After developing a live-action remake of animated hit "Mulan" earlier this year, Disney has now officially greenlit the project, with an official release date announced on Tuesday.

The flick, which The Hollywood Reporter says will be "fast-tracked" into production, is slated to hit theaters on November 2, 2018, and will also be released in 3D, according to the studio. THR reports that Disney is set to begin "a global casting search" for a Chinese actress to play the titular heroine, a young woman who disguises herself as a man to take her father's place in battle.

News first broke back in March that Disney was working on a live-action version of "Mulan," the latest in a long string of planned live-action releases based on its classic animated properties. "Maleficent," "Cinderella," and "The Jungle Book" were already hits for the studio, and the upcoming "Beauty and the Beast" is one of the most hotly-anticipated films due out next year.

"Mulan" wasn't a blockbuster for Disney -- it pulled in a respectable $304 million worldwide back in 1998 -- but with excitement for this new batch of updated flicks (including the just-announced "Lion King") at such a fever pitch, it makes sense for the Mouse House to cash in. This new version of "Mulan" is described by THR as "a more nuanced and elaborate adaptation" of the source material, and we're curious to see what filmmakers do with the property. Stay tuned to see who the production nabs to star and direct.

[via: The Hollywood Reporter]