The star of Disney’s live-action “Mulan” remake, which hits theaters March 27, is speaking out about the coronavirus.
Liu Yifei was raised in Wuhan, China, according to Yahoo! News. In a recent interview with the Hollywood Reporter, the 32-year-old actress said she left Hubei province when she was 10, and that none of her family and close friends were affected by the disease. But her personal connection to the virus’ epicenter causes the outbreak to weigh heavily on her mind.
“I’m really hoping for a miracle and that this will just be over soon,” Liu told the Hollywood Reporter, expressing her admiration for the people who are working to prevent the spread of the virus.
The coronavirus will also have an effect on the film’s worldwide release.
NBC News reported that “Mulan” was set to be a blockbuster in China before the severe COVID-19 outbreak. The forced closures of movie theaters across China — 70,000 theaters since Jan. 24 — will likely impact the films’ opening in March.
Liu was hesitant to say more about the virus. Last year, the actress generated controversy when her comments on the Hong Kong protests inspired a movement to #BoycottMulan, according to the Hollywood Reporter.