Zhang signs with the Weinsteins

Actress Ziyi Zhang is expected to star in a trio of movies for the Weinstein Co. -- one about Chinese folk heroine Hua Mulan, a remake of “The Seven Samurai” and another title for which details were not available, according to Chinese media, which reported Zhang confirmed her commitment following a meeting with Harvey Weinstein at the Cannes International Film Festival.

In the first two movies Zhang will play females who disguise themselves as men. As Mulan -- the subject of Disney’s animated movie of the same name -- she will play a young girl who goes to battle in place of her ailing father, and in the “Samurai” remake Zhang will play a girl disguised as a man to avoid bandits.

A representative of the Weinstein Co. on Monday confirmed the negotiations.

-- R. Kinsey Lowe