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| Fans Divided Over Rumoured Pairing of Zhang Linghe and Wang Yuwen in Upcoming Costume Drama. (Credits: Upmedia) |
The upcoming Chinese historical drama Ci Tang (刺棠), adapted from a novel of the same name, is already drawing intense industry attention even before cameras start rolling. The project is widely tipped to star Zhang Linghe as the male lead, with Wang Yuwen reportedly emerging as the latest choice for the female lead. The rumoured pairing has quickly become one of the most talked-about casting stories in Chinese television this week, with fans and observers closely watching how the production finalises its lineup.
According to casting insiders, Zhang LingHe has been firmly attached to the project following the completion of his costume drama The Road to Glory (归鸾). The actor’s popularity has risen sharply in recent years, making Ci Tang one of the more closely watched upcoming historical productions.
The female lead, however, has gone through several rounds of speculation.
Early rumours pointed to Zhang Jingyi as the production’s preferred choice.
The actress previously appeared alongside Zhang LingHe in a Lancôme advertising campaign that received positive public feedback, fuelling interest in a potential on-screen collaboration. Yet industry chatter suggested the talks stalled, reportedly due to disagreements related to billing order.
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| Lacome |
Another name circulating in casting discussions was Li Landi, whose recent momentum has been notable after starring in the dramas Filter (滤镜) and Coroner’s Diary (朝雪录).
Despite her growing popularity, reports claimed negotiations may not have progressed far, with observers noting that billing arrangements can often complicate high-profile casting deals.
The latest rumours now suggest Wang YuWen could step into the female lead role.
The actress has been gaining renewed attention following her performance opposite Chen Xingxu in the romance drama My Page in the 90s (突然的喜欢), which attracted solid audience interest.
If confirmed, Ci Tang would reunite Zhang LingHe and Wang YuWen, who previously appeared together in the fantasy costume drama Tiger and Crane (虎鹤妖师录). Their possible reunion has sparked lively debate across fan communities.
Some viewers welcome the pairing, arguing that Wang YuWen has quietly built a dependable acting résumé since her debut in 2016 and could bring a grounded emotional layer to the drama’s revenge-driven narrative. Supporters also point out that her modern drama performances have often been praised for their natural style.
Others remain unconvinced. Critics in fan forums argue that Wang YuWen’s historical styling has not always been as striking as her contemporary roles, questioning whether she fits the visual expectations of a large-scale costume drama.
The debate has also touched on the perceived popularity gap between the two actors.
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| Will Ci Tang Become the Next Big Historical Hit for Zhang Linghe? |
Zhang LingHe’s profile has surged in recent years thanks to a string of high-visibility projects, while Wang YuWen is often described as a steady performer still waiting for a definitive breakout hit.
Some of Zhang LingHe’s fan circles have reportedly expressed reservations about the rumoured casting, arguing that the pairing does not match his current market momentum. At the same time, others have dismissed such debates as typical fandom noise that tends to surround high-profile historical dramas long before production officially begins.
For now, the production team behind Ci Tang has not confirmed the final cast lineup. With filming preparations reportedly underway, industry watchers expect an official announcement once negotiations are finalised.
Until then, speculation continues to swirl around the project’s revenge-and-romance storyline and its potential lead pairing.
If Zhang Linghe and Wang Yuwen do reunite on screen, the drama could quickly become one of the most closely watched historical releases in development.
What do you think about the rumoured pairing for Ci Tang? Would Zhang Linghe and Wang Yuwen make a convincing on-screen duo, or should the production consider a different female lead?