The working title of Disney’s 1998 animated film Mulan during development was China Doll.
Disney developed Mulan from the traditional Chinese story of Hua Mulan, but the project changed substantially before becoming the finished feature. Early development used the title China Doll, reflecting the story’s Chinese setting and the studio’s initial approach to the material.
The film’s eventual title, Mulan, is the name most closely associated with the legendary heroine. Disney’s version combines military adventure, family drama, comedy, and musical storytelling, rather than presenting a direct historical biography.
Working titles are often confused with release titles, translated titles, or names used in early promotional material. China Doll was a development title, not the title used for the theatrical release. The finished film premiered as Mulan in 1998 and became the 36th feature in the Walt Disney Animation Studios canon.