Chinese television drama Martial Universe <武动乾坤> invited the press over to their set in Xiangshan this weekend. The epic xianxia drama, which stars Yang Yang (杨洋), Crystal Zhang (张天爱), Wu Chun (吴尊), Wang Likun (王丽坤), and Ashton Chen (释小龙), tells the story of a young man who is thrown into a world of martial arts and power after he comes across a desired magical artifact. It is adapted from the novel of the same name by Tian Can Tu Dou (天蚕土豆). Once Upon a Time <三生三世> actor Yang Yang stars as the story’s main protagonist Lin Dong, a strong-willed village boy who is determined to avenge for his crippled father. In his adventure he encounters new friends and allies, and gets into a love triangle with Crystal Zhang and Wang Likun. Yang Yang introduced, “The first half of the story would focus on Angel jiejie (Wang Likun), who I like to tease. She is like my protector. Crystal Zhang’s character is a nuisance, but I eventually fall for her charms.” It was a happy collaboration for the main leads. Wang Likun had nothing but praises for her junior. “He’s a very serious actor. I asked him for his sign but he told me to guess. I think he’s a virgo. He’s a perfectionist.” Crystal called Yang Yang as a “crazy actor”, saying, “He really lets loose when he’s acting. I couldn’t tell it’s him anymore. He’s crazy [dedicated]!” “I am not fit for that name,” said Yang Yang. “In my heart, the ‘crazy actor’ is Teacher Li Xuejian (李雪健). I still have much to learn.” Yang Yang’s dedication is no passing thing. Because of his filming commitments for Martial Universe, the young 25-year-old actor ended up turning down a role in Zhang Yimou’s (张艺谋) new film Three Kingdoms <三国>. The movie is to star Gong Li (巩俐), Deng Chao (邓超), and Zhou Dongyu (周冬雨). “The director and I did meet up,” said Yang Yang. “And there were plans for me to be in it, but I didn’t want to affect the schedules for [Martial Universe].” Asking if there were regrets for turning down Zhang Yimou, Yang Yang said, “No. Every film and drama has its own value. Since I’ve come across this opportunity I have to hold onto it well.” Creds: Sohu
