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| iQIYI Costume Drama “神仙肉” Rumoured With Esther Yu as AI Casting Controversy Grows. (Credits: Weibo) |
Chinese streaming giant iQIYI is preparing one of its boldest television experiments yet, with upcoming costume drama “神仙肉” reportedly set to feature a cast made up largely of AI-generated supporting characters, while the main lead and second lead couples will still be played by real actors.
If confirmed, it would mark the platform’s first large-scale drama project trying to blend traditional performance with digital creations. In short: the stars stay human, everyone else may come from a server room.
The rumoured headline pairing is Esther Yu Shuxin and He Yu, two names already capable of drawing serious online attention without any technological chaos added to the mix.
Their possible involvement has only intensified interest, with viewers now wondering whether they would be acting opposite real co-stars, computer-made characters, or both. Costume drama fans wanted chemistry and palace intrigue. They may now get that plus software updates.
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| iQIYI AI Drama Controversy Grows as “神仙肉” Reportedly Uses Virtual Supporting Roles |
The discussion follows comments made by iQIYI CEO Gong Yu during the iQIYI World Conference 2026 on 20 April, where he unveiled the company’s new AI Artist Library.
According to the company, more than 100 artists have joined the Nadou Pro platform, opening the door for future AI-powered collaborations in film and television production.
Among the names mentioned during the wider launch were popular actors including Chen Zheyuan, Cheng Lei, and Joseph Zeng.
Gong Yu also suggested that conventional live-action filming may one day become less common as AI tools improve. It was the kind of statement guaranteed to get people talking — and judging by the online response, people certainly did.
He argued that many performers currently face exhausting schedules, often working for months with little pause. In theory, AI-assisted production could allow actors to appear in more projects while having a better work-life balance.
It sounds efficient on paper. Whether audiences want a perfectly rested digital co-star is another matter entirely.
Alongside that announcement, iQIYI introduced Chi Jing AI, a creative tool aimed at everyday users and aspiring creators.
The platform is designed to help users quickly produce short videos, mini-series and animated content, expanding the company’s wider AI ecosystem beyond professional studios.
Online reaction, however, has been sharply divided. Some viewers said the idea could reduce production delays, cut costs and create fantasy worlds impossible through normal filming methods.
Others were far less convinced, arguing that acting is built on emotion, instinct and chemistry — things audiences notice instantly when missing. Several comments mocked the concept by saying they already skip stiff performances, so why would they queue up for intentionally artificial ones?
Many netizens were especially concerned about costume dramas, where supporting characters often become breakout favourites.
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| Will Fans Accept It? iQIYI “神仙肉” Tipped to Use AI Side Characters and Real Leads |
Fans pointed out that loyal generals, scheming ministers, funny servants and scene-stealing rivals regularly help carry a series. Replace them with AI figures, critics argued, and the genre risks losing the very chaos that makes it addictive.
The backlash grew stronger when several artists, including Yu Hewei, Zhang Ruoyun, Wang Churan, and Li Yitong, reportedly issued statements through their teams denying any agreement to AI-related projects.
That added another layer to the debate: not just what technology can do, but whether everyone involved actually wants it done.
In response, iQIYI clarified that being listed in the AI Artist Library does not mean automatic participation in AI productions.
The company said the system is intended as a structured marketplace connecting creators and artists, with each project still requiring separate negotiation and consent, much like standard casting arrangements.
iQIYI also stressed that AI use in entertainment remains experimental and said it aims to balance innovation with the rights of artists, creators and viewers.
That balancing act may prove harder than any script rewrite. Audiences love fresh ideas, but they also know when something feels hollow.
For now, “神仙肉” has become more than a rumoured costume drama. It is shaping into an early test of whether viewers will embrace hybrid storytelling or reject it outright. Would you watch a series where half the cast never stepped on set, or is human performance still the real main character?