Hollywood hit-maker Jan de Bont has signed up to direct the China-Canada-UK co-production film "Mulan", to star Chinese actress Zhang Ziyi, according to Hollywoodreporter.com.

De Bont is the mastermind behind such blockbusters as "Speed", "Twister" and "Lara Croft: Tomb Raider".

Zhang Ziyi will play Hua Mulan, the heroine in a Chinese tale who joins an all-male army in place of her sick father.

Disney's 1998 animation film of the same name first brought the Chinese legend to Western audiences. This time, screenwriter John Blickstead will reprise the story of romance, action and drama.

Shooting is set to start this fall in the Hengdian World Studios near Shanghai.

Zhang Ziyi will act in English. The film's casting director is searching for English-speaking Asian actors for the movie's supporting roles.