It’s all systems go for the drama adaptation of Xi Xing’s popular novel Chu Hou 楚后 although there just might be a wee little hiccup. On May 6, the drama adaptation with the new title Qiao Chu 翘楚 officially confirmed Chen Duling will be taking on the mantle of Chu Chao. Aside from the actress playing the leading role and reuniting with The Glory director Yang Long, they also announced her romantic partner Xie Yanlai who will be portrayed by Zhou Yiran. Given all the fan squabble when it was just a casting “melon,” things have just gotten worse.
A Female Centric Tale
Having played many roles in C-dramaland, Chen Duling is fresh off the success of her hit series The Glory where she played the leading role in the female-centric drama whilst Zhou Yiran has been getting good projects featuring him as the male lead lately. During the cast announcement, the show took the safe route and tacked in the usual “billing in no particular order, sorted by surname” disclaimer.
Chen Duling’s fans were not satisfied with the “equal ranking”, claiming that with the show being a female-oriented drama – it is after all, all about Chu Chao, the daughter of a general who changes her tragic fate from becoming collateral damage in the Chu prince Xiao Xun’s power grab, top billing should logically go to the actress. The hashtag “fans leaving” made the hot search as some were disappointed that the actress’s studio didn’t “fight hard enough” for her billing when it’s so crucial for her career. Fans also believe equal billing with Zhou Yiran may lead to “changes” to the script to add scenes for the male lead, which is why they feel bad for the actress.
Meanwhile, Zhou Yiran’s fans were already unsupportive of the drama from the beginning, saying that there was no need for him to be playing second fiddle to the female lead. There’s also speculation that this project was already in the works before The Glory, so it wouldn’t be easy to change things.
Focus on the Work and Not on the Ranking
In the face of burgeoning fan hostilities, Chen Duling and Zhou Yiran’s Studio issued a joint proposal asking fans to respect the choice of both artists and asked everyone to continue to support the project. Aside from this they also asked fans focus their efforts to promote the show and once again reminded them to react in a rational and civilized manner. Likewise, both stars issued statements on their own.
Chen Duling said that it is an honour to bring positive energy to everyone through her work. “But at the same time, I also hope that everyone can live their own lives well. If I have caused you trouble and affected your mood, please put down your phone and focus on real life. Hope we can become better to each other together, without worries and meet happily …” she said.
Zhou Yiran meanwhile thanked fans for their support and expressed his hopes that they will focus their attention on his work and on the role. “Every attempt I make, whether online or off, having a beautiful and creative environment is the greatest way you can support me. Treasure the industry environment with me, appreciate partners and creative opportunities ..” he asked.
Applefish
She might be a nice actress but her fans are crazy 🙄🤦♀️ they need to calm down or all they do is harming her career/reputation
anon
I don’t know why, I like Zhou Yi Ran as actor but I love the most his role in When I Fly Toward You
I love the pair Zhou Yi Ran with Zhang Miao Miao. No matter how many projects both had with different pairs as CPs, I still like Su Zai Zai calling Rang Rang 🙂
But, I look forward this project.
O_o
That’s because those two had amazing chemistry!! Zaizai and Rangrang are one of my all time favorite CPs 🥰
Yarnie
l love the way she recommends them to put their phone down and focus on their real life😆
makes me think of XuKai s responses to his fans…