Wu Jinyan rose from relative obscurity thanks to her breakout role as Wei Ying Luo in Story of Yanxi Palace. In a recent interview at Shanghai University, producer Yu Zheng revealed a lot of insider information regarding the drama and its actors. Yu Zheng reveals to have known Wu Jinyan for years prior to starring in the show.
He also reveals that Wu Jinyan was his first choice to play Xiao Long Nu for his 2014 drama Romance of the Condor Heroes because of their resemblance in physical appearance. The role eventually went to Michelle Chen because Wu Jinyan‘s agent did not let her accept the role.
He also reveals that eventually, Wu Jinyan joined his talent management company. His company typically prepares their talents to take up leading roles although there is also a process around that. Since his company observes seniority, he said that Yang Rong had first dibs to play Wei Yingluo in Story of Yanxi Palace but she declined the role. Yuan Shan Shan would have been next in line if she hadn’t left the company so it eventually went to Wu Jinyan.
The assumption is that Yang Rong already did Palace 2 and The Palace 3: The Lost Daughter so she might have felt that she didn’t want to tackle Qing Dynasty themed dramas anymore. It’s too bad she didn’t anticipate that it would be this successful. Sometimes, it all comes down to luck.
Anonymous
No one believed him though… It's not like he is treating Yang Rong that well… and he lied all the the times to mediaplay who and what he wants to hype. This time is for his new girl- Wu Jinyan.
He even said she is his ideal Xiaolongnu when before he said his ideal XLN was Baby.
Anonymous
I don't understand the idea behind the sayings that actors must first do thousands of shitty small roles before they can take on big roles. If someone do a big role right away then people will hate that person regardless of their talent. That is the reason why there are so many bad dramas for so many years now, they star same people (a bunch of mediocore actresses) over and over without searching/recognizing for new talent. I don't care if new girl WJY was first/third/last choice, but she did well on her role that's all we need to know and accept. The show went well, and it's enviable that it's finally a breakthrough for being a none idol show. Nobody is watching because of how pretty or handsome people are. Even though this show ended, it's still being discussed over and over again. Other shows ended quietly with no more threads and discussions.
I love Yang Rong though, and she would've been a good Ying Luo too. For, Yuan Shan Shan OMG I would've died and boycotted the show. I don't care if pretend that she's still in the company and is a senior, she doesn't match a young role so she should not do it to avoid getting yelled at. She resembles Qin Lan a little bit by the way…Qin Lan is very mature looking and I'm so glad she took a role that matches her so much. That was the reason why she was successful and gained so much love by everyone, you play something that's meant for you. It doesn't always have to be a main role to shine, if only you would please do your job well even only as a support role. Although everybody loves Qin Lan, we all know she would not be a good match if pretend she were to play Ying Luo's spunky young girl role. Yuan Shan Shan doesn't match those roles either, she's too mature looking to play cute. While it's also true cute actresses have harder time playing mature as well. YMM is very lucky he picked Wu Yingyan this time.
Anonymous
He’s trying to cause drama as always. I doubt Yang Rong would turn down the role. She’s not picky.
Anonymous
I'm SO glad the role did not go to Yuan Shan Shan. It would've been un-watchable.
hohliu
This man is full of cr*p. Nothing believable comes out of his mouth.
Anonymous
I'm not sure if I believe his words about Yang Rong being the first pick either. But I do know that Yang Rong is VERY picky about her roles. She likes to play villains because they are more challenging. E.g. she was supposed to play Xu Pingjun in Yun Zhong Ge but chose to play Huo Chengjun instead. Yang Rong would have done great in the role as she rarely disappoints but I don't understand why he is dragging her name into this. If she wanted the attention, she could have mentioned it herself.