‘Mulan’ Math Ranges From Financial Bomb to Modest Moneymaker

Forecasts range from 3 million downloads to 10 million-plus
Theaters say little about Disney’s industry-rattling move

Yifei Liu attends the World Premiere of Disney’s ‘Mulan’ in Hollywood, California on March 9.Photographer: Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images

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By Christopher Palmeri and Kelly Gilblom

August 5, 2020 at 8:30 PM UTC

Depending on who you ask, Walt Disney Co.’s decision to release its next big film “Mulan” online either guarantees the movie will lose money or could be a smart way to potentially break even on a $300 million investment.

With theaters in the U.S. still largely shuttered due to the coronavirus, Disney will make the live-action redo of its 1998 animated hit available for purchase by Disney+ subscribers for an extra $30 starting Sept. 4.