So the “special role” or “special appearance” billing in C-dramas has worked well to bring in a big name for a role with perhaps less screen time but very vital to the plot. In recent dramas that come to mind it was Wallace Huo in The Tale of Rose and Tan Jian Ci in Lost You Forever. So for the female lead centric Tree of Life (English title Born to be Live) starring Yang Zi, word is that Hu Ge remains interested in doing the drama because it’s centered around environmental sustainability and conservation which is a subject he’s very keen on. But his role is likely a special appearance in a unique role, and some of the other young actors floated for the drama male lead remain in talks as well. The drama is slated to kick off filming soon and lines up with Yang Zi’s schedule as she just wrapped Flourished Peony with Li Xian.
That makes sense…
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Yang Zi’s team sure is desperate lmao
I can say the same about you being worked up and posting things like this since the rumours came up
Yang Zi knows Zhao Liying wants to work with Hu Ge, she did everything she can in the world to have Hu Ge!!!!!!! She is soooooooooooooooooooooo DESPERATE!
I don’t know about his team now and his aspirations, but I do remember how at the height of him building his career, he seemed to have declined the male lead role in Sound of the Desert and chose 2nd male lead instead because it was a meatier/new role for him. It’s nice to know that Hu Ge still seems to be less rigid about his lead status in roles if its interesting enough for him unlike a lot of actors nowadays.
Agreed. I think the billing wars is one of the most frustrating things about the Chinese industry – I understand why stars think it’s necessary (as a way to maintain fandoms and pay) but it has ruined so many great potential castings over the years. I respect Hu Ge for not really caring about this stuff and focusing instead on roles and stories that truly appeal to him – it only makes me respect him more as an actor.
Erm…Special role billing status basically means the actor took on this role as a special exception (and possibly as a favor to the producer/director) to make sure that it will not count towards his status in the industry, and the leads’ status will still be seen as lower than his. So he does care about his billing status.
@ Lol 😆 it doesn’t really change anything if that is the case.
He absolutely does care. You ought to inform yourself of what this is.
This type of billing puts him outside of the usual ranking.
This idea that Yang Zi fans have that she is some giant star where Hu Ge would jeopardize his career for her is hilariously delusional.
If he is in this project, as a special guest, then he is doing a favor to Daylight because he wants to have a continued relationship with them. Yang Zi is a negative here for him. Smh.
Yang Zi is just a copycat, she copies everything Zhao Liying wants.
First, Zhao Liying wants to play Tree of Life, Yang Zi stole it. Next, Zhao Liying wants to play with Hu Ge, next thing, Yang Zi stole him away too. Copycat, copycat!
I don’t think many are surprised about this cause this is a female centric drama and with Hu Ge status I doubt he will play 2nd billing in this drama so this makes more sense to me. Anyways I’m looking forward to this drama