Contracts ending in the entertainment industry are nothing new but it appears Story of Yanxi Palace actress Wu Jinyan’s seems to be getting more speculation than usual as rumours have been going around that she won’t be re-signing with Huanyu Films once her contract is up. According to some chatter, the actress has allegedly fallen out of favour with Huanyu Films boss Yu Zheng which is why she hasn’t been getting as much gigs as his newest protégé Bai Lu has, snapping up the leading roles in a number of Yu Zheng’s newer projects like Arsenal Military Academy and Song of Youth.
Yu Zheng however was quick to put these rumours to bed, writing a post on social media where he said “Contract expiring? Fallen out of favour? Are you a worm inside my stomach who knows everything going on inside my head? Legacy has just wrapped up filming. Didn’t you see? I love all of my artists and I don’t sign a lot of new artists easily. When I sign a new talent, I consider them family and treat them all equally. If it’s a bit uncomfortable, no matter how popular, the number of people that I’ve fired is not small, including popular stars that grew up in my crew and were signed many years ago for over 10 years. I sign artists not to make money but because I have a dream, my artists love each other like family, so don’t make up any more rumours to stir up trouble. @Huanyu Film is a ‘family’ culture, unlike other agencies, artists are in one group, occasionally meeting for food to catch up, every artist is in my heart… ”
Granted, Yu Zheng has been always been quite protective of his rookies – wasn’t he just lamentingabout how it has been quite a struggle for his “newbie” Zhao Yiqin to nab roles since he’s not yet considered a household name? He also said, “To say that I have favoritism, it’s true that I have a tendency to be more partial to newcomers, after all, the entertainment industry is quite cold. Established stars have the privilege of choice, but the noobs have it harder. Besides, all of my artists were rookies once, and when they were new, they too were given the preference.”
Usi
It is normal that people have favors. Even parents have them. That is human. When directors favor some artists why not fan the flames? That doesn't mean the others are kicked out.
About the Zhao Yiqin case I feel sorry for him on a personal level but he is still an average actor and didn't had a breaktrough after so many dramas. So it is understandable directors choosing someone with a bigger fanbase. YZ should be more patient, not all of ZY's Dramas aired yet.
Lil
I don't believe this rumor. YZ's own production don't pay as much as they are in house; hence their own artists can't demand more money. So it makes sense for Wu Jinyan to accept project outside, which she and Song Weilong does, as they both can demand more $.
She actually just wrap up one of YZ's biggest project "The Heritage." Bailu's 2 upcoming YZ's project are not even as big as "The Heritage." So I don't know what all the fuss is all about.
Even if it's true, Bailu is definitely the better actor and will probably do justice to the role better.
Sophie
Admittedly, I am a Bai Lu fan (so feel free to take my thoughts with a pinch of salt) but I feel WJY has not been disadvantaged by her, not has BL received favourtism. Both women have received a variety of supporting roles under YZ, and then gone onto main roles. Yanxi was obviously massive and YZ has even created speculation that one of his next big projects (Imperial Cuisine, starring Xu Kai, cp with both women) he will give to WJY despite telling investors and fans he would give it to BL last year.
I think BL has received more attention due to her work last year and upcoming projects but several of her projects were filmed outside her company (The Legends, Love Is Sweet) and therefore not even within YZ’s control. I wish BL and WJY success!!
Anonymous
LOL! If anything, I feel like YZ neglected BL. She is someone I can see with a potential to grow big if she have the right people advertising her and giving her better projects. WJY already had the upper hand. The Story of Yanxi made her famous and YZ has always raved about her and XK. If you followed him on weibo, he made a post saying " my bailu…" and fans were attacking him saying she's not your Bailu, she's ours. Now why fans were saying that? Because his favor was never on BL. His next big project is Imperial Cuisine. I was hoping this will be a turning point for BL if everything goes as planned… not anymore. He said WJY might be the lead actress now. BL was never given the opportunity to grow big. I have nothing against WJY, but I'm upset how they are saying BL is getting favored over her. Even if WJY is not around, his focus is on XK. If you guys watch the Scream Night of 2019 when BL and XK went up to receive their awards, they greeted YZ on stage. BL was trying to give him a hug thanking him, and he brushed her to the side running to XK to give him a hug. I feel for BL in so many ways. She had a rough start from the beginning with the scandal and XK fans attacking her. I just hope she will find her place in the industry and make a name for herself. Best of luck to both actresses. I think they will do better with a different company. YZ focus will always shift towards the ones that bring him more fame and money.
Anonymous
I honestly don't think so. WJY has had multiple big projects under Yu Zheng – Story of Yanxi Palace, The Legend of Haolan, Legacy and she is also rumored to be the female lead or Imperial Cuisine, which is produced by the team of Yanxi.
Bai Lu only has two small projects (King is Not Easy and Arsenal Military Academy) and is currently filming her first major project Song of Youth.
If anything, I think Yu Zheng's planning for her is a big mess. She got so much hate for getting so many screentime in Untouchable Lovers, and then another round of hate from her CP with Xu Kai. If anything, I am glad WJY replaced her in Imperial Cuisine because the genre is boring. She is apparently going to star in a xianxia drama instead, which I think would be much better for her.
malseg
I know Yu Zheng is a difficult person with a difficult personality, but I appreciate how outspoken he is and the fervor with which he defends his actors.
jiminie
Yu Zheng is known for giving attention to actors that have potential and a good fanbase. Wu Jinyan was one of the actresses that he tried to promote by giving her good projects but her acting in her recent dramas wasn't that good compared to her acting in Story of Yanxi Palace. On the other hand, Bai Lu's acting has improved a lot and increasing her popularity. Therefore, I see why Yu Zheng would want to promote Bai Lu more than Wu Jinyan. Even so, if Wu Jinyan doesn't extend her contract with Yu Zheng's company, I think she would be able to get better projects rather than acting in just her company's dramas.
Anonymous
Who else thought that was Liu Shi Shi?
Anonymous
Lol. Family culture. Please.