Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Mulan’s Jun Yu

Jun Yu is an exciting up-and-comer who has landed the role of a lifetime in Disney’s Mulan. It’s a project that Jun holds near and dear to his heart, getting to represent a culture eager to see itself on screen. Pop Culturalist caught up with Jun to learn more about how he got his start, his character in Mulan, and what this moment means to him.

Career

PC: How did you discover your passion for the arts?
Jun: I actually never intended to be an actor. In high school, I accidentally got placed into an acting class when I actually wanted to do yoga. [laughs] But my counselor messed up. I decided to stick with it. From there, I really learned a lot about myself, and it opened me up as a human being and as an artist. Since that moment, I’ve pretty much dedicated my life to it.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Jun: My mom. She’s a single mom. She’s always worked hard to support me and everything that I do. She’s my greatest hero and inspiration.

Mulan

PC: You’re starring in the highly anticipated live-action adaptation of Mulan. Tell us about the film and your character.
Jun: This film is extremely beautiful, and I cannot wait for everyone to watch it. I’m so proud of it and the work that we’ve done. My character is Cricket, and in this film, he’s not an insect. [laughs] He’s a real soldier, human being, who speaks this time around. It’s a gorgeous film. He’s a very wide-eyed kid who is a big mama’s boy and he’s very fearful of war. Who wouldn’t be?

PC: Mulan was the first professional audition that you went on. What do you remember from that experience?
Jun: I remember prepping the crap out of the lines and practicing it over and over. I read the audition sides about a million times. But pretty much, I remember walking into the room, not really thinking about what if I get it or not. It was just an opportunity that I was excited for.

PC: With this being a live-action adaptation, audiences are undoubtedly going to compare it to the original. How does this film differentiate itself?
Jun: There’s a lot of stuff. The tones of these films are very different. Without saying too much, there’s something for everyone: people who are fans of the animated film and people who don’t even know who Mulan is. Everyone is going to love it.

PC: Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the film’s release date has been delayed a couple of times. What does it mean to finally have it come out? How are you planning on celebrating?
Jun: It means everything, man. I’ve been waiting to show this to my family and friends. It means a lot. Not everyone in my family expected me to make it this far or even become an actor. It was looked down upon. I take a lot of pride in this. I’m very proud of it, and I’m just really excited. I’m so glad that people can watch this movie safely from their own homes.

PC: This film means a great deal for a lot of different communities that want to see themselves represented on screen. What has that meant to you being a part of this production?
Jun: It means everything. That’s the whole reason I became an actor. I want young Asian kids to see this film and be proud of who they are—their heritage. That’s the most important thing to me.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Jun: Probably BoJack Horseman or Rick and Morty. I’m really big into the animated stuff. They have real-life lessons which is cool. Also, Parks and Rec. I love the pacing of it.

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Jun: I probably would say Bridesmaids. That’s my girlfriend’s favorite, but I’ve been watching it a lot and I get a lot of joy from it, so I’ve been watching that movie probably more times than the average American.

PC: Favorite book?
Jun: I am a huge Murakami fan, so currently I’m reading 1Q84. Right now, that’s probably my favorite book.

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Jun: My favorite play is Fences. My favorite musical is Wicked. I like Cats too. Not the movie! [laughs]

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Jun: Madison Ryann Ward. Even my friends don’t know that!

PC: Who would play you in the story of your life?
Jun: Hudson Yang. We have a similar vibe.

To keep up with Jun, follow him on Instagram. Stream Mulan on Disney+ today.