When it comes to post-90s leading actresses who can truly carry a drama on their shoulders, Yang Zi and Dilraba Dilmurat are undoubtedly two of the biggest names on the list.
Recently, both stars have announced new drama projects, yet the choice of their male leads — and the production scale — clearly shows that the two actresses are taking very different career routes.
Dilraba’s “Although We Can’t Have Everything at Once”: A Risky but Ambitious Move
Following the success of Rose Sword, which won both high viewership ratings and strong word-of-mouth, many believe Dilraba successfully completed her “transformation” as an actress. Fans even called for a sequel, a sign of how much the show resonated with audiences.
Now, Dilraba has begun filming her new drama “Although We Can’t Have Everything at Once” (虽然不能同时拥有一切) — a psychological and fantasy-themed series centered on the idea of meeting another version of oneself. In this drama, she will play two roles, a significant acting challenge.
Her co-stars include Chen Haosen, Yan Yikuan, and Chang Huasen, none of whom are top-tier traffic actors — meaning the entire weight of the series’ popularity rests on Dilraba alone.
While the show has already started filming, early set photos have sparked debate among fans. Many felt her hairstyle with bangs didn’t flatter her facial features, even though she’s widely considered one of the most beautiful actresses in the industry. Viewers hope the production team can better highlight her natural elegance in future scenes.
Yang Zi’s “When the Magnolia Blooms Again”: Prestige, Production, and Purpose
Meanwhile, Yang Zi is preparing to join the set of “When the Magnolia Blooms Again” (玉兰花开君再来) — a big-budget female-led drama adapted from a true story. Interestingly, while large-scale productions often highlight their male leads in promotional campaigns, this drama only announced Yang Zi, leaving fans unbothered about who the male lead might be. As many commented, “Whoever gets cast will benefit from her popularity.”
Yang Zi’s previous works, such as The Beauty of Resilience (国色风华) and Splendid Blossoms (锦绣芳华), have both achieved huge national attention — even boosting Luoyang’s tourism industry thanks to their cultural appeal. Her track record of delivering ratings success and cultural impact makes every new project of hers highly anticipated.
Two Routes, Same Ambition
In the entertainment industry, both actresses have already proved they can carry a drama without relying on a male co-star’s popularity. Yet, the difference lies in their project choices:
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Yang Zi continues to favor major productions with high budgets and awards potential, signaling a push for industry recognition and long-term prestige.
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Dilraba, on the other hand, is focusing on challenging roles and diverse genres, aiming to refine her acting reputation and strengthen her image beyond visual appeal.
Some netizens have even compared Dilraba’s move to Zhao Liying’s career shift, noting that Zhao also took on smaller-scale, experimental dramas like Among the Living, Sunflower, and Qiao Yan’s Story. However, such attempts often yield mixed results unless supported by a strong script and direction.
Yang Zi has several upcoming works, including The Family Legacy (家业) and Tree of Life (生命树). Dilraba’s unreleased dramas include Rise of the Owl Lands (枭起青壤) and Mu Xu Ci (慕胥辞).
With both actresses set for another busy year, fans are already wondering: Which of these four dramas will become the next nationwide hit?
