As a longtime fan who’s grown up with Ming-Na Wen’s extraordinary performances, it’s been a privilege to witness her journey from live-action stardom to voice acting icon. Her transformation into Mulan remains one of Disney’s most cherished moments, and now, over two decades later, she continues to grace our screens as Fong Wing in the Gremlins series.
Over the years, Ming-Na Wen has established herself as an iconic action hero in her own right, between her roles in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D and The Mandalorian. Her most iconic role continues to be the voice behind one of the most beloved Disney Princesses: Mulan. As the actress reprises her voice role on the Gremlins series, she spoke to TopMob about how her comfort in the vocal booth has changed since starring in the movie over 25 years ago.
Ming-Na Wen first made her mark in live-action films such as “The Joy Luck Club” and “Street Fighter”, but in 1998 she lent her voice to the animated character in Disney’s “Mulan”. During our conversation, she shared insights about what it felt like to bring that role to life through animation. In her own words:
My initial foray into voiceovers in animation was Mulan, which was quite significant for me. It was an enlightening experience as I discovered numerous aspects that I hadn’t anticipated earlier. For instance, I didn’t know that you would work alone in a recording booth with a reader. Moreover, I underestimated the time it would require. What I came to cherish about animation is the enchantment of seeing it all come together, as an audience member, sharing the experience with everyone else, including fans. It’s magical!
Indeed, you’re correct. Working on an animated film might seem like a fantastic opportunity, but it can also be quite solitary. As Wen shared, this role requires a great deal of creative thinking because she wasn’t surrounded by her co-stars such as Eddie Murphy, BD Wong, Pat Morita, or James Hong during performances. Instead, it was usually just her and someone else reading all the other lines for her. She went on to say:
With this project now, I feel like, after 25 years, I’ve really mastered the art of stepping into the recording booth. I prefer dressing comfortably, usually in some cozy pajamas. I know the ropes and I truly enjoy it. It’s such a rewarding experience whenever I get the chance. This project is essentially me expressing my true self in many aspects. I get to act as a mother.
In the second season of the Gremlins series, which started in 2023 with Secrets of the Mogwai, Wen returns to voice Fong Wing, Sam’s mother. Titled The Wild Batch, this time she continues her supporting role and is joined by some cast members from Mulan. James Hong, who was Chi Fu in the Disney movie, plays Sam’s grandfather, a character who frequently recounts his past adventures. BD Wong, known for playing Shang Li’s love interest in Mulan, takes on the role of Hon Wing, Fong Wing’s husband. Although Wen doesn’t interact with them directly, it’s a delightful reunion, isn’t it?
In the latest season of “Gremlins”, Sam, along with his family members like parents and grandfather, will step aside from the main narrative as Sam, Elle, and Gizmo embark on a fresh journey in San Francisco. However, Wen hinted during an interview that the band will reunite for the second part which is set to transport the Wing family, Gizmo, and Elle across the American West.
Currently, you have the opportunity to stream the initial five episodes of “Gremlins: The Wild Batch” instantly, thanks to a Max subscription. Don’t miss out on what directors Joe Dante and the producers of “Gremlins” shared about Gizmo making a comeback in live-action.
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2024-10-05 23:37