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| Historical Depth Meets Real-Life Struggles in Liu Haocun’s Upcoming 2026 Series (Photo: LiuHaocun Studio/Weibo) |
Chinese actress Liu Haocun is shining brighter than ever as 2025 slowly draws to a close. Born on 20 May 2000, the actress has steadily built a reputation for herself as one of the most promising talents of China’s new generation. Known for her calm and impressive emotional control, Liu Haocun has proven she can move comfortably between action, historical storytelling, modern romance and even experimental genres.
As the industry looks ahead to 2026, Liu Haocun is officially confirmed to headline two major Chinese dramas, both already in production or entering their final preparation stages.
What stands out is not just the scale of these projects, but the maturity of the characters she will portray — signalling a clear evolution in her acting journey.
In May 2018, she joined the cast of Zhang Yimou’s film One Second (一秒钟). When the film was released in 2020, Liu officially entered the entertainment industry as one of the director’s most talked-about discoveries. Her debut performance earned her Best Newcomer at the 15th Asian Film Awards, placing her firmly on the radar of both audiences and industry insiders.
Since then, she has consistently drawn attention for roles that highlight emotional depth rather than flashy gimmicks — a quality that continues into her upcoming projects.
Upcoming Liu Haocun Dramas Set for 2026
Main Character (主角)
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| Photo: Weibo |
Platform: Tencent Video
Episodes: 40
Genre: Historical, Life, Drama
Director: Li Shao Fei
Co-Star: Zhang Jiayi
Adapted From: Web novel Zhu Jue (主角) by Chen Yan
Main Character is shaping up to be Liu Haocun’s most artistically ambitious drama to date. The series follows Yi Qin’e, a young woman taken into a cultural troupe by her uncle to learn Qinqiang Opera.
What begins as a path into traditional performance slowly unfolds into a lifelong journey marked by achievement, sacrifice and solitude.
Rather than focusing solely on success, the drama digs into the emotional cost of artistic greatness. Yi Qin’e reaches remarkable heights in her field, yet faces a loneliness that few around her can truly understand.
What to expect:
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A slow-burn, character-driven narrative
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Strong emphasis on traditional Chinese opera culture
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A layered female lead who grows through hardship rather than shortcuts
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A serious, reflective tone led by veteran actor Zhang Jiayi alongside Liu Haocun
This drama is expected to highlight Liu Haocun’s ability to carry long emotional arcs — not just moments, but an entire life story.
People in Beijing (美顺与长生)
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| Photo: Sohu/Weibo |
Platform: Mango TV
Episodes: 32
Director: Li Lu
Co-Star: Huang Xuan
Adapted From: Novel Mei Shun Yu Chang Sheng (美顺与长生) by Mao Jianjun
In contrast to the grandeur of Main Character, People in Beijing leans into realism and quiet strength. The story centres on Mei Shun, a rural woman who marries into a Beijing household and builds a life with her kind-hearted husband, Chang Sheng, within a three-generation family.
Set against the backdrop of Beijing’s rapid urban transformation, the drama explores everyday dignity, patience and resilience.
Rather than dramatic twists, the story flows gently, portraying how ordinary people adapt to change while holding onto self-respect and warmth.
What to expect:
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A grounded, slice-of-life storytelling style
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Subtle emotional performances over dramatic confrontation
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A softer, more restrained role for Liu Haocun
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Strong chemistry potential with Huang Xuan
Industry chatter suggests this drama may premiere earlier than Main Character, making it likely the first glimpse of Liu Haocun’s 2026 screen presence.
Liu Haocun Enters a More Mature Era
Together, these projects show a clear shift in Liu Haocun’s career choices. One drama explores artistic ambition and inner solitude across decades, while the other focuses on everyday endurance within family and society.
Both roles demand emotional maturity, restraint and long-term character development — qualities that often define an actress’s staying power.
Rather than chasing trends, Liu Haocun appears to be carefully shaping a filmography rooted in substance and longevity.
More projects yet to be announced and schedules always subject to change, 2026 is already looking like a defining year for Liu Haocun.
So, are you excited? Which drama are you most looking forward to — the operatic rise and fall of Main Character, or the quiet resilience of People in Beijing? More updates to come as broadcast plans are confirmed.