Chinese dramas and films

Filming for the fantasy drama «Hundred Demon Spectrum» (Manual of Hundred Demons, Fairies Albums, Bai Yao Pu, 百妖谱) began on August 11. 

The project is positioned as an S+ tier production for streaming platform iQiyi, with shooting taking place at two scenic locations – the famous Hengdian World Studios and the ancient town of Puyuan.

«Hundred Demon Spectrum» is an adaptation of the novel of the same name by Chinese writer Sha Luo Shuang Shu.

At the center of the story is Tao Yao, a spirit healer who travels with a group of companions in search of lost pages from a magical tome. Alongside her are her friends: the young monk Mo Ya, the snake demon Mr. Liu, and a fox named Gun Gun.

Though Tao Yao is over a thousand years old, she retains a lively and free-spirited nature. She strictly adheres to the principle: "I treat only demons, not humans." Outwardly, Tao Yao appears as a young girl in red robes, but beneath that exterior hides a wise healer who has endured centuries of solitude.

During her adventures, Tao Yao encounters a human – a prince and swordsman named Si Kuang Lan. She saves the life of his elder brother, and in gratitude, Tao Yao and her companions are offered shelter and work at the Si family estate. A romance begins to blossom between Tao Yao and Si Kuang Lan.

The lead roles are played by Aimee («Key to the Phoenix Heart», «The Double») and Deng Wei («Lost You Forever», «Love of the Divine Tree»). This marks their second project together, following the drama «Love of the Divine Tree».

Other cast members have also been confirmed: Lin Zi Ye as Mo Ya, Yan An as Mr. Liu, as well as a special appearance by Chen Yao.

The director's chair has been taken by Guo Jing Ming («My Journey to You», «Fangs of Fortune»).

The project has not been without its share of criticism.

First, there are ongoing complaints about yet another significant age gap between the leads. Aimee has only just turned 18, while Deng Wei is 31. Similar criticism was leveled at Aimee's work with 29-year-old Hou Ming Hao in the drama «Key to the Phoenix Heart».

Second, the main backlash has been directed at the supporting and bit-part casting. According to reports, the production has brought in actors from the project «Youth Eternal Summer» (少年无尽夏, Shào Nián Wú Jìn Xià). This group was formed through a reality show created by none other than the director of «Hundred Demon Spectrum» himself, Guo Jing Ming. The selected participants are described as having a "cold and refined" look, all with narrow faces and fair skin – which observers note is a trademark aesthetic for director Guo Jing Ming.

As a result, the drama is likely to feature Lu Yi Cheng (陆奕呈), Han Jing De (韩竞德), An Xu Ran (安栩然), Lin Shi Ye (林时烨), Wu Ji Ran (吴季燃), and Zheng You Chen (郑佑辰).

Viewers have criticized this decision for the actors' similar looks, which makes them difficult to tell apart on screen, as well as for their lack of acting experience. Yet one might ask where else they are supposed to gain that experience if not in supporting roles?

Another, more serious front of criticism has opened up over the script. Fans of the novel are outraged by rumors that the male character Si Kuang Lan – who in the book only appears in the third part – has been pushed to the forefront, and that the plot has shifted from the female-led story (centered on Tao Yao) toward a romance arc and male heroism. The script allegedly sacrifices the original story about demons in order to serve the male cast.

Nevertheless, the project has moved forward, and judgment will have to wait until we see the final results.

Although the premiere date has not yet been announced, the production cycle is expected to last approximately 130 days, meaning the series likely will not air before 2027.