Though it’s been rumoured for so long, it looks like the rumourmill pegged it right when they claimed Yang Zi and Hu Ge will be working together to star in a new modern drama Born to Be Alive 生命树. And yes, this being a female-centric piece focused on a heroine dedicated to protecting her Qinghai-Tibet Plateau homeland, Yang Zi does indeed get top billing for the project. Hu Ge meanwhile was listed to be on a “special starring role” billing capacity.
Yang Zi and Hu Ge Back in a Daylight Production
Yang Zi will be playing the role of a young police woman named Bai Ju who joins the mountain patrol team headed by Hu Ge’s character Duo Jie. As the deputy county magistrate, Duo Jie established the mountain patrol team with an aim towards protecting their homeland’s natural resources from poachers and illegal miners who’ve run roughshod over the environment for years. However just as the team was reaching a pivotal point in establishing a sanctuary for animals, Duo Jie disappears.
Though some fans have been arguing endlessly over who should get topbilling, if you look at the cast announcement, the actors listed as making a special appearance most likely won’t be getting so many scenes. Regardless, it’s still a meaningful return to another Daylight Entertainment produced drama after starring in hits like Nirvana in Fire and The Disguiser for Hu Ge. Similarly, it’s a homecoming for Yang Zi after Battle of Changsha and Ode to Joy.
Meanwhile, Yang Zi’s actual love interest in the drama is Zhang Zhehua who plays an environmental reporter. The 29-year-old actor who’s had mainly supporting roles made an impression playing Na Juan in 2024’s Born to be the One, which is also made by Daylight.
More Billing Order Drama
Speaking of big draw names taking more supporting roles, the recent confirmation of Hu Ge getting “2nd billed” also put the spotlight on Chinese super star Yang Mi who we’re all used to seeing get the top spot. In the upcoming film project The Litchi Road 长安的荔枝 – the adaptation of Lychees of Chang’an the actress landed in the #6 spot in the billing order, which led some to mock her online. However, a closer look would show that aside from the four leads which include director-writer Da Peng, the rest are special stars. Andy Lau is the fifth name on the list just before Yang Mi while actor Zhang Ruoyun is listed at the very end as a specially invited star. On a more positive note, some just gave props to Da Peng whose wide network of celebrity friends landed these stars in his movie.
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Yui
aigooo the billing orders in C showbiz is really something. if their characters are just side dishes, dont blame the producers to put them below the main characters, no matter how big they are in this industry.
Hu Ge is HUGEEE. Being 2nd billing won’t make him as a B list actor. it’s just his character mainly supporting the female lead. Duh.
avarachika
I agree! I hate these billing wars. If their character is the main character then let them get the billing first. All I want is just a good story.
But, wasn’t Yang Zi’s The Golden Hairpin the start of all this billing drama though?…or who started it?
blanc
billing orders and billing fights have existed way before the golden hairpin