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| Hou Minghao Fans Threaten Boycott as Immortalis Faces Scene-Cutting Allegations. (Image via: Upmedia) |
The upcoming wuxia series Immortalis (碧血蟬), starring Hou Minghao, is facing mounting controversy in China after rumours emerged that the actor’s scenes have been reduced. What was tipped as one of the most anticipated martial arts dramas of the year is now overshadowed by boycott threats from his fanbase, who claim the male lead has been sidelined.
Hou Minghao, widely regarded as one of the strongest rising male leads in recent C-drama cycles, has enjoyed a noticeable surge in popularity following back-to-back projects including Glory (玉茗茶骨), The Unclouded Soul (逍遙), Love in the Clouds (入青雲), and I Am Nobody: The Showdown Between Yin & Yang (異人之下之決戰！碧遊村).
His casting in Immortalis was seen as the production’s headline draw and commercial anchor.
The drama pairs him with Xu Zhenxuan (The Journey of Legend) and Zhang Wenxin (Legends of the Condor Heroes: The Gallants).
However, when the first wave of stills and preview clips surfaced, sections of Hou Minghao’s fanbase quickly questioned whether he was truly positioned as the central male lead.
According to Upmedia, online chatter intensified after behind-the-scenes photos and teaser material appeared to show limited screen presence for Hou Minghao’s character, Yang Wujian. Fans pointed out that promotional weight seemed evenly distributed among the trio, rather than clearly centred on him.
Speculation escalated further when industry discussion accounts claimed that several of Yang Wujian’s key reasoning scenes and major action highlights may have been shortened or reassigned.
Some posts alleged that additional filming units were used to expand storylines for Shen Qingshi (played by Zhang Wenxin) and Zhou Huai (played by Xu Zhenxuan), fuelling claims of uneven screen time allocation.
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| Upmedia |
While none of these claims have been officially confirmed, the perception alone was enough to ignite organised backlash.
The “Three No’s Action” Explained
In response, Hou Minghao’s Chinese fan community launched what they call the “Three No’s Action” (三零行動). According to fan organisers, the initiative includes:
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Refusing organised cinema or platform-based booking support
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Halting fan-made promotional edits and secondary creative content
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Compiling alleged evidence of scene adjustments to submit to streaming platform iQIYI
The move is designed to apply pressure without directly targeting the cast, but rather the production and distribution side. It signals dissatisfaction over what fans describe as a lack of transparency regarding lead positioning.
As of now, the Immortalis production team has not issued a direct statement addressing the scene-cutting rumours. Instead, several behind-the-scenes clips have been released, widely interpreted as an attempt to ease speculation and reassure viewers.
Meanwhile, Hou Minghao himself has remained publicly silent, continuing filming without comment. Reports from set suggest he has maintained a professional attitude, working through scheduled shoots, including weekend sessions.
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| Upmedia |
Some netizens argue that early promotional material does not accurately reflect final editing decisions and caution against drawing conclusions before the series airs. They suggest that wuxia dramas often balance multi-character arcs, particularly when marketed as ensemble investigations.
Others side firmly with Hou Minghao’s fans, pointing out that lead billing carries expectations — especially when an actor’s name is prominently used to attract pre-release attention. From this perspective, any perceived downgrade in narrative weight becomes a commercial and branding issue.
There is also a third camp urging calm, noting that production adjustments are common in long-form dramas and that internal editing choices do not automatically signal deliberate sidelining.
Immortalis (碧血蟬) centres on three unconventional heroes from opposing backgrounds:
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The enigmatic swordsman Yang Wujian (Hou Minghao)
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Imperial guard Shen Qingshi (Zhang Wenxin)
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Baihong Tower’s young master Zhou Huai (Xu Zhenxuan)
Together, they form an investigative trio tasked with uncovering the secret of immortality. Their journey takes them through martial world gatherings, unresolved mysteries, and ultimately towards a far-reaching conspiracy threatening the realm.
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| Immortalis in Turmoil? Hou Minghao Supporters Launch “Three No’s Action” Over Screen Time Rumours |
The premise blends detective-style reasoning with traditional wuxia action — a formula that typically relies heavily on strong character balance.
Screen time disputes are hardly new in Chinese entertainment. As fan communities become increasingly organised and data-driven, questions over billing order, narrative prominence and character arc distribution frequently turn into flashpoints long before a drama airs.
For Immortalis, the bigger question now is whether the production team will formally clarify its lead structure — or whether the controversy will settle once full trailers and episode breakdowns are released.
With filming still underway, the situation remains fluid. Will Immortalis deliver a balanced wuxia mystery that satisfies all camps, or will the tension linger into broadcast season?
What do you think — are fans right to react early, or should audiences wait for the final cut before judging?