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| The Ingenious One Season 2 Faces Delay as AI Face Replacement Calls Emerge Over Fan Shiqi Controversy. (Credits: Weibo) |
The future of Chinese historical drama The Ingenious One Season 2 has suddenly become uncertain despite completing production and securing broadcast approval. The delay follows mounting online backlash connected to actor Fan Shi Qi, with some Chinese netizens now urging producers to digitally replace his on-screen appearance using AI technology.
The sequel to the popular 2023 drama had quietly wrapped filming and was expected to announce its release schedule soon. Instead, discussion about the show has been dominated by controversy, pushing the production team into a difficult position as debate spreads across Chinese social media.
Actor and singer Fan Shi Qi, who plays Guo Chang Bao in the drama, became a focal point of online criticism following discussions surrounding the death of actor Yu Menglong.
Reports circulating online claimed Yu Menglong had attended a gathering with more than ten people at a friend’s residence the night before he was later found dead at the base of the same building. After the incident, a list of 17 alleged attendees from that gathering began circulating across the internet.
Among the names included on that list was Fan ShiQi, prompting intense scrutiny from online communities.
Although the details surrounding the incident remain widely debated online and no clear conclusions have been publicly confirmed, the association alone placed the actor under significant pressure.
The situation escalated further on 15 September 2025 when Fan ShiQi posted a photo on Weibo with the caption: “A beautiful day to start something new.”
For some users, particularly fans of Yu Menglong, the post was viewed as insensitive. The comment section quickly filled with criticism before Fan Shiqi eventually disabled replies.
The backlash has not been limited to social media debate. Several of Fan Shi Qi’s professional projects have reportedly felt the ripple effects.
At the time, the actor was involved in the drama Love’s Ambition, a highly anticipated production starring Zhao Lusi following her break from the screen. According to industry chatter, multiple scenes featuring Fan Shi Qi were reportedly reduced during editing.
Promotional materials were also adjusted, with his name appearing lower in the cast listings on Douban and related marketing content.
Plans for Fan ShiQi’s solo concert in Chengdu, titled Hot Blooded Idiot, scheduled for 18 October 2025, were ultimately cancelled. Ticket holders were issued refunds after the event was scrapped.
Meanwhile, some online users even began calling for one-star review campaigns against productions that continued to feature the actor.
The controversy has placed The Ingenious One Season 2 in an awkward position.
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Many viewers are still eager to see the continuation of the story. The first season, released in 2023, gained strong ratings and built a loyal audience thanks to its mix of wuxia intrigue and political strategy.
Some fans argue the drama should proceed as planned, noting that dozens of actors and crew members worked on the project and should not see their efforts shelved because of controversy surrounding one cast member.
Others insist producers should remove Fan Shiqi entirely from the series. Among the more widely discussed suggestions is the use of AI technology to digitally replace his face with another performer.
While such an approach would likely require additional investment and post-production work, supporters believe it would allow the drama to air without further backlash.
For now, industry watchers say platforms and producers are weighing several options, including editing adjustments or technical modifications, as they look for a solution that would allow the series to reach audiences.
If the drama eventually reaches screens, the second season will continue the journey of strategist Yun Xiang.
After the events of the first instalment, Yun Xiang attempts to leave behind the turbulent world of martial conflict and settle in a quiet coastal town in southeast China. His hope is simple: a calm life far from intrigue and hidden power struggles.
But peace proves short-lived.
A new conspiracy begins to unfold, pulling Yun Xiang back into the dangerous world he tried to escape. To uncover the truth, he reunites with trusted allies and navigates a web of secrets that threaten to destabilise the fragile balance of power.
As hidden motives surface and alliances are tested, Yun Xiang must once again rely on his wit and strategic thinking to prevent chaos from spreading.
The drama features a high-profile ensemble cast including:
Chen Xiao as Yun Xiang
Mao Xiao Tong as Shu Ya Nan
Liu Guan Lin as Jin Biao
Cheng Xiao as Wu Qing Luan
Fan Shi Qi as Guo Chang Bao
Liu Xie Ning as Murong Jie
The combination of established stars and rising actors helped build anticipation for the sequel, especially among viewers who enjoy wuxia dramas centred on strategy, alliances and layered character dynamics.
For now, The Ingenious One Season 2 remains in limbo.
The production is complete, the cast is ready, and fans are waiting. Yet the surrounding controversy has turned what should have been a routine release announcement into one of the most talked-about debates in Chinese drama circles.
What do you think should happen next? Should producers move forward with the drama as it is, or consider digital changes to avoid backlash?