 |
| Youku’s Pull Strings Locks 30-Episode Licence, Starring Ao Ruipeng & Sun Zhenni |
The wait is (almost) over—Youku’s upcoming xianxia comedy Pull Strings has officially bagged its distribution licence.
Starring Ao Ruipeng and Sun Zhenni, this quirky fantasy drama is set to run for 30 episodes and is already stirring up buzz after sliding onto Youku’s 2026 slate last week.
 |
| Licence Secured: Pull Strings Expected to Premiere Within Months |
The story follows Li Chang Shou (Ao Ruipeng), a small-time cultivator reborn in the perilous Primordial Times, right before the Great God-Conferment War.
Unlike the usual “chosen one” heroes, Li has just one humble wish: survive long enough to live a proper immortal life.
To keep himself out of trouble, Li perfects the art of being steady—he avoids unnecessary fights, plots out every move with 98% success rate in mind, and even dabbles in poisonous pill-making and escape techniques.
The irony?
His so-called safe moves end up changing the game entirely, leaving others in awe while he disappears back into the shadows.
His peaceful hermit plan crumbles when his master decides things are too dull and introduces a junior sister, Yunxiao (Sun Zhenni).
Cue chaos, comedy, and a whole new set of heavenly headaches.
 |
Adapted from the hit web novel I Really Am This Steady Senior Brother by Yan Guizhengzhuan, the drama keeps Li Chang Shou’s survivalist streak but amps up the lighthearted banter and ensemble comedy.
That makes it more approachable for viewers who may not be steeped in cultivation lore.
 |
Ao Ruipeng, known for The Blood of Youth and Coroner’s Diary, swaps his hot-blooded hero image for a laid-back “if I can lie down, I won’t stand” type.
Sun Zhenni, a former SNH48 member, takes on Yunxiao—her teaser clip already sparked chatter after her cheeky line, “I don’t believe you at all,” hinted at a more lively twist on the character compared to the novel.
 |
Also joining the fun are Ao Zi Yi, Jenny Zeng, and Ai Mi, rounding out a cast that promises both charm and comedic sparks.
Pull Strings isn’t entering the stage cold—the IP already has a huge fanbase thanks to its hit animated adaptation Senior Brother, Hold On! Produced by CG powerhouse Foch, the anime has clocked over 100 episodes since 2023 and remains one of Youku’s top-ranking fantasy titles.
Known for flipping cultivation tropes on their head, the animation carved out a niche with its mix of sharp comedy and dazzling visuals.
With the live-action now licensed, fans are hyped to see how the drama plays with those same anti-mainstream vibes. Early chatter pegs it as “this year’s go-to comedy fantasy binge.”
So, When’s It Airing?
A licence usually means premiere plans are around the corner—anywhere from 2 to 4 months, though with C-dramas delays of up to 6 months aren’t unheard of. For now, fans are refreshing Youku’s feed, waiting for an official drop date.
Photo: Weibo/Youku