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| Ren Jialun Levels Up in 2026 With Fantasy Epic and Dark Mystery Series (Photo: iQIYI/Silent Tides) |
Allen Ren Jialun is not slowing down anytime soon. After a solid 2025 packed with high-performing projects, the Chinese actor is officially gearing up for two highly anticipated 2026 dramas that promise to highlight a more mature and layered side of his acting. With one epic romance wuxia fantasy and one intense thriller mystery in the pipeline, Allen Ren is entering 2026 with serious momentum.
Born on 11 April 1989 in Qingdao, Shandong, Ren Jialun, originally named Ren Guo Chao, has built his reputation on versatility and quiet charisma. Before stepping into acting, he was a professional table tennis player who trained alongside Zhou Yu and Zhang Ji Ke, but injuries forced him to pivot careers. He briefly participated in Hunan TV’s Super Boy and Korean Star, and once planned to debut in a Chinese-South Korean boy group before ultimately leaving that path in 2014. His official acting debut came in 2014, though the project aired in 2017. It was the historical hit The Glory of Tang Dynasty that made him a household name.
In March 2017, he publicly shared on Weibo that he had been in a long-term relationship with Nie Huan, and in 2018, he became a father. Over the years, Ren has maintained a relatively low-key personal life while steadily building a strong portfolio of historical, action, romance and even fantasy dramas.
During 2025, he starred in three dramas: The Demon Hunter’s Romance, Love and Crown, and Silent Tides. All three received solid ratings and strong online engagement, further cementing his status as one of the most bankable male leads of his generation. That successful run has only made fans more excited about what he will deliver in 2026.
Allen Ren Jialun 2026 Upcoming Dramas
Fate Chooses You (佳偶天成)
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| iQIYI |
Fate Chooses You is a 40-episode iQIYI original series directed by Guo Hu, blending romance, wuxia and fantasy into one grand narrative. Starring Ren Jialun alongside Wang Herun, Zhang Kaiying, Huang Yi, Ding Xiaoying and Sun Zeyuan, the drama is scheduled for release in 2026, with the exact date yet to be confirmed.
Adapted from the web novel A Match Made in Heaven by Shi Si Lang, the story dives into ancient tribal conflict and divine punishment.
In the distant past, the War Ghost tribe broke free from the control of contract spirits and paid the ultimate price, losing their once-perfect power. The Jinwu tribe leader Jin Lin then falsely orders the destruction of the Zhan Gui tribe, leading to near extinction.
Ten thousand years later, Lu Qian Qiao is born as a symbol of hope for the surviving bloodline. Meanwhile, Xin Mei, an inexperienced disciple of the Tianyuan Sect, accidentally forms a spirit contract with Lu Qian Qiao. Together, they must face six calamities that test loyalty, love and destiny.
What makes this project particularly exciting is the scale. Early production buzz hints at elaborate world-building, complex character arcs and emotionally intense romance.
Ren Jialun is expected to portray a more restrained yet emotionally layered character, moving away from straightforward heroic archetypes and diving into morally nuanced territory. For fans who loved him in costume dramas, this could feel like a return to his strengths but with deeper emotional stakes.
Online reactions are split in an interesting way. Long-time fans are thrilled to see him back in a large-scale fantasy romance, calling it a “guaranteed visual feast.” Some netizens, however, are cautiously waiting for the script quality and CGI execution, noting that fantasy wuxia projects live or die by storytelling depth. Either way, expectations are undeniably high.
Abyss (深渊)
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If Fate Chooses You represents epic destiny and romance, Abyss takes a sharp turn into dark psychological territory.
This 18-episode iQIYI original series is directed by Liu Hai Bo and stars Ren Jialun alongside Qin Junjie and Wang Yanhui. It is adapted from the novel Shen Yuan by Shen Lan and is also slated for a 2026 release.
The story unfolds in a seemingly quiet town where buried secrets begin to resurface.
A web novel titled Shen Yuan mirrors the exact details of a long-cold real-life crime, including information that only the police and the perpetrator should know. The discovery shakes the community and launches a tense investigation.
Ren Jialun plays Detective Li Cheng, a newcomer to the force driven by a strong sense of justice. As he investigates, he finds himself locked in a battle of intellects with multiple suspects, each hiding their own motives.
The narrative explores themes of family loyalty, friendship and the ripple effects of a single life-altering decision.
This project is drawing strong attention because it marks another shift in tone for Ren. After years of being associated with historical romance and fantasy, Abyss positions him in a modern, grounded thriller.
Fans who appreciated his performance in Silent Tides are especially excited, saying he suits morally complex and emotionally conflicted roles.
Netizens’ reactions are notably intense. Some believe this could be his “acting breakthrough 2.0,” showcasing a colder, sharper edge. Others are curious about the chemistry and dynamic between him and Qin Junjie, predicting powerful confrontation scenes.
There is also discussion about whether the shorter 18-episode format will result in tighter pacing and stronger suspense, something audiences increasingly prefer.
Looking ahead to 2026, it is clear that Ren Jialun is carefully choosing projects that expand his range rather than simply repeating past successes.
One drama offers sweeping fantasy romance rooted in fate and ancient grudges, while the other dives into psychological mystery and moral dilemmas. Together, they paint a picture of an actor stepping confidently into a more mature career phase.
More updates expected and schedules subject to change, 2026 could be another milestone year for him. So, are you more excited for the epic romance of Fate Chooses You or the intense mind games of Abyss?