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| Fans Protest After Rumours Claim Wu Lei’s Role in 'The One' Was Altered. (Photo: Weibo/Upmedia) |
Leo Wu Lei’s upcoming fantasy epic The One (剑来) has run into controversy before it has even wrapped filming, as rumours swirl that his lead character, Chen Pingan, has been significantly altered in the drama adaptation. Fans of the original novel are now openly protesting online, claiming the core of the protagonist’s journey may have been reshaped.
According to circulating reports, the drama version has allegedly expanded the role of Chen Pingan’s father, Chen Laoba, far beyond what appeared in the source material. In the original novel by Fenghuo Xizhu Hou, Chen Pingan’s parents are only briefly referenced as part of his painful backstory.
Their passing shapes his independence and resilience, forming the emotional foundation of his rise from an ordinary boy to a powerful cultivator.
However, insiders claim that out of the drama’s planned 24 episodes, up to four full episodes may focus heavily on Chen Laoba, with Chen Pingan reportedly absent from those arcs. If true, this would mark a major structural shift in narrative focus.
Even more fuel was added to the fire when rumours linked the role of Chen Laoba to actor Vengo Gao. The speculation that a high-profile actor is involved has led many to assume the father’s expanded presence is substantial rather than minor.
Fans React: “This Isn’t the Chen Pingan We Know”
Reactions across social media have been intense and divided.
Some long-time readers argue that Chen Pingan’s identity is built on being parentless and forging his own destiny, and expanding the father’s role risks diluting that emotional weight. Comments trending online include:
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“If Chen Pingan doesn’t grow through loss, what’s left of his character?”
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“Four episodes without Wu Lei? That’s not what we signed up for.”
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“Respect the source material. Don’t rewrite the foundation.”
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| Upmedia |
A portion of fans have even threatened to boycott the series if the changes are confirmed when the show airs.
On the other hand, some netizens are taking a wait-and-see approach. They argue that adaptations naturally evolve for television pacing and that deeper exploration of Chen Laoba could add emotional nuance rather than damage the story.
“There’s no point judging from rumours,” one commenter wrote. “Let’s watch it first. Sometimes side stories make the hero stronger.”
An Ambitious Tencent Production With High Stakes
The One marks Wu Lei’s first large-scale costume drama in four years, making it one of his most anticipated returns to the historical fantasy genre. The production is reportedly backed by a 300 million RMB investment (over USD 40 million), positioning it as one of Tencent’s flagship projects of the year.
Wu Lei has reportedly shown serious dedication to the role. Playing a skilled swordsman required intense preparation, and he is said to have undergone rigorous strength training and sword practice before filming began. Reports state he even lost around six kilograms to better embody Chen Pingan’s physicality.
In previous interviews about taking on demanding roles, Wu Lei has emphasised commitment and authenticity.
He once shared, “If I choose a character, I want to give everything to it. The audience should feel the effort.”
He has also said, “Hard roles are meaningful. I’d rather challenge myself than stay comfortable.”
Filming began last November and is now nearing completion after a planned five-month shoot.
Reports suggest the production operated with separate Group A and Group B filming units. While some speculate this was linked to storyline adjustments, there has been no official confirmation.
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As of now, neither the production team nor Wu Lei’s studio has issued an official statement addressing the alleged script changes. The absence of clarification has only amplified online debate.
For many, the issue is not just about screen time, but about narrative integrity. Chen Pingan’s rise from hardship is the emotional spine of The One. Whether the adaptation enhances that arc or shifts it entirely remains to be seen.
With the series nearing completion and anticipation running high, one question now hangs in the air: will The One deliver a faithful adaptation, or surprise viewers with a bold reinterpretation?
What do you think — are fans overreacting, or is this a genuine concern about character integrity?