Shanghai Fortress had all the makings of a successful movie: a massive budget, famous leads in Luhan and Shu Qi as well as a relentless PR machine. Many thought that it would easily be the next big blockbuster this year. Unfortunately, reality has this way of messing with you when things don’t go as planned.
Within a week of its premiere, Shanghai Fortress was plagued with scathing reviews for its sloppy special effects and story filled with plot holes. The movie currently scores a dismal 3.2 score on Douban and both the director Teng Huatao and writer Jiang Nan have apolozied for the film.
Teng Huatao was recently asked in an interview about his casting choice for the movie. Regarding the choice of Luhan, Teng Huatao reveals that he initially thought Luhan was a good fit for the role of Jiang Yang and stressed that Luhan’s popularity was not the reason he was chosen. In fact, Teng Huatao believed that popularity was a double edged sword. Sure, Luhan could help bring publicity but it would not help in the box office.
Nonetheless, Teng Huatao admits that he overlooked the difference between types of actors and mis-casted Luhan. To put him in a sci-fi war movie that wasn’t his style and to make it work became Teng Huatao’s focus, so much that he spent less on the script, the story and the character relationships when those areas were supposed to be his strong suits. Teng Huatao added that despite what many believe, Luhan was only paid a meager sum for his part in Shanghai Fortress.
When asked if he would’ve changed the actors, Teng Huatao simply said that it wasn’t because Luhan wasn’t good, but because they have never filmed a movie of this kind before and weren’t clear on how the actors should appear. Whether an idol like Luhan would fit the part is a decision they did not make well.
Teng Huatao’s comments angered several netizens as it seemed like he was shifting the blame on Luhan. Even actor Jacky Heung had some harsh words saying that if Luhan wasn’t popular would the director have used him? Since the director decided to cast the actor, then he should take care of the actor. Jacky further said, “Are you sure you’re a director? What kind of director would put the blame onto the actor? Are you a man? This is something you can’t bear, don’t work in this field anymore! Go back to school and study. You don’t have the breeding of a director.”
Chen Lizhi of Maxtimes defended the director by saying that there’s a difference between admitting one’s own mistakes in putting an actor who didn’t fit the right environment and saying that there’s something wrong with the actor. While it is true that Shanghai Fortress failed, I believe there was no single person responsible and that the collective feedback will serve as a lesson for future science fiction movies.
Zhilie
Never a fan of Lu han. Nothing in this world can make me watch his drama or movie..so dont care.
Renee Begley
Luhan is a wonderful entertainer. Fabulous singer and dancer and good actor. Sometimes the type of story isn’t the best fit for someone. He did the best he could. I think the problem was behind the scenes. I have watched this and frankly the story line was boring and cliche.
Unknown
yeah right because luhan was the one who made the "sloppy effects and weak story" totally the person that brought many people's attention to the movie was the mistake ?
Unknown
why'd you read and even comment about him then?
Daisy
Luhan was definitely a miscast, acting wise he has a long way to go. But I can’t believe he threw him under the bus like that. Obviously he picked him due to his popularity and he should take responsibility for it instead of blaming him. At the end of the day if the script is good this movie wouldn’t have bombed so hard.
Renee Begley
I hate when people critique others about their acting ability. He did just fine and has excelled in other series I have seen. It was the story that was bad.They did not develop the characters hardly at all and it was confusing to follow at times. Luhan’s acting had nothing to do with why this flopped. It wasn’t as bad as claimed but maybe this wasn’t a type of film popular in China. It was somewhat boring. Some seem to forget that most of the time the one they are hearing isn’t the voice of the actor at all, so the way the dialogue is done is by a voice actor and not the one cast. Watch Sisyphus, he is outstanding. Luhan has taken on parts where he doesn’t even look attractive. For people to say he can’t act, BS. The director should be ashamed. Wonder how long he has been doing that or if he ever directed a scifi series before and the screenwriter, not too good.
Anonymous
Gotta blame somebody lol
Anonymous
So it flopped because of the script or what?
avarachika
So, was it because Luhan wasn't a good fit for the role or was it because he didn't know how to direct a sci-fi movie? I'm not a Luhan fan, but WTH?!
Anonymous
well.. im confused too
Anonymous
"Nonetheless, Teng Huatao admits that he overlooked the difference between types of actors and mis-casted Luhan. To put him in a sci-fi war movie that wasn't his style and to make it work became Teng Huatao's focus, so much that he spent less on the script, the story and the character relationships when those areas were supposed to be his strong suits. Teng Huatao added that despite what many believe, Luhan was only paid a meager sum for his part in Shanghai Fortress.
When asked if he would've changed the actors, Teng Huatao simply said that it wasn't because Luhan wasn't good, but because they have never filmed a movie of this kind before and weren't clear on how the actors should appear. Whether an idol like Luhan would fit the part is a decision they did not make well."
How this became a blaming LuHan? He clearly stated, that he wasn't the reason but the matching in casts, script and directing because the team were a bunch of "newbies". I think because of the success of Wandering Earth someone with money wanted to recreate it. It didn't worked out because of the reasons stated. End of story.
Anonymous
Lols christian ronaldo or messi wont be the top players without the good coaches. I think, many talented and popular actors tried many characters before… i think, all those actors got helped by the directors.
He might not directly blame luhan but then, why did he choose him in the first place??? Then it seems like he didnt have good eyes for talent? But agree, luhan isnt a good actor yet.. but even with bad actor, if the story was good enough, people will stay for it. A movie is a team work. Sigh
Anthony
nowadays, all the dramas are always talking about love story, you need to follow the trending
or…
sink down
Anonymous
Lu Han, wasn't really the cause of this…but I mean in my opinion he is a good actor…no the best, but he is good, the blame should not be put just on him, because it isn't very fair like that..