Director Niki Caro, a self-described feminist filmmaker, explicitly pursued a more gender-progressive adaptation, leading to specific changes such as removing the Li Shang character and associated romance subplot due to #MeToo concerns over power dynamics, replacing elements like Mushu with a new female witch antagonist (Xianniang) framed in feminist terms, and portraying Mulan as innately superpowered rather than relying on wit and perseverance. These adjustments introduce modern activist framing around gender roles and identity that go beyond organic genre conventions.

However, the core premise remains the traditional legend of filial duty and wartime heroism without race/gender-swapping of established characters, forced DEI casting (the Asian cast aligns with the Chinese setting), LGBTQ+ elements, or explicit critiques of systemic oppression, patriarchy as a central conflict, or identity politics as the plot driver. Initial marketing highlighted girl power and diversity, but audience and critical reception focused more on cultural inaccuracies, production controversies, and execution failures than on ideological overreach, with limited 'go woke go broke' labeling tied specifically to progressive messaging.