In a recent interview, actor Zhao Youting revealed that he has been actively rejecting numerous scripts similar to the fantasy romance drama “Eternal Love” following its immense popularity. He explained that this decision was motivated by his appreciation for the character “Yehua” and his long-term career planning as an actor.
Facing a flood of high-paying offers for similar fantasy and historical dramas after the success of “Eternal Love” in which he starred alongside Yang Mi, Zhao Youting chose to turn them down. Reports described the scripts offered to Zhao Youting as “abundant,” “numerous,” and “piling up,” with some even referring to it as a “surge of scripts following a hit series.” Despite the tempting opportunities, Zhao Youting stood firm in declining these projects. However, he clarified that his rejection was not a blanket denial of all period dramas but rather a selective process, only considering a few projects that align with his current age and interests.
Interestingly, Zhao Youting had previously expressed his reluctance to play roles that solely rely on his appearance, stating, “I don’t think I’m that handsome to be cast as the most beautiful man in the world.” Even when initially offered the role of Yehua, he struggled internally due to the character being described as the “most beautiful man in the world,” until the production team convinced him that he could win over the audience with his acting skills.
Expressing his fondness for the character Yehua and the story of “Eternal Love,” Zhao Youting emphasized that taking on similar roles immediately after a popular show would only lead to the consumption of the character rather than engaging in meaningful storytelling. He feared that being typecast in similar roles would limit the audience’s perception of him and constrain his range as an actor. Upholding the principle of seizing opportunities at the right time, Zhao Youting believed that chasing after fleeting fame and overexposing oneself would shorten one’s longevity in the entertainment industry.
While acknowledging that turning down fantasy dramas might have resulted in financial sacrifices, Zhao Youting calmly stated that he believes he has “enough” wealth. Stepping out of his comfort zone, he has shifted his focus towards realistic films, portraying complex characters such as the principled yet decadent Wu Kezhi in “Ordinary Glory,” the wise and introspective architectural economist Xia Ming in “Ideal City,” and the technically adept yet emotionally sensitive cardiothoracic surgeon Zhou Xiaofeng in “Into the Heart.” Furthermore, he has ventured into art films and comedies, notably taking on the breakthrough role of the “ex-husband brother” in the film “Good Stuff,” demonstrating his commitment to exploring diverse character portrayals. For Zhao Youting, these diverse roles represent strategic investments in his acting career for the long term.