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| Chen Zheyuan Rumoured in Top Billing Controversy for Wu Jinyan’s New Drama |
Weibo’s trending chart went into overdrive on Monday, 16 June 2025, after notorious drama producer Yu Zheng popped off during a livestream — and yep, it was about top billing again. The drama in question? His upcoming palace series Royal Court Ballad (御廷谣), which was meant to mark actress Wu Jinyan’s big return to set after her hiatus.
But now, it’s not the costumes or cast that are catching attention — it’s the behind-the-scenes politics. According to Yu Zheng, the project hit a brick wall because of disagreements over who gets the all-important first name in the credits.
“If Wu Jinyan doesn’t give up the top billing, we can’t start filming,” Yu declared bluntly. “But I refuse to hand over the first position to that kid.”
While Yu didn’t name names, netizens weren’t shy in guessing — the mystery “kid” is widely believed to be Chen Zheyuan, who was previously rumoured as the potential male lead. Cue a flurry of fan theories and fiery comment sections.
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Investors, Billing Wars & Industry Biases
As Yu told it, Wu Jinyan had already been confirmed as the female lead. But the male lead’s side — backed by powerful investors — apparently wasn’t willing to proceed unless their actor was given top billing.
That’s despite Royal Court Ballad being designed as a female-centric drama from the start.
Fans were quick to weigh in:
“Chen Zheyuan wouldn’t accept second billing. If we don’t agree on billing order, the drama can’t go ahead. But if we switch actors, the investor backs out? Isn’t equal billing fair?”
Another user highlighted the double standard:
“Wu Jinyan led Yanxi Palace and The Double — both hits. Why is her position still up for negotiation, while male actors get investor backing off the bat?”
And it’s not just about names in the credits. The row has reignited a bigger convo in C-ent about power dynamics, gender imbalance, and who really calls the shots — actors, producers, or the money men behind them?
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What About Chen Zheyuan?
Let’s get one thing clear — as of now, Chen Zheyuan’s camp hasn’t said a word about whether he was ever officially attached to the drama, or if he really demanded top billing. Which raises the question: is it fair for the public to point fingers with no confirmation?
While it’s true that investors sometimes push for their preferred actors to get more clout, that doesn’t always mean the actor themselves made the demand. In this case, Zheyuan may just be caught in the crossfire of media narratives and livestream gossip.
Besides him, other names reportedly floated for the male lead included Xin Yunlai and Chen Xinhai — but nothing official has been confirmed there either.
Wu Jinyan’s Comeback: Will It Happen?
For Wu Jinyan, Royal Court Ballad was supposed to mark her long-awaited return after a seven-month break due to childbirth and recovery. With a strong run behind her — from Story of Yanxi Palace to 2024’s surprise hit The Double (Mo Yu Yun Jian) — fans were excited to see her back in the spotlight.
But now, instead of script readings and styling teasers, the talk is all about whether she’ll be forced to step aside… or stand her ground.
If the standoff continues, it could mean major delays or a recast altogether. Whether she stays on, gets equal billing, or walks away from the project, this situation has become yet another example of how bumpy the ride can be for leading ladies in Chinese drama.
A Royal Mess Before Filming Even Starts
What started as a casual livestream has now put Royal Court Ballad under a microscope. Yu Zheng’s no-filter remarks sparked yet another industry storm — one that reflects real concerns about actor hierarchy, investor pressure, and gender dynamics in C-ent.
Whether the drama eventually gets made, and with what cast lineup, remains to be seen. But one thing’s for sure — it’s already living up to its name. Regal in scope, messy in politics. Classic Yu Zheng.