'Mulan' Director Calls Coronavirus Victims And Healthcare Workers 'A Living Testament' To Warrior

Those who attended the “Mulan” world premiere couldn’t help but acknowledge the impact the Coronavirus is having on people around the world.

During the event at Hollywood's Dolby Theatre, director Niki Caro addressed the illness while introducing the live-action film. In fact, she drew a striking comparison between those that have been actively battling COVID-19 to the film’s central character, USA Today reports.

"Our hearts go out to everyone in China and the world over affected by the Coronavirus and our deepest respect goes out those working so hard to battle this disease," Caro said referencing the medical workers who risk their own lives to help others. "You are a living testament to Mulan and you bring honor to us all."

In fact, the virus is even affecting the family of the 2020 film’s leading actress, Yifei Liu. The “Mulan” star was born in Wuhan, China.

"My grandmother is still there,” Liu told USA Today, adding that her relative is “fine.”

As Worldometer reports, there are over 80,000 confirmed cases of the Coronavirus in China. Over 3,000 deaths have also occurred in the country as a result of the disease. However, Liu is remaining positive.

"I’m seeing people being really careful about what they are doing, taking care of themselves and others. I feel really warm," she explained. "I hope the best for us, focusing on the positive energy.”

"We hope Mulan’s fighting spirit continues to inspire around the world," Caro told the audience at the premiere.

While the Disney film will hit theaters on March 27 in the U.S., the release in China has been delayed following the decision to shut down 70,000 movie theaters. There is no word on when “Mulan” will be released in the country.

"The first thing is, we are all very concerned about the health and welfare of everyone affected by the disease,” said producer Jason Reed. “It makes the release of the movie seem like small potatoes when you think of people on respirators and ventilators."