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| Production Breaks Silence After Online Speculation Over Script Changes and Set Treatment. (Photo: Weibo/Upmedia) |
Yang Yang’s new historical drama Bu Rang Jiang Shan (不让江山) has been hit with controversy just days into filming, after photos of the actor with a bandaged hand and clips of him leaving set triggered rumours that he had quit the project.
The situation escalated quickly. What started as concern over an on-set injury soon spiralled into allegations of script changes, unequal treatment, and even a so-called “dual script” situation. Now, the production team has stepped forward with a detailed response.
Yang Yang, best known for Love O2O, You Are My Glory, and more recently the fantasy martial arts drama The Immortal Ascension (凡人修仙傳), had only just begun filming Bu Rang Jiang Shan when eagle-eyed fans noticed something was off.
At the drama’s opening ceremony, he appeared with his left hand wrapped in a bandage. The actor later explained that he had suffered a fracture while rehearsing action scenes before officially joining the crew. Despite the injury, he attended the ceremony and reassured everyone he was recovering steadily.
This isn’t new territory for him. During filming for The Immortal Ascension, he also sustained a leg injury while handling action sequences. So initially, fans treated the situation as another example of him pushing through for his role.
But one day after filming reportedly began, photos and short clips circulated showing Yang Yang leaving the set carrying his personal belongings. That was enough to ignite full-blown withdrawal rumours.
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The “Dual Script” Allegations Explained
Online chatter quickly shifted from injury concerns to something more dramatic.
Several social media posts claimed that the script Yang Yang had originally reviewed was not the same version used when cameras started rolling.
According to these rumours, some key lines meant for the male lead were reassigned to supporting characters. There were also accusations of newly added scenes that allegedly did not serve the core storyline.
Netizens began using the term “dual script” or “yin-yang script” to describe what they believed was happening behind the scenes — suggesting two different script versions existed.
On top of that, leaked costume photos added fuel to the fire.
Some fans argued that Yang Yang’s styling as male lead Li Chi looked comparatively simple, while certain supporting male characters appeared to have more intricate and varied costume designs. The comparison sparked debates about production priorities and character focus.
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Casting Controversy Adds More Heat
As if that wasn’t enough, reports surfaced claiming that an internet personality named Houben had been cast in the drama despite lacking long-form acting experience.
The controversy deepened because Houben had previously posted a parody video that some viewers felt mocked a scene from Fireworks of My Heart, a 2023 drama that drew mixed reactions for Yang Yang. This reignited old fan sensitivities and amplified dissatisfaction.
Although later reports suggested Houben was no longer involved in the project, the damage online had already been done.
Official Statement: Production Firmly Denies “Dual Script” Claims
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On 23 February 2026, the Bu Rang Jiang Shan production team released an official statement addressing the growing rumours.
The team acknowledged the intense online discussion following the project’s announcement and apologised for confusion caused by the circulation of non-final materials. They stressed that internal reviews had already been conducted.
Most importantly, they firmly denied the “dual script” accusations.
According to the statement:
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All actors are using the same script.
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The version circulating online is not the final shooting draft.
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Leaked costume designs do not represent finalised styling.
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The creative direction has consistently centred on Li Chi, portrayed by Yang Yang.
The production described Li Chi as a vivid, multi-dimensional character — intelligent, sharp, passionate and courageous — and reaffirmed that he remains the narrative core of the drama.
Regarding Yang Yang’s injury, the team stated that his health is their top priority. They confirmed that they have maintained close communication with his management, adjusted filming schedules accordingly, and denied any additional injury rumours spreading online.
They also urged the public not to share confidential materials or unverified claims, calling for a healthier creative environment.
Some fans are standing firmly behind Yang Yang, arguing that he has a track record of committing fully to physically demanding roles. They believe the withdrawal rumours are exaggerated and view the official statement as reassurance that the project remains stable.
Others, however, remain sceptical. A portion of netizens feel the timing of the leaks and the quick escalation suggests deeper production issues. They question why non-final scripts and costume designs were circulating in the first place.
Meanwhile, neutral observers are taking a wait-and-see approach, pointing out that early production dramas are not uncommon in large-scale historical projects.
In short, the conversation is still very much alive.
As of now, Yang Yang has not released a personal statement regarding the withdrawal rumours. However, with the production’s clear denial and public commitment to maintaining Li Chi as the story’s central focus, the project appears to be moving forward as planned.
For Bu Rang Jiang Shan, the coming weeks will be crucial. If filming continues smoothly and official stills or teasers are released, the noise may gradually settle.
Do you think this is just early-production chaos blown out of proportion, or is there more happening behind the scenes? Is Bu Rang Jiang Shan still on your watchlist, or are you waiting for more clarity before getting invested?