Unlikely Dafeng S2 can be ready so soon and they have to coordinate the schedule for returning actors.
Didi is definitely attached to this though. I heard senior executives from Yuewen went to see Didi and it was difficult for him to refuse. He had no choice but to accept.
MZY was fourth in line for the role. The project originally didn't even have her name attached. She also had a Mango TV drama (Have It All 一手摘星，一手捶地) scheduled to start filming in Q1, but since she couldn't carry the project alone, she turned her attention to vying for this role. It was only when the Mango TV drama fell through that she had to sheepishly save face and buying hot search for this.
I directly contact with Didi’s fan for his schedule and the director info. Regarding the female role this info is in Rednote and Weibo. The start date is questionable i found in Weibo.
They made contact with Didi on October 26th. Didi had a solo meeting last Monday, the 3rd, and signed a letter of intent.
Currently, the female lead is a tentative invitation with several alternatives…”still in talks with several (6) actresses for the female lead role.” The female lead is in fierce competition and the final choice has not yet been determined. (Tencent is pushing for someone, while New Classic Media is not convinced).
Director is Yin Tao (Blood of Youth, Love and Redemption)
Tentatively is scheduled to begin filming at the end of January 2026, with an estimated filming duration of 5 months.
What did it ruin exactly? It was like 2% romance but kay.
Well i find their kiss scenes very very satisfying and beautifully done. Romance worthwhile in a male centric drama? You are in the wrong place.
Also, it makes no sense for him not to have any romance when in the novel he is a *player* and has a harem. How can his character not have any love interest at all? That not Xu Qi’an.
What do you mean, not backed by capital? Do you mean his agency doesn't make dramas? Isn't he like partial owner…
Some actors bring their own funds /investors to the project. Unlike some actors, Didi is not chained to any platform, big investors, or big agency. I agree, Didi has more *freedom* than other actors because his small agency is useless in getting him roles. The reality is that resources pursue Wang Hedi and his own agency relies on him to stay afloat. He does have shares, but the decision power is still with his agency.
GOTD is set for S2 regardless of this. The reality is many projects cant even start this year and this IP about to expire THIS YEAR when it cant attract investors. IMO it is clearly a favor he is doing for New Classics Media and Tencent. He already rejected it in 2022 and he is already booked thru 2027, he's not short on work or needed to *steal* female-centric drama. Quite ignorant to think he would need to. That’s funny as hell. :)
Its said that approval was made last night. Based on the news, Wang Hedi attended the project approval meeting alone yesterday for "The Rebirth of the Malicious Empress of Military Lineage," while other details are undecided (cast, director, etc). His schedule thru 2027 is already fully booked. Didi refused the offer three years ago but accepted it now, especially since the IP rights are about to expire. The recent surge in trending topics featuring him is clearly a ploy to get him on board. Otherwise, their investment in the IP would go down the drain. Actors don't have much choice when they're not backed by capital, and given that Didi has collaborated with New Classics Media, he probably took the role out of consideration for "GOTD 2,” which he already got lined up.
The lead actress will likely only be a "crown princess" that Tencent wants to promote.
I like Tian Xi Wei and I hope she will return. If you dont like Li’an’ s character you prob wont like her…
She doesn’t have much screen time in S1 and probably will be the same in S2. So for minor role you cant stand, you rated this drama a 1. Why would you want to watch S2? If they follow the book she will do things that are worst because she is far from perfect.
3 
1 
111 
http://xhslink.com/o/4M3ATwaQLao
http://xhslink.com/o/8bgXlL9UPvz
https://x.com/hydeingaway/status/1989010767522496906?s=20
Director will be Yin Tao, it is said he is already approved (Destined, Blood of Youth, Love and Redemption).
Didi is definitely attached to this though. I heard senior executives from Yuewen went to see Didi and it was difficult for him to refuse. He had no choice but to accept.
https://b23.tv/oNzmytF
Regarding the female role this info is in Rednote and Weibo.
The start date is questionable i found in Weibo.
Currently, the female lead is a tentative invitation with several alternatives…”still in talks with several (6) actresses for the female lead role.” The female lead is in fierce competition and the final choice has not yet been determined. (Tencent is pushing for someone, while New Classic Media is not convinced).
Director is Yin Tao (Blood of Youth, Love and Redemption)
Tentatively is scheduled to begin filming at the end of January 2026, with an estimated filming duration of 5 months.
Also, it makes no sense for him not to have any romance when in the novel he is a *player* and has a harem. How can his character not have any love interest at all? That not Xu Qi’an.
GOTD is set for S2 regardless of this. The reality is many projects cant even start this year and this IP about to expire THIS YEAR when it cant attract investors. IMO it is clearly a favor he is doing for New Classics Media and Tencent. He already rejected it in 2022 and he is already booked thru 2027, he's not short on work or needed to *steal* female-centric drama. Quite ignorant to think he would need to. That’s funny as hell. :)
Didi refused the offer three years ago but accepted it now, especially since the IP rights are about to expire. The recent surge in trending topics featuring him is clearly a ploy to get him on board. Otherwise, their investment in the IP would go down the drain. Actors don't have much choice when they're not backed by capital, and given that Didi has collaborated with New Classics Media, he probably took the role out of consideration for "GOTD 2,” which he already got lined up.
The lead actress will likely only be a "crown princess" that Tencent wants to promote.
If they follow the book she will do things that are worst because she is far from perfect.