Chinese dramas and films

The Chinese version of the renowned men's magazine Figaro («费加罗男士», Madame Figaro Hommes, Figaro Men) has published an article and photo shoot featuring actor Deng Kai.

This is the actor’s first solo cover project for a mainstream men's magazine.

Deng Kai is currently experiencing a surge in popularity following the release of the drama Pursuit of Jade. Notably, the actor does not have a formal education in acting, which has had a positive effect—the absence of rigid academic frameworks has liberated his performance, infusing it with a wild, natural explosive energy. Deng Kai graduated from one of China's leading art universities, the Luxun Academy of Fine Arts, majoring in Visual Design.

But with looks like his, China's film industry has given him the green light. In 2018, Deng Kai made his acting debut in the historical drama Secret of the Three Kingdoms. Over eight years, he has appeared in more than 20 projects, including The Blood of Youth, Destined and Butterflied Love. He also played supporting roles in many hit series but long remained in a situation where "the series was famous, but the actor was not." During his toughest period, he had only 300 yuan left in his bank account.

At the beginning of 2026, the miracle that actors often speak of occurred. Three days before filming for Pursuit of Jade was set to begin, the actor originally cast as Prince Qi Min suddenly withdrew. Director Zeng Qingjie remembered the hardworking and reliable Deng Kai, whom he had worked with before, and Deng Kai agreed.

To create the image of an obsessed prince, Deng Kai himself suggested to the director using silver hair to convey a sense of emptiness (It's interesting to note how differently various cultures perceive silver hair). He strictly controlled his diet and lost 7.5 kg (over 16.5 lbs) in a short time to match his character's sickly, gaunt type.

After Pursuit of Jade was released, the on-screen chemistry between Deng Kai and Kong Xue’er went viral, and the pair instantly "exploded" across the internet. Within just a week of the premiere, Deng Kai's Weibo followers increased by over 500,000, and across all platforms, the total surpassed one million. He began being hounded by crowds of fans and paparazzi, though the actor was completely unaccustomed to needing a security detail. Just a month earlier, he had been calmly using public transportation and taxis.

Currently, Deng Kai has joined the major historical project The Noble (Golden Branch), starring Li Yitong and Chen Xingxu. This marks his third collaboration with director Zeng Qingjie.

And now, a new success—the Figaro cover serves as a mark of quality, a symbol of achieving star status, and an indicator of significant market value for his personal brand.

Figaro Men, one of the leading men's magazines published by a French fashion company with a century-long history, has always been a benchmark for recognizing talent in the fashion and entertainment industries.

This cover features a cold, dark tone, perfectly reflecting Deng Kai's inherent air of detachment. Under the lens, the interplay of dark light and shadow, mottled walls, and cold light accentuate his tall figure, while luxurious clothing from Gucci and Burberry add a touch of refined sharpness.

As the magazine's text conveys, a silent resonance in the darkness is Deng Kai's most sincere dialogue with himself; within every inch of light and shadow hides his unknown strength and perseverance.

The debut cover is direct proof of Deng Kai's popularity and value: the cover preview instantly trended on social media, and sales exceeded 4,067 copies within 15 minutes of release, generating over 200,000 yuan in revenue.

On screen, he is a cover star exuding tension in a cold, dark atmosphere, with eyes reflecting wisdom and determination honed by experience. Off the set, he is a grounded and dedicated actor, honing his craft for eight years playing supporting roles, calmly and clearly confronting the industry's noise.

Deng Kai  expands his range with each new project - he wants to strengthen his unique "intense aesthetic" while actively exploring realistic themes and historical dramas, attempting to shed the filter of period costumes and demonstrate the breadth of his acting ability through relatable, down-to-earth characters.

The cold, dark cover is a testament to his past struggles and an omen of his future brilliance. Deng Kai's first cover for a major men's magazine was not a random publicity stunt but rather a reward for the time he has invested in his dedication.

Now, Deng Kai stands at a new starting point, possessing both explosive acting talent on screen and boundless potential in the fashion world.

Sources 1, 2