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| Fresh Sparks Fly: Leo Wu & Tian Xiwei to Star in Upcoming Wuxia Drama The One |
After months of casting buzz and fan speculation, it looks like Chinese actor Leo Wu (吴磊) is finally set to make his much-awaited TV drama comeback in the wuxia adaptation The One (剑来), but not alongside the originally planned Zhao Jinmai (赵今麦). Instead, fresh pairing rumours are swirling around Tian Xiwei (田曦薇), known for her role in Guardians of the Dafeng (大奉打更人), who is tipped to take the female lead opposite Leo Wu. This new duo is already stirring excitement across fandoms eager to see what this fresh combination brings to the screen.
Originally, Zhao Jinmai was slated to reunite with Leo Wu following the chemistry they built in their previous work. However, her current long filming schedule for The Wandering Earth 3—a project that kicked off in April and is set to run for nearly 300 days—has ruled her out, leaving producers to look elsewhere.
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Leo Wu has been noticeably absent from TV dramas for almost two years, shifting his focus to the big screen after finishing Amidst a Snowstorm of Love and Northwest Years in 2023. The male lead role in The One was initially offered to Cheng Yi (成毅) of Mysterious Lotus Casebook fame.
But fans of the original novel quickly voiced concerns over the age gap—Cheng Yi is 30, while the story starts with the lead character, Chen Ping’an, at just 16. The producers listened and opted for Leo Wu, whose youthful appearance and age fit the character much better.
What’s The One About?
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Based on a popular novel released in full only earlier this year, The One tells the gripping tale of Chen Ping’an, a young man whose life is turned upside down when his father uncovers a dangerous secret in their small town. This discovery shatters Chen’s “fated porcelain”—a symbolic item tied deeply to his destiny—and sets off a chain of tragic events.
His parents die under mysterious circumstances: his father is murdered, and his mother succumbs to illness. With nothing left but a broken porcelain and a burning desire for truth, Chen embarks on a journey filled with cultivation, hardships, and self-discovery, transforming from an ordinary boy into a formidable cultivator.
Tian Xiwei’s Role and Casting Challenges
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The casting for the female lead, Ning Yao, has been tricky. Producers wanted a post-95 actress who could hold her own alongside Leo Wu. Many top actresses hesitated to take what might seem like a supporting role, so Tian Xiwei emerged as a strong candidate.
Some fans were initially unsure if Tian Xiwei's typically sweet image would match the battle-hardened and powerful Ning Yao. However, those familiar with Tian point out her real-life athleticism and impressive physicality — her toned arms and combat skills showcased in Chasing Jade (逐玉) certainly back this up. Many are hopeful this will be her breakout role alongside Leo Wu.
This wuxia drama has been making the rounds in casting rumours for over a year, with various high-profile leads and start dates floated. Now, it seems things are finally falling into place. With Leo Wu confirmed and Tian Xiwei likely on board, The One looks poised to begin filming within the next few months, targeting a big release in late 2026.
Fans can’t wait to see Leo Wu return to TV after his well-deserved hiatus filled with outdoor adventures like hiking and biking. If the story and leads live up to the hype, The One could become a standout wuxia drama next year, blending strong male-lead storytelling with fresh new pairings. Stay tuned!