Xiao Zhan, as one of the leading stars in China’s entertainment sector, has navigated a career marked by significant highs and lows. After skyrocketing to fame with “The Untamed,” he has been steadily working towards establishing himself as a formidable actor. His path is rich with challenges and embodies the trials and evolution faced by idol artists in their quest for stardom, coupled with ongoing controversies.
While Xiao Zhan garnered widespread attention for his role as Wei Wuxian in “The Untamed,” the label of a “traffic star” has led to prevalent stereotypes and biases regarding his acting abilities. Upon entering the film and television industry, his performances indeed seemed somewhat lacking due to his inexperience. Notably, with the release of the 2020 film “Jade Dynasty,” despite its decent box office performance, both the film’s overall quality and his portrayal of Zhang Xiaofan faced criticism from many audiences and industry professionals. This criticism culminated in him receiving the Golden Broom Award for “Most Disappointing Actor.” It can be argued that “Jade Dynasty” represented a missed opportunity for Xiao Zhan’s growth, prompting him to recognize the need to enhance his acting skills.
He didn’t stop there; rather, he became increasingly dedicated to pushing himself with more complex characters. For instance, in “Ace Troops,” where he plays Gu Yiye, he demonstrates a richer emotional depth and a keen understanding of character development. Similarly, in “The Seas in My Dreams,” his interpretation of Xiao Chunsheng allows viewers to appreciate his nuanced portrayal of family and friendship. The responses to these performances indicate that Xiao Zhan is genuinely advancing his acting abilities. Notably, the feedback referring to his “drama-drop face” suggests that he is beginning to move beyond a one-dimensional label toward a more varied representation of characters.
The debut of “The Legend of the Condor Heroes” at the 2025 Spring Festival marks a pivotal moment for Xiao Zhan’s potential evolution. This significance stems not only from the fact that the project is based on Jin Yong’s renowned classic, which holds a profound emotional connection and esteemed reputation, but also from the involvement of director Tsui Hark. As a prominent figure in Chinese cinema, Tsui Hark is known for his rigorous actor training. He has directed numerous classic films over the years and has recently reinforced his position in the mainland market through the success of “The Battle at Lake Changjin” series.
The cinematic version of “The Legend of the Condor Heroes” centers on Guo Jing’s heroic spirit. On the surface, Guo Jing may seem straightforward and sincere, yet he possesses a deep sense of righteousness, making him one of Jin Yong’s most cherished heroes. For Xiao Zhan to effectively embody this character, he will need not only impressive energy but also the ability to express the nuanced evolution of Guo Jing’s inner journey. Remarkably, within Xu Ke’s demanding filming conditions, Xiao Zhan’s performance has garnered significant acclaim. In fact, he managed to astonish Xu Ke in some particularly tough scenes. This not only highlights his development as an actor but also elevates the excitement among viewers and fans for the movie.
Additionally, it’s important to note that Xu Ke’s expectations for actors extend beyond merely their acting abilities; he places significant emphasis on their authenticity in action sequences and character progression. This presents both a challenge and a chance for Xiao Zhan. Should he perform exceptionally well in this film, it could mark a turning point in his career, allowing him to move past the “traffic star” designation and establish himself as a genuinely accomplished actor.
Traffic can be seen as a double-edged sword. On one hand, it attracts attention and resources, but on the other hand, it subjects celebrities to increased scrutiny and unseen pressure. Xiao Zhan’s career decisions illustrate that he has chosen not to leverage his fame for frequent appearances on variety shows or to take on lucrative endorsements for easy profit. Instead, he prioritizes acting and enhancing the quality of his projects, a commendable approach.
In recent years, Xiao Zhan’s dedication and professional mindset have helped him move beyond the stigma of the Golden Broom Award, showcasing him as a more poised and evolving actor. While it remains to be seen if “The Legend of the Condor Heroes: The Great Hero” will serve as his breakthrough project, the audience and market will ultimately decide. Regardless of the outcome, Xiao Zhan’s years of hard work and commitment have garnered him greater respect. I look forward to seeing him achieve even more remarkable performances in future projects. Wishing him tremendous box office success this New Year’s Day!
