New Tencent drama Liao Zhai (聊斋) has dropped its first posters featuring Zhang Miaoyi and Chang Huasen as filming has officially begun. This version is expected to feature standalone stories, much like previous adaptations. Liao Zhai, also known as Strange Stories from a Chinese Studio, is a collection of supernatural tales written by Pu Songling during the Qing Dynasty. It’s as classic as it gets, with countless adaptations across Chinese media.
Incidentally, Zhang Miaoyi became notoriously known for playing Lin Daiyu in another classic, The Dream of Red Mansions. However, heavy criticism of her performance led to her literally winning a Golden Broom Award (Chinese version of the Razzies) as the “Most Disappointing Actress”. Some feel the backlash was too harsh for a newcomer. Perhaps the 26-year-old Zhang Miaoyi could redeem herself through this new project. She co-stars alongside Chang Huasen with billing in no particular order. Meanwhile, the 27-year-old actor has drawn attention for his second lead roles in dramas like Moonlight Mystique, though he still awaits his breakout as a leading actor.
With the super success of Strange Tales of Tang Dynasty, a very well-made drama blending horror with mystery, it seems to have led to more “horror-inspired” themes. Liao Zhai feels like a natural step — featuring supernatural beings and humans interacting in ways that are sometimes eerie, sometimes romantic, and sometimes tragic.
Source: 1
