The newest adaptation of Jin Yong’s (金庸) popular wuxia novel, Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils <天龍八部>, has commenced filming in Tianmo’s film studio situated in Hebei, China earlier this month. Produced by Chen Pinxiang (陈品祥) and directed by ex-ATV director, Lai Shui-ching (賴水清), the new Demi-Gods and Semi-Devilsadaptation stars Hong Kong actor Wallace Chung (鍾漢良) as Qiao Feng and Korean actor Kim Ki Bum (金起範) as Duan Yu.
Other revealed main cast members include Zhang Meng (张檬) as Wang Yuyan, Han Dong (韩栋) as Xuzhu, Zong Fengyan (宗峰岩) as Murong Fu, and Viann Zhang (张馨予) as Kang Min.
According to Zhengjiang Huace Film and TV, the drama’s main production studio, Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils 2013 will be adapted from Jin Yong’s third revision of the novel, which was published in 2005. The television adaptation will see an increase in Qiao Feng’s screen time, and will use Murong Fu’s obsession in restoring his kingdom as the drama’s main plot, adding more mysterious and suspenseful elements to the story.
There were some disagreements between Jin Yong fans when news broke with the casting of Wallace Chung and Kim Ki Bum in their respective characters. The refined and gentle Wallace Chung was seen as a miscast for Qiao Feng, whose character is defined as aggressively charismatic and rough. Fans also felt uncomfortable to see a Kim Ki Bum, a Korean actor, to portray a major character in a celebrated Chinese novel.
Producer Chen strongly supported the casting choice of Kim Ki Bum, and stated, “Kim Ki Bum’s image, aura, and age are very similar to Duan Yu’s. He has extremely high popularity in Korea, China, and many other Asian countries. Casting a Korean actor will help the drama reach international-level success, and it will help promote traditional Chinese wuxia to a larger audience.”
Sources: Sina.com, ifeng.com
Other revealed main cast members include Zhang Meng (张檬) as Wang Yuyan, Han Dong (韩栋) as Xuzhu, Zong Fengyan (宗峰岩) as Murong Fu, and Viann Zhang (张馨予) as Kang Min.
According to Zhengjiang Huace Film and TV, the drama’s main production studio, Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils 2013 will be adapted from Jin Yong’s third revision of the novel, which was published in 2005. The television adaptation will see an increase in Qiao Feng’s screen time, and will use Murong Fu’s obsession in restoring his kingdom as the drama’s main plot, adding more mysterious and suspenseful elements to the story.
There were some disagreements between Jin Yong fans when news broke with the casting of Wallace Chung and Kim Ki Bum in their respective characters. The refined and gentle Wallace Chung was seen as a miscast for Qiao Feng, whose character is defined as aggressively charismatic and rough. Fans also felt uncomfortable to see a Kim Ki Bum, a Korean actor, to portray a major character in a celebrated Chinese novel.
Producer Chen strongly supported the casting choice of Kim Ki Bum, and stated, “Kim Ki Bum’s image, aura, and age are very similar to Duan Yu’s. He has extremely high popularity in Korea, China, and many other Asian countries. Casting a Korean actor will help the drama reach international-level success, and it will help promote traditional Chinese wuxia to a larger audience.”
Sources: Sina.com, ifeng.com
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