Bai Lu and Wang Xingyue are reportedly in talks for a new costume drama Tang Palace Strange Cases (lit. 唐宫奇案). Yu Zheng, who manages both stars, just gave fans an insider update on the casting process. According to him, Wang Xingyue has already signed on, while Bai Lu’s involvement is still undecided. He hinted that the final decision lies with Bai Lu herself, but also called out Wang Xingyue’s fans, reminding them to appreciate the opportunity to be paired with the popular actress. You’ve got to hand it to Yu Zheng—he certainly knows how to stir up buzz. His comments have sparked a heated debate among both actors’ fans, who feel the producer’s words came off as divisive. Still, Yu Zheng’s ability to keep everyone talking about the drama is undeniable.
It Could be a S+ or S++ Drama
In a social media post filled with deer and sun+moon emojis, symbolizing Bai Lu and Wang Xingyue, Yu Zheng shared his thoughts on the potential pairing. He admitted he initially had reservations about casting them together after they both received offers for the drama. However, Bai Lu was drawn to the script, and Wang Xingyue was as well. Furthermore, Yu Zheng felt the role offered to Wang was one of the best he’d seen for the actor’s career. But as fans of both stars began clashing, he responded saying only one of them be cast. Yu Zheng said that the platform producing the drama (Youku in this case), said that if Wang Xingyue were cast, the drama would be rated S+, but if Bai Lu joined, it would receive the higher S++ rating.
Bai Lu and Wang Xingyue to Star in Their Third Drama?
Yu Zheng pointed out that while Wang Xingyue’s popularity is rising, he still has some way to go compared to Bai Lu. He mentioned that this drama would be a crucial stepping stone for Wang Xingyue. Challenging Wang’s fans, he said, “I don’t know why the fans are acting all high and mighty? The kid (Wang Xingyue) grew because of jie (Bai Lu). If you dare speak badly about her, are you ingrates?”
Yu Zheng also expressed frustration at how fans were complicating what should have been a simple process. He revealed that he wanted Wang Xingyue to take the role so much that he decided on his own without consulting the actor. He also began drawing up the contracts after speaking with Bai Lu but emphasized that whether or not she signs is entirely her choice.
Backlash from Everyone’s Fans
Yu Zheng’s remarks did not sit well with everyone. Wang Xingyue’s supporters felt that their idol’s hard work was being downplayed, with Yu Zheng crediting Bai Lu for Wang’s rise to fame. And if he were to go that route, it had seemed that if any co-star deserved credit for Wang Xingyue’s rise to fame, it would be his The Double co-star Wu Jinyan. However, Yu Zheng defended his position by stating that Wang Xingyue was a newcomer when he starred alongside Bai Lu in One and Only and was again the second male lead in Story of Kunning Palace, so he stands by his statement in crediting Bai Lu. Wang Xingyue also had a small role in Bai Lu’s Song of Youth so technically, they have four dramas together.
On the other hand, Bai Lu’s fans accused Yu Zheng of pressuring her into taking the role, with some suggesting that he’s simply interested in advancing Wang’s career. Yu Zheng’s candid admission that he regretted not pairing Bai Lu and Wang Xingyue in Lin Jiang Xian also stirred controversy, especially as it seemed to undervalue the contributions of Zeng Shunxi, who starred opposite Bai Lu in that series.
Ash
Darn ridiculous ! WangXinYue become popular because of his outstanding and memorable performance, not because of who his co-star is. If he could not hold his own, even starring with Zhou Xun won’t get him any where. Bai Lu and WJY are just traffic actresses. They could hardly help anyone. WJY herself was struggling to get roles before The Double gave her another break.
WXY would be able to do well even if he were to leave Yu Zheng’s agency after his contract ends.
Liz
Yes.. indeed. His acting, his voice, his looks… all top notch.
Xoxo
I do not like Yu Zheng, but one would have to be dumb to miss his point that there is seniority in how things are done in Asia. It’s even more clear in Korean productions than in Chinese ones. You may not like Bai Lu, but the fact remains that she is his senior artist, and he got exposure from starring in two dramas where she was the lead actress. So when speaking up for his artists, regardless of talent, Yu Zheng will of course give the due to whoever deserves it.
There’s no point in promoting your favorite artist at the expense of others, it will only earn him bad blood. He is talented and likeable and will go far, and he will get all the accolades coming his way as his career develops. There is no reason to rush it, especially with controversy.
Mia
WXY hasn’t been the lead in multiple successful dramas yet, so of course a drama with Bai Lu as lead would probably get the S++ treatment. I wouldn’t credit Bai Lu, but more their agency for being able to cast him in significant roles opposite her. Being in a drama with a popular actress is definitely going to bring more attention to you as an actor, but if you don’t have the goods as an actor in your own right, it won’t make a bit of difference. I saw One and Only first and he didn’t fall on my radar with that role. That role didn’t lead to any significant rise as a popular actor. He had multiple dramas after that. I think he got a lot of buzz for his role in Story In Kunning Palace, but I really don’t think that role lead to major popularity boost either. I first took notice of him in Admist a Snowstorm of Love which came after, and I saw no buzz around him being in it which you would see for actors whose star has already risen. Sites and YouTube channels discussing dramas barely mentioned him. The Double is without a doubt his breakthrough role and honestly all the credit for that breakthrough is due to his own performance as well his amazing chemistry with Wu Jin Yan. Even though I loved the chemistry between WXY and Wu Jin Yan, Duke Su was just a popular character all on his own. It’s that type of breakthrough that creates a star.