Actress Ming-Na Wen took a nostalgic moment at the May 2025 premiere of Karate Kid: Legends, reflecting on her long-standing connection to an iconic role.
Though attending to promote her role as Dr. Fong in the sixth installment of The Karate Kid franchise, the 61-year-old actress is best known for voicing Mulan in Disney’s animated films.
Speaking to PEOPLE on the red carpet, Wen expressed how deeply she cherishes the character of Mulan and the legacy she has built over the past 27 years. “Mulan is so near and dear to my heart,” Wen said. “Her legacy will continue on forever. She will inspire new fans and a whole new generation. I’m so thrilled to be a part of it. It’s such a gift.”
Wen originally voiced Mulan in the 1998 animated film and its 2004 sequel, Mulan II. She later made a cameo in the 2020 live-action adaptation, starring Liu Yifei as Mulan.
Wen has been married to Eric Michael Zee for 28 years. They have two grown children: Michaela, 24, and Cooper Dominic, 19. Wen joked that despite hearing her voice so often, her children still enjoy the Mulan films. “Whether they want to or not,” she said, “they love Mulan just as much, and I guess they’re not sick of my voice yet.”
In addition to her work as Mulan, Wen is known for roles such as Fennec Shand in The Mandalorian and Agent Melinda May in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
Discussing her new role in Karate Kid: Legends, Wen shared her excitement. “I was so happy when director Jonathan Entwistle asked me to play the mom,” she said. “I’ve fallen in love with all the men in the cast, and Sadie Stanley is wonderful. It was an incredible experience, and I can’t wait for fans to see the film.”
Karate Kid: Legends premiered on May 30, 2025, with Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio returning as Mr. Han and Daniel LaRusso.
