'Mulan' director talks coronavirus battle, star Yifei Liu concerned for grandmother in Wuhan

LOS ANGELES — Beneath the glamorous festivities of the "Mulan" gala world premiere in Hollywood Monday night lurked the real concern over the global coronavirus outbreak.

Speaking from the stage at Hollywood's Dolby Theatre, "Mulan" director Niki Caro discussed the "difficult time" marked by the worldwide spread of the highly infectious COVID-19.

Introducing her film for the first time, Caro invoked the famed warrior central to the story.

"We hope Mulan’s fighting spirit continues to inspire around the world," Caro said.

"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, paying respect to the medical workers putting their own health at risk on the front lines. "You are a living testament to Mulan and you bring honor to us all."

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The impact of the outbreak could even be seen with the film's glamorous central star Yifei Liu, who was born in Wuhan, China. The epicenter of coronavirus, a city of 11 million, has been under an unprecedented lockdown to contain the disease.

"My grandmother is still there," Liu said, adding that she was "fine."

Speaking earlier to USA TODAY, Liu expressed cautious optimism about the coronavirus'impact.

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

The Disney film's China release was delayed indefinitely in light of the country's closure of its 70,000 movie theaters. But "Mulan" will still be released March 27 in the U.S.

"Mulan" producer Chris Bender said Monday that the studio is monitoring the situation closely.

"It’s obviously a day-to-day situation. And we’re going to see," Bender said, saying that safety was the primary concern. "But we want people to see the movie."

Producer Jason Reed said the filmmakers are keeping perspective about the $200 million film's opening.

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

Reed added that each of Disney's regional offices is keeping close track.

"They are not an organization that panics, they are not an organization that overreacts. They are very professional. They have a lot of information. And they make smart decisions," said Reed. "So I think we are in great hands."

After a rousing standing ovation for the film premiere, the after-party was a markedly low-key affair spanning the theater's lobbies featuring Chinese food dished out for patrons by servers wearing protective black latex gloves.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'Mulan' director talks coronavirus battle, star Yifei Liu family affected