Recently, according to information leaked from Chinese media, Vu Chinh has successfully acquired the copyright for the iconic novel “Heavenly Sword and Dragon Slaying Sabre,” one of the most notable works by the renowned author Jin Yong (also known as Louis Cha).
It is known that “Heavenly Sword and Dragon Slaying Sabre” is the last work in Jin Yong’s wuxia (martial arts) novel series, which includes the two famous titles “The Legend of the Condor Heroes” and “The Return of the Condor Heroes.” To date, this novel has been adapted into seven feature films and eight television series. The earliest adaptation premiered in 1963, while the most recent one aired in 2009 featuring actors such as Deng Chao, Annie Yi, and director Zhang Jizhong.
Reportedly, the main cast participating in the new adaptation of “Heavenly Sword and Dragon Slaying Sabre” will include Zhang Jiatian (playing the role of Zhang Wuji), Dương Dung (Zhao Min), and Viên San San (Zhu Er). Additionally, the film will feature several other supporting actors such as Lý Tâm Ngải, Triệu Hàn Anh Tử, and Phó Tân Bắc.
After Tran Hieu’s era, Zhang Jiatian is the “leading man” who is most favored by Vu Chinh
The two leading ladies of Vu Chinh are Viên San San and Dương Dung, who will alternately play the roles of Zhu Er and Zhao Min
In recent years, Vu Chinh has also been involved in several adaptations of his own works, which have become the primary target for critics concerning Jin Yong’s literary creations. Some argue that excessive modifications made by Vu Chinh have compromised the essence of Jin Yong’s works, causing them to lose their inherent depth. While the original works are celebrated for their heroic and romantic themes, Vu Chinh’s adaptations tend to lean towards melodrama, sometimes introducing excessive elements of “sensuality and sex” to attract viewers.
Many netizens have expressed their dissatisfaction: “After transforming the character of Phương Bất Bại into a woman, and Tiểu Long Nữ into a bun, Vu Chinh has even changed Trương Vô Kỵ to a name that is hated by many.”
According to reports, the adaptation of “Heavenly Sword and Dragon Slaying Sabre” by Vu Chinh is set to begin filming in March 2017 at the largest film studio in China, Huayi Brothers, located in Zhejiang province.
