Although it may not be the most outstanding version, The Legend of the Condor Heroes 2006 is undoubtedly one of the most famous and classic adaptations. The film marked a significant milestone in the illustrious careers of actors Louis Koo and Huynh Hieu Minh, a legacy that continues to resonate today. However, before this iconic portrayal solidified its reputation, Louis Koo had previously imagined a different character design for his role as Guo Jing.
According to Sina, these are the first images of the character Guo Jing from The Legend of the Condor Heroes 2006, featuring Dương Quá and Guo Jing. Many viewers criticized this initial version of Guo Jing as lacking in charm, particularly due to the distinctly “village-like” hairstyle. Some even remarked that Louis Koo’s portrayal of Guo Jing was the least appealing, second only to the character of Trần Nghiên Hy post-transformation.
Initial character design of Guo Jing by Louis Koo
On the other hand, Guo Jing’s character design is reminiscent of the famous character Triệu Linh Nhi – a legendary role played by the actress in Tiên Kiếm Kỳ Hiệp. Due to the established character and the lack of innovation, the team decided to refresh Guo Jing’s style, giving him long, flowing hair, and a new outfit that highlighted Louis Koo’s strong physique. This transformation indeed made Louis Koo’s presence more vibrant on screen, a quality that continues to be appreciated by audiences today.
The character design that significantly enhanced Louis Koo’s appearance
Audiences criticized the hairstyle in the initial design of Guo Jing
Alongside Louis Koo, the character Dương Quá portrayed by Huynh Hieu Minh also faced scrutiny. Fortunately, when it hit the screens, Dương Quá’s hairstyle appeared to be more “refined,” presenting a much more appealing and charismatic image. Prior to this role, Huynh Hieu Minh and Nhiếp Viễn were both strong contenders for the role of Dương Quá, yet “Huynh Giáo Chủ” ultimately secured the part.
Additionally, during the filming of The Legend of the Condor Heroes, Huynh Hieu Minh and Louis Koo developed a close-knit relationship. There were even instances where netizens discovered photos of the two together adorning the walls of Huynh Hieu Minh’s home, celebrating their memorable roles as Dương Quá and Cô Cô. Currently, both actors have achieved great success and are regarded as A-list stars in the Chinese entertainment industry, continuing to shine in their film careers.
