Disney’s live-action adaptation of Mulan premiered on Disney+ Sep 4, 2020. The theatrical release of Mulan was delayed multiple times due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Disney+ subscribers can now watch the movie from the comfort of their home if they pay for Disney+ Premier Access that costs $29.99. Mulan will be available for the regular Disney+ subscription fee on Dec 4, 2020. Controversy surrounded Mulan’s release after social media posts from Liu Yifei resurfaced. Yifei, who plays Mulan, posted support for the Hong Kong police in 2019. Those familiar with the on-going social unrest in Hong Kong called for the boycott of Mulan on social media using #BoycottMulan. BrandGraph, IZEA’s, social intelligence platform, recorded an increase in social media content and engagement for Mulan following the release of the film and the online protest of it.
Also trending this week on BrandGraph were brands like the Brooklyn Nets and TENET. BrandGraph tracks and records the performance of these brands across social media platforms. See what got these brands trending by taking a closer look at the Top Trending Brands for this week:
Trending Brands for the Week of August 31, 2020
- Mulan(@mulan)
- Brooklyn Nets(@brooklynnets)
- TENET(@tenetfilm)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers(@buccaneers)
- Miami Heat(@miamiheat)
Mulan trended across social media following the un-precedented online release of the film. Fans of the original animated version of Mulan were excited to finally see their favorite characters brought to life in the live-action adaptation. Many were pleased to see strong Asian representation in the film after concerns were raised online of a whitewashed cast for a screenplay with Chinese characters. Mulan received overall positive reviews from critics who praised the visuals, acting performances, and action sequences. Despite the praise it’s received, many have opted to boycott Mulan following controversial statements made by one of the actors. In Aug 2019, actress Liu Yifei posted: “I also support Hong Kong police…What a shame for Hong Kong” to the Chinese social media site Weibo. Her post and public support for the Hong Kong police did not sit well for many. Especially as concerns continue to mount over accusations of human rights violations by Hong Police against pro-democracy protests.
Top Content for Mulan
Brooklyn Nets were also trending this week after announcing Steve Nash as their new head coach. Nash, who retired from the NBA in 2015, is a two-time NBA Most Valuable Player, and eight-time NBA All-Star. Nash is now the Nets 23rd head coach in the franchise’s NBA history. NBA fans were surprised to hear about Nash’s four-year contract to coach the Nets since he’s never coached professional basketball before. However, they’re eager to see the direction Nash will take the organization especially now that All-Star players Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving are on the team.
Top Content for Brooklyn Nets
TENET, Christopher Nolan’s highly anticipated spy film, trends after premiering in the United Kingdom on Aug 26, 2020, and in the United States on Sep 3, 2020. TENET’s original premiere was delayed three times due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Movie lovers are eager to finally see Nolan’s latest directed feature, even taking to social media to express their excitement. For many of them, TENET is the first movie they’ll see in theaters in months due to the pandemic. The action-packed spy film features John David Washington, Robert Pattinson, Elizabeth Debicki, and more. Critics praise Nolan’s cinematography and plot, some are even drawing comparisons between TENET and Inception (2010). Since themes in both films are heavily rooted in the concept of time and the metaphysical.
Top Content for TENET
BrandGraph recorded a spike in social media content for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after signing former Jacksonville Jaguar QB Leonard Fournette. After his four-year contract was not extended with the Jaguars, Fournette agreed to a one-year deal with the Buccaneers for $3.5M. The news of Fournette’s move to the Buccaneers has fans excited for the upcoming season. Also going the Buccaneers this season are: Tom Brady, who played 20 seasons for the New England Patriots, and Rob Gronkowski, who actually retired in 2019. Fans hope this strong roster of players will strengthen their chances of getting to the Super Bowl in Feb 2021.
Top Content for Tampa Bay Buccaneers
After defeating the Indiana Pacers 0-4 in Round 1 of the NBA Playoffs, the Miami Heat advance to the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals against the Milwaukee Bucks. The Heat are besting the Bucks winning 3 out of the 4 games so far. The Heat trend on social media as sports lovers are amazed by their strong performance this season. Jimmy Buttler, who was traded to the Heat from Philadelphia 76ers in 2019, is receiving praise for leading his team to victory. The Heat are now one game away from securing their place in the Eastern Conference finals. They’re doing so well in the playoffs that fans are even saying this season is reminiscent of the Heat’s LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, and Chris Bosh era of the 2010s.
Top Content for Miami Heat
BrandGraph Trends is designed to help marketers identify, compare, and contrast momentum among brands, topics, and concepts in social media. Powered by IZEA’s proprietary content classification engine, BrandGraph Trends allows marketers to benchmark any keyword against a brand or groups of brands in a general industry or specific category.
Those interested in learning more about BrandGraph Trends can request a product demonstration at izea.com/brandgraph/get-a-demo
