Liu Yifei Teams Up with Xiao Zhan for New Film, Set to Shoot in Malaysia Soon

'Fairy Sister' Liu Yifei's acting career is on the rise. Thanks to her superb acting skills, she's been invited to star in an international blockbuster produced by Tsui Hark, with an investment of 500 million RMB (approx. 290 million MYR). The star-studded cast reportedly includes Xiao Zhan and Shu Qi, and there's talk that Oscar-winning actress Michelle Yeoh is also in negotiations.

Liu Yifei successfully broke into Hollywood with Disney's live-action film 'Mulan', marking a milestone in her career. She hasn't stopped there, continually seeking breakthroughs and being selective with scripts and roles to take her career to the next level. It is reported that she has taken on a major film titled 'Queen of the Sea Shiyang', produced by Tsui Hark and New Zealand director Anthony McCarten (who also directs and writes). The film is a China-US co-production, with an investment as high as 500 million RMB, and features the team behind 'The Lord of the Rings'. The cast is equally impressive: top star Xiao Zhan as the male lead, Oscar-winning actress Michelle Yeoh reportedly involved, and Shu Qi as the second female lead. The film is scheduled to officially start shooting in early September, with locations in Malaysia and China.

The film is based on real historical events and explores Chinese pirate culture. In it, Xiao Zhan's character marries a female pirate chief who is 11 years his senior, becoming a 'bandit husband'. Liu Yifei is taking this performance very seriously; she was originally scheduled to attend a major event in Shanghai on the 19th, but had to inform the organizers last minute of her absence due to scheduling conflicts. Fans were looking forward to the 'Four Beauties of Chinese Paladin'—Liu Yifei, Yang Mi, Liu Shishi, and Tang Yan—appearing together, but unfortunately, it did not happen. It’s reported that signing and auditions for the film will take place between the 18th and 25th of this month, while Liu Yifei will attend a brand endorsement event in Chengdu on the 25th. It's still unknown whether there will be an official announcement then.

Although the 'Fairy Sister' was absent from the evening event on the 19th, the red carpet was nonetheless star-studded. The activity focused on the crossover fusion of film art and fashion, with attending actresses including Esther Yu, Dilraba Dilmurat, Yang Mi, Victoria Song, Zhang Yuqi, Lin Yun, Zhou Dongyu, Tang Yan, Liu Shishi, Liu Haocun, and Sun Li, among others. Ni Ni stood out with her creative approach, appearing with a mannequin backpack, bringing some humor to the scene.

Source: Eastweek