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Renowned actress Ming-Na Wen walked the red carpet at the ‘Karate Kid: Legends’ premiere in May 2025, sharing emotional reflections on her legacy in Hollywood. While promoting her latest role as Dr. Fong in the sixth instalment of ‘The Karate Kid’ franchise, the celebrated actress took a moment to honour the film role that made her a household name — ‘Mulan’.
Now 61, Ming-Na Wen is best known as the voice behind Disney’s animated warrior princess, a role she originally took on in 1998 and reprised in ‘Mulan II’ (2004). She also made a special cameo in the 2020 live-action version of ‘Mulan’, a nod to her deep-rooted connection to the beloved character.
While attending the ‘Karate Kid: Legends’ premiere, Ming-Na Wen looked back on the lasting cultural impact of Mulan, expressing how the character has continued to inspire audiences nearly thirty years after first coming to life on screen.
Image Courtesy: Google Play
She expressed deep affection for the character and conveyed how meaningful it is to see ‘Mulan’ continue to inspire audiences of all ages. According to Wen, Mulan's legacy is timeless, and she is proud to have played a part in its ongoing story.
Ming-Na Wen, who has been married to actor Eric Michael Zee since 1995, is a mother to two children. The actress shared that her children grew up watching the ‘Mulan’ films countless times and have grown just as attached to the story and characters, even if initially reluctant. She noted with amusement that they still seem to enjoy her voice performances.
Ming-Na Wen's Career Beyond Mulan
Beyond her voice work in ‘Mulan’, Ming-Na Wen has built a diverse and respected career in both film and television. Her standout performances include fan-favourite roles such as Melinda May in ‘Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.’, Fennec Shand in ‘The Mandalorian’ and appearances in the ‘Star Wars’ universe.
Image Courtesy: Disney Movies
Ming-Na Wen's appearance at the ‘Karate Kid: Legends’ premiere signified a fresh and exciting chapter in her multifaceted career. She described feeling thrilled when director Jonathan Entwistle invited her to join the project as a maternal figure, calling it an unforgettable experience. Ming-Na Wen praised the ensemble cast, which includes Sadie Stanley, Jackie Chan, and Ralph Macchio, and expressed excitement for fans to experience the new story.
‘Karate Kid: Legends’ was officially released in theatres on 30th May, 2025, bringing together familiar faces and new talent for a fresh take on the iconic martial arts saga.