Yoson An X FAULT Magazine

Photography: Irvin Rivera

Styling: Kyle Kagamida

Grooming: Anny Kim

Retoucher: Sebastian Cerulli

 

Words: Miles Holder

While we don’t know many details about the upcoming Mulan movie, we do know that it won’t be a shot for shot remake of the animated 1998 hit and instead will feature a host of new characters and plot threads. One new character added to the movie is Honghui, rumoured to be Mulan’s principal love interest. Played by cover star Yoson An, few details have been officially released regarding his character and his part in the overarching storyline, however, on September 4th, all will be revealed!

We caught up with Yoson An to discuss his role, the cultural importance of 2020’s Mulan and of course, his FAULTs.

What was your first reaction when you found out that Disney had found a workaround to the pandemic and people would be seeing the movie sooner rather than later?

Yoson An: Thank you all so much for your patience! Mulan was supposed to be released in March, but given what’s been happening in our world, I’m so grateful that we can finally all enjoy watching this gem in the comfort and safety of our own home. I’m so excited for you all to see this film!

On the set of black panther, Lupita Nyongo mentioned that she felt part of something special because of the longterm representation issues in Hollywood, did you have a similar feeling whilst working on Mulan?

Yoson An: It’s definitely very rare to be on a big-budget studio film where all the cast had the same/similar cultural background. There was just an instant connection and knowing when we all first met. It was a very special experience.

With so many fans more familiar with the Mulan they saw in the 90’s animated movies, do you ever feel nervous that audiences won’t take to his reimagining of “The Ballad of Mulan”

Yoson An: To be honest, I’m personally one of the biggest fans of the 90s animated classic. After seeing this new live-action adaptation of Mulan three times, I’m now in love with them both (not being biased). I really hope the fans love it as much as we do.

What did you find the most challenging aspect of playing Honghui?

Yoson An: One of the biggest challenges playing Honghui was probably the physicality of it. He’s a very skilled martial artist as well as being incredibly athletic. To embody the role of Honghui truthfully, the boys in the squad and I had to undergo an intense bootcamp transformation – 5 days a week for 6 months, 4 hours a day – to get us all into the appropriate physique.

A long-standing criticism of the animated movie, is the way it tiptoes round any reference to original love interest General Shang’s sexuality, without spoiling anything, do you feel Honghui’s character will rectify this?

Yoson An: As much as I want to tell you all about Honghui, I’m not allowed to give too much away… but I think the audience will quite enjoy the tension and chemistry between Honghui and Mulan. I can’t wait for you all to watch this movie!

What is something you’ve learnt about yourself during the pandemic?

Yoson An: I need to learn more dishes to cook.