The upcoming costume drama How Dare You? has recently attracted growing attention, particularly due to the strong on-screen chemistry between its two leads, Cheng Lei and Wang Churan. From early promotional materials and behind-the-scenes glimpses, the pairing has already sparked discussion among viewers, with many noting their visual compatibility and the contrast-driven dynamic between their characters.
According to current scheduling updates, How Dare You? has successfully passed review and is expected to premiere in February. The drama’s release timing is considered relatively favorable, avoiding peak competition periods while allowing room for a steady promotional rollout. For Cheng Lei, whose recent works have been airing in quick succession, the drama marks another key project in maintaining consistent public exposure.
Meanwhile, Cheng Lei is also engaged in the filming of Yu Dian Qiu, with a tightly packed production schedule. In addition to his acting commitments, he is reportedly set to announce a new commercial partnership with By-Health, reflecting stable momentum in both his acting career and brand endorsements.
Adapted from Qi Yingjun’s popular novel of the same name, How Dare You? follows the story of Wang Cuihua, a modern-day office worker who is transported into a fictional web novel titled The Demon’s Favored Consort. She becomes Yu Wanyin, a villainous imperial consort originally destined to be defeated. In an effort to survive and alter her fate, she allies herself with Xiahou Dan, a ruthless emperor who is also revealed to be a transmigrator. Together, the two navigate political intrigue and power struggles, gradually rewriting the novel’s original tragic ending.
Blending multiple transmigration elements with a lighter, comedic take on palace politics, How Dare You? deliberately breaks away from traditional saintly protagonist tropes. The series emphasizes character agency, strategic interaction, and subversive humor, while also adopting a multi-format development approach that includes both animated and live-action adaptations.
As anticipation continues to build ahead of its release, How Dare You? remains one of the more closely watched costume dramas scheduled for the early part of the year.
