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| William Chan’s 2026 Drama Line-Up Revealed: From Youth Fantasy Blockbuster to Epic Historical Romance. (Photo: Instagram) |
William Chan Weiting is not slowing down anytime soon. After wrapping up 2025 with solid ratings and steady buzz thanks to Love’s Ambition, the Hong Kong-born singer-actor is stepping into 2026 with three large-scale Chinese dramas that showcase a more mature, layered side of his acting. With action, fantasy, historical intrigue and even apocalyptic power struggles on the table, his upcoming projects are shaping up to dominate discussion across Chinese drama circles next year.
Born on 21 November 1985, William Chan first entered the spotlight through the New Talent Singing Awards in 2003 before joining Emperor Entertainment Group. He debuted as part of Sun Boy’z in 2006, later going solo in 2008 and releasing six albums over the years. By 2013, he gradually shifted his career focus to mainland China, expanding into television and film with more than ten movies under his belt.
In October 2025, he and Victoria’s Secret supermodel He Sui welcomed their first child, confirming their long-rumoured relationship and adding another milestone to an already eventful year.
William Chan New Chinese Dramas in 2026
With 2025 behind him, 2026 is looking like a defining chapter.
The Mystic Nine Against the Coming Storm (九门)
The fantasy-mystery epic The Mystic Nine Against the Coming Storm is already building serious momentum even before its premiere.
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Directed by Leung Sing Kuen, the 36-episode Youku original series stars William Chan, Joseph Zeng Shunxi, Sebrina Chen Yao and Wang Yiting. Official reservations on Youku and Weibo have surpassed two million, making it one of the platform’s most anticipated entries in its Youth Fantasy unit.
Adapted from Nan Pai San Shu’s novel Lao Jiu Men, the drama is set in Changsha, a city wrapped in secrets and dangerous intrigue. Nine powerful factions stand at the centre of a growing storm of conspiracy.
Every alliance is fragile, every decision carries weight. William Chan’s role reportedly dives into moral conflict, loyalty dilemmas and buried truths, offering him room to explore darker emotional layers.
Fans are calling this his “return to large-scale fantasy roots,” while others note that the project feels grander and more politically intricate than his previous works. Netizens have praised the casting chemistry between William Chan and Joseph Zeng Shunxi, with many predicting intense character rivalries and layered bromance dynamics. Some cautious viewers, however, are waiting to see how closely it follows the original novel’s tone.
Expect sweeping visuals, power struggles and emotional tension that runs deeper than surface-level spectacle.
Invader (龙虎5世)
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If fantasy intrigue is not enough, Invader is going full-scale cosmic chaos. Directed by Yu Qing and co-starring William Chan and Eddie Peng, this adaptation of Wong Yuk Long’s manhua Mega Dragon and Tiger brings a meteorite disaster and world-dominating ambitions into the spotlight. Planned for late 2026, the drama leans heavily into action and sci-fi territory.
The story revolves around a massive meteorite strike that triggers a fierce clash between Xuan Hu, Chi Long and Gai Tian as they compete for global supremacy.
William Chan’s character is said to be more physically intense and morally complex, blending heroism with ambition.
Online reactions are split in an interesting way. Action fans are thrilled about the pairing of William Chan and Eddie Peng, predicting explosive fight choreography and blockbuster visuals.
Meanwhile, some long-time drama viewers are curious whether the adaptation will balance spectacle with emotional depth. The expectation is high, especially with the scale implied by the source material.
This project positions William Chan firmly in the big-budget action arena, showing he is not afraid to experiment beyond romance and traditional period settings.
Lu Xiang Yuan Han Yuan Chuan (露香园韩媛传/English title TBA)
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On the other end of the spectrum, Lu Xiang Yuan Han Yuan Chuan offers a refined historical romance filled with art, embroidery and ambition. Directed by Zhang Xichuan, this 40-episode series stars William Chan, Song Yi, Zhao Yingzi, Hanson Ying and Gan TingTing, with a 2026 release date yet to be confirmed.
The story follows Han Ximeng, a gifted painter and embroidery master who rises from an inexperienced girl to a renowned craftswoman.
The Gu family’s embroidery legacy, internal competition and artistic philosophy shape the narrative. William Chan plays Gu Shouqian, a cultured and educated figure who studied under Dong Qichang and temporarily leads the Danfeng Painting Garden.
This drama promises a slower, character-driven arc compared to his other projects. It explores artistic heritage, mentorship and the merging of painting with embroidery, creating a visually rich period piece.
Fans who loved his more composed and romantic roles are especially excited about this one. Social media comments highlight anticipation for his chemistry with Song Yi and the intellectual elegance of his character.
However, some viewers wonder whether the pacing will match modern audience preferences. Still, historical romance remains a strong genre in China, and with the right execution, this could become one of 2026’s sleeper hits.
Across all three dramas, one thing is clear: William Chan’s 2026 line-up reflects versatility, ambition and a clear evolution in role selection. From large-scale youth fantasy and apocalyptic combat to refined historical artistry, he is exploring multiple dimensions of storytelling.
Fans are already debating which project will dominate ratings. Some believe The Mystic Nine Against the Coming Storm has the strongest commercial pull. Others argue Invader could surprise everyone with action-driven momentum. Meanwhile, period drama lovers are quietly placing their bets on Lu Xiang Yuan Han Yuan Chuan.
So, which one are you counting down to? Are you here for fantasy conspiracies, meteorite-fuelled battles or slow-burn historical romance? 2026 is shaping up to be a major year for William Chan, and this might just be the era where he fully cements his status as one of Chinese drama’s most adaptable leading men. Let’s talk.