The new Dream of the Red Chamber directed by Zheng Xiaolong has not yet begun filming, but the casting buzz has already put the project in the spotlight. According to current reports, Tan Jianci, Song Zu’er, and Bai Lu are expected to lead the cast, while Li Yitong is seen as the ideal choice for Jia Yuanchun.
The production team has announced ambitious plans: a meticulously built “Grand View Garden” set in Hengdian, costumes and design inspired by the Ming Dynasty, and a dual-version narrative. The story will be split into “youth” and “adult” versions—teenage actors will portray the younger years, while actors around 30 will take on the characters in their twenties, to better reflect emotional depth and maturity.
Jia Baoyu — Tan Jianci
For the adult version of Jia Baoyu, many expect a popular male lead to be chosen. Tan Jianci has become one of the strongest contenders. His refined and gentle aura fits well with Baoyu’s pampered, carefree upbringing. In previous roles, such as Shen Yi, Tan demonstrated a similar charm that put audiences at ease, leading many to believe he could convincingly bring Baoyu to life.
Lin Daiyu — Song Zu’er
The role of Lin Daiyu demands both fragility and noble elegance. Song Zu’er’s delicate features and expressive, slightly melancholy eyes have made her a fan favorite for the role. Her image embodies the “crystal-like” vulnerability of Daiyu, giving her strong potential to capture the character’s sensitivity and tragic grace.
Xue Baochai / Jia Tanchun — Bai Lu
Bai Lu’s casting is being widely debated. Some argue she would suit the strong-willed Jia Tanchun, while others feel her stature and current popularity align more with Xue Baochai. Baochai is not defined by frailty but by her classic, dignified beauty and sharp mind. Bai Lu’s balance of elegance and shrewdness may allow her to portray Baochai’s intelligence and subtle manipulativeness.
Jia Yuanchun — Li Yitong
Though not a central figure, Jia Yuanchun is pivotal to the narrative, requiring an actress who can embody both grandeur and tragic sacrifice. Li Yitong, known for her poise and solid acting, is seen as a strong match. While the novel offers limited descriptions of Yuanchun’s appearance, her upbringing as a future imperial consort and her ultimate sacrifice for the family give the character a deeply tragic dimension that Li could convincingly portray.
Comparisons with Li Shaohong’s Version
The 2010 adaptation directed by Li Shaohong had its highlights but also faced criticism. Yang Yang and Yu Xiaotong, who played Jia Baoyu, delivered earnest performances but were considered too inexperienced in love to capture the novel’s profound emotions. Jiang Mengjie’s Lin Daiyu was said to lack the delicate aura of “pity at first sight,” while Li Qin’s Baochai was seen as too soft, missing the character’s calculating side. Overall, the casting and styling left audiences divided.
Zheng Xiaolong’s Vision
In contrast, Zheng Xiaolong seems intent on a different approach—prioritizing role suitability over fame or industry connections. Whether newcomers, traffic stars, or even once-popular actors, he appears willing to take risks. His version is expected to highlight both domestic and imperial intrigue, with expanded focus on characters such as Jia Yuanchun and Wang Xifeng, exploring their power struggles. The narrative may also delve deeper into Yuanchun’s tragic fate and Qin Keqing’s mysterious background.
With this fresh perspective and a stronger emphasis on character depth, Zheng’s Dream of the Red Chamber promises to breathe new life into the literary classic. Audiences are left wondering: what new face will this timeless tale reveal?
