Some of the iconic characters from Three Heroes and Five Gallants will be reimagined in the Wuxia drama Zhan Zhao Adventures, which is produced by Daylight Entertainment and Youku. Yang Yang plays the well-known Zhan Zhao, a morally upright warrior negotiating strife during the Northern Song era.
This version, which is based on a Minifish novel, uses Zhan Zhao as the key to revealing Prince Xiangyang’s rebellion. He meets the quick-witted Bai Yutang (played by Fang Yilun) and the vivacious Huo Linglong (played by Zhang Ruonan) along the way. They join together to defend the populace, foil plots and resolve criminal activity.
It should come as no surprise that Zhan Zhao, the title character’s trusted guard, is instantly recognizable in the Chinese-speaking world, as many people grew up watching Justice Bao. Known as the “Imperial Cat,” Zhan Zhao is a well-liked character. Readers may also recognize Bai Yutang, the “Brocade-Coated Rat,” who is his adversary. Zhan Zhao Adventures should become even more intriguing as a result of their cat-mouse dynamic.
Despite all the talk about Yang Yang being “greasy” these days, his dancing training really comes through in action sequences, as he makes graceful, flowing motions that go in well with a wuxia environment. A lot of people are also hoping that Alen Fang Yilun, a dependable actor who is frequently cast in supporting parts, will take advantage of this chance to advance his career. Overall, the lineup is promising, with Zhang Yuxi playing the second female lead role and Zhang Ruonan as the female lead. And because Daylight Entertainment is producing this, I’m hoping they create a wuxia series that’s worth seeing again.
