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| Immortalis Chinese Drama Announces Star-Studded Cast and Wraps Filming Ahead of Release. (Credits: Weibo) |
The upcoming wuxia drama Immortalis (碧血蝉) has confirmed its main cast and wrapped filming, positioning itself as one of the more closely watched Chinese series heading into its release window. Led by Hou Minghao, the 40-episode production blends romance, mystery and political intrigue, with distribution set for iQIYI and a tentative premiere expected between late 2026 and early 2027.
Directed by Pan An Zi and adapted from the web novel by Bu Ming Yan, the series follows three unlikely figures drawn together by a shared investigation into the secret of immortality.
At the centre is Hou Minghao as Yang Wujian, a morally complex figure linked to the Longevity Palace, a faction known for its controversial methods.
Opposite him, Zhang Wenxin plays Shen Qingshi, an undercover imperial agent operating under a concealed identity, while Xu Zhenxuan takes on Zhou Huai, a young heir stepping into the martial world for the first time.
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| iQIYI |
The narrative unfolds against a backdrop of shifting alliances and hidden agendas. As major sects unite to dismantle the Longevity Palace, a wider conspiracy begins to emerge, connecting a series of unusual events across the martial arts world.
The trio’s journey combines investigation with personal conflict, balancing larger political stakes with character-driven storytelling.
Filming began in November 2025 and concluded in March 2026, spanning key production hubs such as Hengdian and Yunnan.
The scale of the shoot reflects the drama’s ambition, with a visual style expected to lean into darker tones and intricate world-building, aligning with its mystery-driven plot.
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| iQIYI |
Additional cast members include Lu Fangsheng, Zhang Duo, and Yang Yiwei, with guest appearances from Xuan Lu, Wang Maolei, Wang Zuyi, and You Jingru.
Early promotional materials, including posters and behind-the-scenes clips, have already drawn attention to the chemistry between the leads, particularly the dynamic between Hou Minghao and Xu Zhenxuan, who reunite following a previous collaboration.
Expectations for the series remain high, not only due to its cast but also its genre positioning.
Wuxia dramas with layered narratives and ensemble storytelling continue to attract strong audiences, and Immortalis appears to lean heavily into that formula while adding a mystery-driven structure.
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Themes of identity, morality and fate are expected to run throughout, alongside action sequences and lighter moments designed to balance the tone.
For international viewers, the drama will be accessible via iQIYI, which typically provides English subtitles shortly after release. Audiences outside China can watch through the platform’s global app or website, where episodes are expected to follow a scheduled rollout.
As with similar productions, subtitle availability and release timing may vary slightly depending on region, but accessibility remains a key part of the platform’s distribution strategy.
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| iQIYI |
Supporters of Hou Minghao have expressed excitement over his return to a leading wuxia role, though some have raised concerns about screen time balance, urging the production to maintain focus on his character.
Others have highlighted the pairing of the main trio as a strong point, particularly the contrast between their personalities and narrative roles.
There is also growing anticipation around the drama’s visual style and how it will interpret the source material.
At the same time, the early buzz reflects cautious optimism. While the premise and cast suggest strong potential, audiences are waiting to see how effectively the series delivers on its more complex elements, particularly its blend of mystery and large-scale world-building.
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| iQIYI |
With filming now complete and promotional momentum building, Immortalis is entering a phase where expectations are likely to intensify. Whether it meets that anticipation will depend on execution, but the groundwork points to a production aiming for both scale and depth.
The release window approaches, the question is no longer whether Immortalis will draw attention, but whether it can stand out in an increasingly competitive wuxia landscape.
So will this be the next standout hit, or simply another ambitious entry in the genre?