneyland beginning with its opening ceremony in 2005.[139][140] Mushu hosted The Magic of Disney Animation tour at Disney's Hollywood Studios.[40]
Mushu has also been described as a controversial character.[141] Chinese viewers are reported to have disliked the dragon upon the film's initial release.[142][143][144] According to the University of Southern California professor Stanley Rosen, the character was well-received in the United States, but accused by some Chinese audiences of trivializing their culture and Mulan's story.[141][145][146][147] When the trailer for the 2020 live-action adaptation of the film was released, several fans complained about Mushu's absence from the preview on social media.[16][148][149][150][151] By July 2019, the Twitter hashtag "There’s no Mushu dragon in Mulan" had been viewed over 310 million times.[152] Director Niki Caro confirmed that the character would not be in the remake, and discredited theories that the phoenix was "an updated version" of Mushu.[153] Producer Jason Reed explained that Mushu was written out because "the dragon is a sign of respect and of strength and power and sort of using it as a silly sidekick did not play well with a traditional Chinese audience".[154] Tom, Mushu's original animator, also appreciated that excluding the character from the remake would allow its creative team to release their own version of Mulan unhindered by expectations to adapt Mushu successfully.[56]
Believed to have been written out of the remake due to concerns over cultural inaccuracy and racism,[155] some academics and culture critics defended Disney's decision to exclude Mushu, describing it as the studio's attempt to depict Chinese culture and history more authentically.[156] Olive Pometsey of British GQ found the adjustment necessary to adapt Mulan respectfully,[147] and Esquire's Adrienne Westenfeld said the lack of Mushu resulted in a stronger, more self-sufficient Mulan.[16] However, Jeva Lange of The Week reported that Chinese fans also expressed disappointment over Mushu's exclusion on the Chinese microblogging platform Weibo.[157][158] Meanwhile, according to Rebecca Davis of Variety, Chinese audiences bemoaned the absence of Mushu upon the remake's release in China.[159] In a review for CNN, historian Kelly Hammond panned the removal of Mushu as one of the remake's biggest missteps, which she said caused the film to rely on outdated jokes from male soldiers for comic relief.[160] Lange opined that Mushu's absence deprives the remake's version of Mulan of meaningful dialogue by removing the supporting character with whom she shared most conversations, suggesting that that he could have been reimagined as a more serious character, a female dragon, or another sort of character entirely, instead of eliminated altogether.[157]
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