Honestly, most people only know Yoson An as "the guy who replaced Li Shang" in the live-action Mulan. It's a bit of a lazy take. While Disney’s 2020 reimagining definitely put him on the global map, Yoson An movies and tv shows span a much weirder, darker, and more interesting spectrum than just being a "Disney prince."
He’s a Chinese-Kiwi actor who literally went from studying economics—a life of spreadsheets and boredom—to doing high-kicks in Hollywood blockbusters. He actually holds a black belt in karate. That’s not just PR fluff; he’s been doing it since he was ten. You can tell when you watch him move in Mulan or Plane; he’s got this physical presence that feels authentic because it is. If you found value in this post, you might want to read: this related article.
The Roles You Probably Missed (But Shouldn't Have)
Before the Disney machine called, Yoson was grinding in the Australasian scene. If you want to see where he actually sharpened his teeth, you have to look at the SBS crime thriller Dead Lucky. He plays a rookie cop, Charlie Fung, and he’s acting opposite Rachel Griffiths. It’s gritty. It’s messy. It’s nothing like the polished sheen of a blockbuster.
Then there’s The Luminaries. This BBC series is a period piece set during the New Zealand gold rush of the 1860s. Yoson plays Sook Yongsheng. It’s a dense, astrological mystery based on Eleanor Catton’s massive novel. If you’ve only seen him as the "confident recruit" in Mulan, this show will give you whiplash. He’s navigating a world of opium dens, racism, and complex historical trauma. It’s probably his most nuanced work to date. For another perspective on this event, refer to the recent coverage from Vanity Fair.
- Creamerie (Hulu/TVNZ): This one is wild. It’s a post-apocalyptic dark comedy where nearly all men have died out from a virus. Yoson plays Jackson. It’s weird, hilarious, and shows off a comedic timing that he doesn't get to use in "serious" action films.
- Five Blind Dates (2024): A recent pivot into the rom-com world on Amazon Prime. He plays Richard, the "boy next door" childhood friend. It’s sweet, but mostly it proves he can carry a lead without needing a sword in his hand.
- New Gold Mountain: Another gold-rush era drama, but this time from the Chinese perspective. He plays the lead, Leung Wei Shing, the head of the Chinese mining camp.
Why Yoson An Movies and TV Shows Are Trending in 2026
We're currently seeing a massive surge in interest because of his 2025-2026 slate. Specifically, Shadow Force. Working with Joe Carnahan—the guy who did The Grey and Smokin' Aces—is a huge pivot. This isn't a family-friendly Disney flick. It’s a Lionsgate action-thriller where he’s sharing the screen with Kerry Washington and Mark Strong.
Reports from the set suggest it’s a high-octane "extraction" movie. For Yoson, it’s a chance to fully lean into his martial arts background without the constraints of a PG rating.
Also, keep an eye out for Heart Eyes. It’s a horror-slasher set on Valentine’s Day. He plays a character named David. It’s fascinating to watch an actor who started in musical theatre (he was Yertle the Turtle in high school, believe it or not) move into the slasher genre. It shows a lack of ego. He’s willing to play the villain or the victim just as much as the hero.
Breaking Down the "Li Shang" Controversy
Look, people were mad when Disney announced that the character Li Shang was being split into two different roles for the Mulan remake. One was the commander (Donnie Yen) and the other was Mulan’s peer and love interest, Chen Honghui (Yoson An).
The internet went into a meltdown. But if you actually look at the source material—the original Ballad of Mulan—there is no Li Shang. Yoson actually did his homework here. He’s mentioned in interviews that the production wanted to go back to the roots of the poem.
In the film, his chemistry with Liu Yifei felt more grounded. They were equals. It wasn't a "superior and subordinate" vibe, which was the whole point of the change. Whether you liked the movie or not, you can't deny that Yoson held his own against legends like Jet Li and Gong Li. That’s a heavy room to be in for your first major Hollywood gig.
What’s Next for the Actor?
He’s not just staying in front of the lens. Yoson has been vocal about wanting to direct more. He’s already produced and directed short films like JOHN and Between the Parallel. He’s part of a new wave of New Zealand filmmakers who are trying to bring Hollywood-level production back to their home turf.
The "next big thing" for him is likely Tangata Pai, a Warner Bros. project where he plays a character named Adrian. It’s a local production, which says a lot about his career strategy. Even after the Netflix hits like Plane (where he played Dele alongside Gerard Butler), he keeps going back to New Zealand to do smaller, more personal stories.
Actionable Ways to Catch Up:
If you’re just starting your Yoson An marathon, don't just stick to the big stuff.
- Watch New Gold Mountain first. It’s the best representation of his range as a dramatic lead.
- Stream Creamerie if you want something "out there." It’s only two seasons and it’s a total trip.
- Check out Plane for the action. It was a massive hit on Netflix for a reason—it’s a solid, old-school thriller.
- Look for his short films. If you can find Between the Parallel online, watch it to see his eye as a director.
Basically, the guy is more than just a handsome face in a soldier's uniform. He’s a black-belt-wearing, piano-playing, former economics student who is quietly becoming one of the most consistent actors in the "action with a brain" niche. Stop comparing him to an animated character from the 90s and actually watch what he’s doing now. It's way more interesting.
