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| New Historical Suspense Drama “The Return of the King” Begins Filming This September |
Another big one is brewing in Hengdian. iQIYI just confirmed that their brand-new male-centric costume drama The Return of the King (《天行九歌之举世无双》) will officially start filming in September 2025, and it’s already raising eyebrows with a solid creative team and a cult-favourite source material backing it up.
Adapted from the highly rated Chinese animated series Nine Songs of the Moving Heavens (天行九歌), this live-action retelling brings the thrilling mix of court intrigue, brotherhood, and martial arts into a full-blown historical epic. Fans of the original donghua can expect a grittier, flesh-and-blood version of the action, but still dripping with the same energy and complexity.
🧧 Who’s in It?
Leading the charge is Joseph Zeng Shunxi (Mysterious Lotus Casebook), stepping into the role of Han Feng, the "Ninth Prince" who returns to court after years away, only to find himself smack in the middle of a deadly conspiracy involving ghost soldiers and buried truths.
He’s joined by rising stars Tian Jiarui and He Qiu, with all three playing core members of the new-gen brotherhood known as “Liusha” (流沙) — a team of hot-blooded young men trying to change their chaotic world with sharp minds and sharper blades.
🎬 Behind the Scenes: Strong Creative Crew
The drama is helmed by director Yang Huan, who’s been riding high after hits like Lost You Forever and Perfect Match, while the script comes from Shen Rong, the sharp pen behind thrillers like Yu Zui and Trident. With Yang’s eye for emotional visuals and Shen’s knack for layered mystery, we’re expecting a proper blend of brain and brawn.
Production kicks off this September in Hengdian and will run for a tight 100-day shoot. The drama is being produced by iQIYI alongside Beijing Shidai Spark Media, with big-name industry figures like Gong Yu, Wang Xiaohui, and Ding Heng steering the ship.
🏯 What’s It About?
Set during the Warring States era, the story follows Han Feng as he returns from exile and gets tangled up in a strange case involving “ghost soldiers.” Along the way, he meets a group of similarly brilliant and rebellious young warriors — including the mysterious swordsman Wei Zhuang, the strategist Zhang Xian, and the beautiful and dangerous Zi Nu.
Together, they form “Liusha,” a secret organisation driven by justice, idealism, and the occasional personal vendetta. As the empire teeters between peace and chaos, these youths go from solving political mysteries to taking on corrupt officials and military plots — all while carving their own legend into history.
Expect intense swordplay, complex bromance dynamics, layered court politics, and a heavy dose of youthful passion clashing against old power.
📌 Drama Quick Info: The Return of the King / 天行九歌之举世无双
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Genre: Historical, Suspense, Male-Centric Brotherhood
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Adapted From: Animated series Nine Songs of the Moving Heavens by Sparkly Key Animation
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Lead Cast: Joseph Zeng, Tian Jiarui, He Qiu
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Director: Yang Huan (Lost You Forever, Perfect Match)
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Screenwriter: Shen Rong (Yu Zui, Trident)
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Start of Filming: September 2025
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Filming Location: Hengdian
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Production Time: 100 days
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Produced By: iQIYI, Beijing Shidai Spark Media
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This one’s got that Blood of Youth energy but with a sharper political edge — a classic "lads on a mission" tale set against the backdrop of a collapsing dynasty. Whether you’re in it for the martial arts, the mystery, or the brotherhood vibes, The Return of the King might just be one of iQIYI’s most exciting historical projects coming up.
Keep an eye out this autumn — because when this one drops, the knives and hearts are definitely gonna fly.