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| Chinese Actor Zheng Kai Reveals Unexpected Age-Gap Casting in Short Drama, Sending Social Media Into Frenzy (Photo: Sohu) |
The Chinese short drama scene has seen explosive growth in recent years, with its fast-paced production cycle and unpredictable plots creating a new wave of breakout actors. One of them is Zheng Kai, who recently shot to the top of social trends after sharing a rather unexpected on-set experience — and it’s safe to say no one saw this twist coming, including him.
“Older Woman, Younger Man”… But Not Quite What He Imagined
Zheng Kai revealed on social media that he had accepted a role in a short romance drama labelled as the classic “older woman, younger man” storyline. In his mind, he expected the usual formula: perhaps a polished, elegant career woman paired with a charming younger male lead. You know, the standard fantasy setup short dramas love to lean on.
But once he arrived on set, he was met with a completely different reality.
His “older woman” co-star turned out to be a 68-year-old veteran actress — a casting choice that left him utterly shocked. According to his own words, he actually had to pause and ask the director:
“Isn’t this ‘older sister’ a bit too… well, older?”
The frankness of his reaction instantly set social media ablaze. The topic “Male actor films romance drama with 68-year-old actress” shot into the top ranks of Weibo searches, racking up over a billion views in just one day.
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Zheng Kai Clears Up Misunderstandings — He’s Not “Little Cheetah”
For clarity, this Zheng Kai has no connection to the well-known “Little Cheetah” Zheng Kai from Keep Running. Although their names sound similar in Mandarin, their characters are different.
This Zheng Kai, born 11 March 1986 in Hangzhou, graduated from the Beijing Film Academy and has acted in notable series such as Struggle, Scarlet Heart, and Snow Eagle Lord. He even won Best Newcomer at the Shanghai College Student TV Festival in 2012.
Still, no one expected his career path to take a sudden detour into the chaotic, unpredictable universe of short dramas — a booming sector often criticised for wild production methods.
Short Dramas and Their Obsession With Age-Gap Shock Value
Short dramas are notorious for prioritising traffic over logic, using extreme age differences and bizarre character setups simply to catch attention. The industry has been roasting itself for years with plotlines that make audiences question reality:
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A widow in her fifties elopes with a handsome young man
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A daughter-in-law being swarmed by an overly dramatic mother-in-law
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A groom abandoning his wedding for last-minute, mysterious affection
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Pregnant characters sprinting or cycling as if they’re in an action film
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A classroom applauding a divorce announcement
For many viewers, the casting of a 68-year-old as the romantic female lead is just another addition to the list of unpredictable short drama decisions.
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A Flashback to a 90s Casting Controversy
Older fans may recall a similar situation from the 1998 drama Xi Men Wu Hen, when actor Jiao Enjun, then 31, was paired with actress Yang Junjun, who was significantly older but insisted on playing a maiden-like role.
With Yang Junjun also serving as the director, writer, and investor, Jiao Enjun reportedly had little choice but to continue due to contract terms.
That show ended up becoming a cultural anecdote, complete with memes that still circulate today.
Zheng Kai’s case drew instant comparisons, reviving conversations about how actors sometimes end up in uncomfortable situations they never signed up for.
Industry Calls for More Thoughtful Storytelling
While unconventional romance stories can be meaningful when written with care, critics argue that age-gap tropes in short dramas rarely explore emotional depth. Instead, they’re often used for quick shock value.
Many viewers have said that if casting older actresses is the goal, the industry could easily produce heartwarming, relatable stories such as:
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Seniors rebuilding their lives or pursuing new careers
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Mature couples exploring late-life romance
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Stories that highlight family dynamics across generations
The film Hi, Mum is repeatedly cited as an example of how age-appropriate casting can still lead to massive emotional impact and commercial success.
Netizens Now Wonder: Who Is the Mysterious 68-Year-Old Actress?
Despite the commotion, Zheng Kai did not reveal the identity of the actress or the title of the short drama, which has only fuelled speculation.
Online discussions suggest she may have had a special role in the production, though nothing is officially confirmed.
There’s also curiosity around whether Zheng Kai was required to finish filming despite his surprise, or whether the project was quietly adjusted after his comments.
No official statement has been released so far, leaving the public waiting for round two of updates.