TVB has confirmed that Steven Ma (馬浚偉) will be returning to TVB later this year to star in Beyond the Realm of Conscience 2 <深宮計>, one of TVB’s several anniversary dramas that will be produced in celebration of TVB’s 50th anniversary. 2017 will mark the big golden jubilee year for the number one Hong Kong broadcaster, as it enters its 50th year on air. Earlier this week, TVB announced Chinese co-productions Line Walker 2 <使徒行者2> and Threshold Again <再創世紀>, cross-border grand productions, will be marketed as anniversary dramas next year. TVB also intends to continue the success of the Heart of Greed <溏心風暴> and Beyond the Realm of Conscience <宮心計> franchises, taking their accomplishments to another level for TVB’s 50th year. According to news reports, Beyond 2 is planned for 36 episodes and will be set in the Tang dynasty like its predecessor. Unlike past period dramas produced by TVB, Beyond 2 will be shot at real locations rather than in studio. TVB reportedly gave Steven a paycheck large enough to be compared to his salary in the mainland, for Beyond 2. Reporters reached out to Beyond 2 producer Mui Siu-ching (梅小青) for comment. She admitted, “It’s true that we got Steven to come back to help. We plan to make a ‘leveled-up’ version of Beyond. It’s going to be set in the Tang dynasty like the last one. There will be three male leads and three female leads to carry the show. Steven will be one of the three males and he will play an emperor.” (Is it true that TVB gave Steven a large paycheck?) “Of course his paycheck leveled up too! He has a definite market in the mainland, and filming for the drama will take at least half a year.” Creds: Eastweek
