Renowned mainland Chinese director Zheng Xiaolong is set to direct a new version of the drama series “Dream of the Red Chamber.” Since its initiation in 2024, the project has garnered significant attention, with casting issues sparking heated discussions among netizens.
In the upcoming new adaptation of “Dream of the Red Chamber,” apart from the casting of Lin Daiyu, there have been rumors circulating online that Zheng Xiaolong is deciding between Sun Li and Jiang Xin to play the role of Wang Xifeng. Both Sun Li and Jiang Xin rose to fame through their roles in the hit drama series “Empresses in the Palace,” directed by Zheng Xiaolong.
Recently, it was revealed that Sun Li declined the role of Wang Xifeng, leading to the decision to cast either Jiang Xin, Re Yi Zha, or Zhu Zhu in the role. Despite Sun Li’s personal fondness for the character of Wang Xifeng, she felt that she may no longer be suitable for the role due to her age.
Sun Li, acclaimed as the “Queen of TV Ratings” in mainland China, has demonstrated her versatility by portraying a wide range of characters, from the innocent yet scheming Zhen Huan in “Empresses in the Palace” 14 years ago to the vibrant and compelling urban woman Hu Manli in the 2025 drama series “A Barbarous Life.” She has proven that “middle-aged female characters can also carry TV ratings.”
In a recent magazine feature on the cover of Marie Claire, Sun Li impressed with a youthful hairstyle and stylish attire, earning praise for her youthful appearance combined with sophistication. When jokingly asked by her agent if she would consider retiring from acting once roles for women above 40 diminish, Sun Li confidently replied, “I will continue to act. I am already preparing to play grandma roles in the future.” Her straightforward attitude was lauded as “refreshing” and brave in the entertainment industry.
According to reports from mainland Chinese media, Zheng Xiaolong’s adaptation of “Dream of the Red Chamber,” one of the Four Great Classical Novels, will differentiate itself from the 1987 version by incorporating more palace intrigue and elaborating on Jia Yuanchun’s story within the imperial palace. This signifies that Jia Yuanchun will play a significant supporting role in the drama, with Wang Xifeng serving as the central figure in the rivalry between the two branches of the Jia Family, requiring an actress who embodies the traits of a manipulative and influential figure like “Wang Xifeng.”
In the original description, Wang Xifeng is depicted as beautiful, intelligent, eloquent, shrewd, adaptable, and charismatic, with a complex, controversial persona. While some netizens believe that Sun Li is undoubtedly the ideal choice to portray Wang Xifeng, in recent years, she has primarily chosen to film in Shanghai to accommodate her children’s education. Known for her expertise in historical dramas, Sun Li has been contemplating a transition and leaning towards selecting scripts based on real-life situations.
Therefore, one reason for Sun Li’s refusal to take on the role in “Dream of the Red Chamber” is the likelihood that she would have to film in Hengdian, Zhejiang for a few months if shooting a historical drama. Given her responsibilities as a mother, Sun Li would find it challenging to balance her work commitments and caring for her two children.
Sun Li and Deng Chao are a beloved couple in the mainland Chinese entertainment industry, often sharing their everyday life anecdotes on social media platforms and actively participating in parenting duties. Despite their busy schedules, they have an unspoken agreement to take turns staying at home to accompany their children.
An assistant once revealed intimate details about the affectionate relationship between Deng Chao and Sun Li, describing Deng Chao as a romantic individual who even makes a tremendous effort to return to Shanghai to be with his family, despite having only a few days off during filming in other locations.
Netizens have observed from Sun Li’s social media posts that she maintains a balanced lifestyle. Even during her peak earning years in the entertainment industry, she remains selective about scripts and only takes on one or two projects a year, willingly dedicating time to be with her children. Impressively, the successful Sun Li seamlessly embodies the roles of a mother and wife in real life, creating a colorful and fulfilling family life where both children exhibit various talents.
Sun Li once stated that success to her means having the time to be with her children. She views herself as just an ordinary mother, believing that being present for her children as they grow up is the most significant aspect of her life. Her insights on parenting have resonated deeply with many netizens, prompting some to jest, “It seems Sun Li might not be willing to take on historical drama roles until both her children have graduated from university.”