The upcoming Chinese fantasy drama Nian Xiang Si—previously known as Shen Xian Rou—has become the center of industry debate after reports emerged that the production may use AI-generated actors on a large scale.
Although the information has not been officially confirmed, the rumor alone has already sparked intense discussion about whether artificial intelligence could fundamentally reshape traditional drama production.
According to multiple entertainment insiders, the project is reportedly being positioned as a large-scale experimental attempt to integrate AI into long-form television storytelling.
If true, it would mark one of the boldest AI experiments seen in Chinese drama production so far.
Current reports suggest that Esther Yu (Yu Shuxin), who is said to play a stone spirit, and He Yu, who reportedly portrays a Taoist priest, will remain part of the main human cast.
However, aside from the two leads and a small number of key supporting actors, most secondary roles and background extras may reportedly be replaced by AI-generated characters.
That possibility has shocked many industry observers because of how dramatically it could alter traditional filming structures.
One of the biggest motivations behind the reported decision appears to be cost reduction.
Industry sources claim that replacing large numbers of supporting actors and extras with AI-generated characters could lower production costs by roughly 30 to 50 percent.
Another factor is risk control.
In recent years, many productions have suffered major losses when actors became involved in personal scandals that disrupted completed projects.
AI-generated characters would theoretically eliminate that problem entirely.
Reports also suggest that internal testing is currently underway.
Because of those technical adjustments, filming—which was originally rumored to begin in late May—has reportedly been pushed back to early June.
Still, skepticism remains strong.
Critics argue that AI still struggles to replicate subtle human emotions, natural facial expressions, and believable reactions.
In emotionally layered scenes, that limitation could become especially obvious.
Many viewers worry that overusing AI performers could make dramas feel visually artificial and emotionally hollow.
Those concerns are not purely hypothetical.
A previously produced mythology drama titled Yanyu Shenyou Ji reportedly faced heavy criticism after preview materials were released.
Many viewers complained that excessive AI-generated effects made characters appear stiff and lifeless, with some even comparing them to dolls.
Beyond performance quality, there is also growing concern about employment.
If AI begins replacing large numbers of extras and supporting actors, thousands of workers in the entertainment industry could lose important job opportunities.
For many critics, this may become the most controversial issue of all.
Supporters, however, argue that AI integration is simply part of the entertainment industry’s inevitable technological evolution.
They believe it could help productions operate more efficiently while reducing avoidable risks.
At this stage, all information remains based on unofficial leaks, and the production team has not issued a formal statement.
The final decision will likely depend on internal testing results—and perhaps more importantly, whether audiences are willing to accept digital performers in traditional storytelling.
If Nian Xiang Si succeeds with this experiment, the impact could extend far beyond one drama.
Lower-budget productions and short-form series may be the first to follow.
