iQIYI’s newest historical romance drama Que Gu (雀骨) led by Hou Minghao has revealed its cast — pairing his character, the iron-blooded general Xiao Wuyi, with rising actress Ai Mi who plays Xie Jiayu, an intelligent strategist.
First Historical Lead Role for 17-Year-Old Ai Mi
Ai Mi, born on July 10, 2008, just turned 17 years old this week. Que Gu marks her first time as a leading actress in a costume drama, following a string of supporting roles that saw her playing a maidservant in shows like Destined to memorable roles in hit dramas like the assassin in My Journey to You and the “little sister” maid in The Double. With her super pretty visuals and expressive presence, many believe she’s well-suited for the period genre.
Age Gap Controversy
Ai Mi’s age has gotten everyone talking. Some have compared her to Liu Yifei who was just 16 years old when she started in showbiz and quickly rose to leading lady roles. However, Ai Mi being 28-year-old actor Hou Minghao’s love interest also drew some controversy. Hou Minghao and Ai Mi have an 11-year age gap, which is why some feel the pairing is inappropriate as the actress is too young.
Despite these concerns, Ai Mi just transitioned into the powerful heroine in the first look posters of Que Gu. It’s certainly a cut different from her “sweet girl” image as she’ll transform into a “powerful female leader” in the story. This casting choice could be a game-changer — or a challenge — for the rising star.
Ai Mi is among the post-2000 actresses that include Huang Yang Tian Tian (born 2007) and Deng Enxi (born 2005) who have all transitioned into female lead roles.
Du
😂 c-ent and their obsession with younger and younger not-well-trained-actors-pleasing-at-eyes type cast. they more and more resemble B productions despite of lavish budgets. It’s a pity so much money is poured in such productions. Well ,I hope it pays back and some money goes into solid projects.
Applefish
China: the actresses are too old for these kind of roles
Proceed to hire children 🙄😒 then complain they can’t act 🙄😒 of course none of them can act if u sack them so fast!
avarachika
LOL, I was about to make the same comment!