After an extensive search, Disney has zeroed in on its choice of director for its latest live-action remake project, tapping "Whale Rider" director Niki Caro to helm "Mulan."

The Hollywood Reporter broke the story that Caro (who also worked with Disney on 2015 feature "McFarland, USA") just landed the plum gig, after the studio considered several other high-profile candidates, including Patty Jenkins (who's helming DC's "Wonder Woman") and Michelle MacLaren (known for her extensive television work on series including "Game of Thrones," "Breaking Bad," and "The Walking Dead"). According to THR, that likely means that Caro will not be heading up Marvel's upcoming female-fronted superhero flick "Captain Marvel," which is also seeking a woman to direct.

Initially, Disney wanted an Asian director for "Mulan," courting Oscar winner Ang Lee for the job. But scheduling issues forced Lee to decline the project, and reported interest in Jiang Wen -- a star of Disney's "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" and a successful director in his native China -- didn't pan out, either. But Disney remains committed to not white-washing the story of Mulan, a legendary female Chinese warrior, and is conducting a worldwide casting search for its lead actress, who filmmakers have pledged will be of Chinese descent.

THR also reports that Disney has hired legendary Hong Kong-based producer Bill Kong ("Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon") to executive produce "Mulan," and the studio is also focusing much of its casting search in mainland China. A controversial spec script purchased for the project -- which featured a white male love interest -- is being completely rewritten (and will feature entirely Asian characters) by "Jurassic World" scripters Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver.

"Mulan" is slated to open on November 2, 2018.

[via: The Hollywood Reporter]