Chapter 744 Legend
Time has entered November.
On the first day of the month, the Hollywood blockbuster "Terminator: Dark Fate" and Makoto Shinkai's new film "Weathering with You" entered the market with great success.
The "emotional card" of the return of classic movies can often arouse a wave of movie-watching enthusiasm among the audience.
The [Terminator] series is undoubtedly a "masterpiece" in the hearts of countless science fiction fans.
When the "iron triangle" combination of James Cameron, Schwarzenegger and Linda Hamilton returns after 28 years, there will definitely be many people who will go to the cinema to "return" a movie ticket.
Unlike the previous "assembly line works", "Terminator: Dark Fate" produced by Cameron is more in line with the classics in style and plot, and is called a "more orthodox sequel" by fans.
Of course, restarting and continuing a big IP is no easy task, and the new "Terminator" cannot escape the criticism of "harvesting emotions" and "too deep routines".
In the end, the film grossed over 190 million yuan in the first three days of its release, with a Douban score of 7.2, which is obviously not comparable to the reputation of "Terminator" and "Terminator 2: Judgment Day."
Another highly anticipated work released on the same day is Makoto Shinkai's new film "Weathering with You".
With the huge box office success of "Your Name" in mainland China, Makoto Shinkai has also gained more Chinese fans.
However, in comparison, "Weathering with You" is not as good as its predecessor in terms of online discussion and box office reputation. Although it also earned 150 million yuan in the first week, there is still a certain gap with "Your Name"'s performance of 286 million yuan in 3 days.
Unfortunately, neither "Terminator" nor "Weathering with You" could shake "Better Days"'s position as the box office champion.
This youth crime drama starring Gu Wei and Zhang Zifeng has been the weekly box office champion in China for three consecutive weeks.
After 17 days of release, the total box office exceeded 2 billion yuan, becoming the fifth domestic film in 2019 to exceed 2 billion yuan in total box office.
The other four are "The Wandering Earth" and "Crazy Alien" at the beginning of the year, and "My People, My Country" and "The Captain" last month.
In 2019, there were five movies with box office revenue exceeding 2 billion yuan, two of which were starring Gu Wei, with a total box office of nearly 7 billion yuan.
Maoyan also raised its box office forecast for "Better Days" to 2.3 billion yuan.
"Brother Wei is amazing, you're worthy of your name. Your new movie is a hit, and it's earned over 2 billion yuan at the box office for a feature film, almost catching up with last year's "Dying to Survive"."
When Gu Wei returned to the crew to film, he was congratulated by people around him.
"The release date was quite good. The hype surrounding the three National Day films had faded, and there weren't many blockbusters released. It just so happened that 'Better Days' was of good quality."
Gu Wei said modestly.
"How can there be no blockbusters? There was Maleficent 2 before, and then there was Terminator. Every year before the Lunar New Year holiday, a bunch of Hollywood blockbusters are released, and this year is no exception.
However, the box office is far behind that of "Better Days".
Brother Wei, your box office appeal in the domestic film industry is simply unmatched!"
Speaking of age, Xin Zhilei, who is 86 years old, is 6 years older than Gu Wei, and she calls him "Brother Wei" without any reluctance.
This was her second time working with Gu Wei. When they were filming "Life Events", everyone in the crew, including the staff, only addressed Gu Wei in three ways: "Brother Wei, Teacher Gu Wei, and Mr. Gu".
In the current crew of "Joy of Life", only senior big names like Chen Daoming will call Gu Wei by his name when chatting with him.
Sometimes when she looks at Gu Wei, she would think, we are both actors, but the difference between us in all aspects is too big!
Xin Zhilei graduated from the Central Academy of Drama and entered the entertainment industry in 2011. Her first drama in life was the TV series "Painted Skin" starring Ling Xiaosu and Xue Kaiqi, in which she played a small supporting role.
Later, she hung out in the circle, went to film crews to look for opportunities, and played many supporting roles. It was not until 2015 that she got the opportunity to play the leading female role in the movie "The Map of the River".
However, he did not become a huge star, but he became more famous and got more acting opportunities.
She has good acting skills, a good image and temperament, and has also portrayed some well-known roles, such as Gu Yao in "Mr. Love" and Concubine Shujia in "Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace".
However, up to now, his fame is only at the third or fourth tier level in the circle, and most of the acting opportunities he gets are for major supporting roles.
Xin Zhilei had also known Gu Wei before. He was said to have an extraordinary family background and he paid for his own filming while still studying at the Beijing Film Academy.
His debut film was the masterpiece "The Sword Identity", in which he played the male lead and Liu Yifei played the supporting role.
Later, he continued to rise and paired with top female stars born after 1985 such as Yang Mi and Zhao Liying, and became the top star of the new generation.
Then he starred in one movie and TV series after another, and reached his current position. No one can refute the fact that he is the best actor in China.
With this experience and appearance, this is what the male protagonist in a domineering CEO novel should be like, right?
"Hollywood movies are no longer popular in China. Only Marvel movies still have some traffic, and very few others can get high box office.
How was your audition this time? Did you succeed?"
"ah"
Xin Zhilei, who was stunned by Gu Wei's face, reacted.
“It worked, my audition went well and I’ve got the role.
These past few days, my team has been coordinating the contract with the crew of [Flowers].
Gu Wei took a leave to promote the movie, and Xin Zhilei also took two days off to audition.
"Congratulations! Although Wang Jiawei's filming process has been criticized, we have to admit that his works are rare masterpieces.
This is his first time directing a TV series, and I believe "Fang Hua" will be an excellent work.
You might become an overnight sensation thanks to this drama!"
Gu Wei stated the truth in a joking tone. Xin Zhilei really came into the public eye after "Fang Hua".
The character Li Li she played was mysterious, beautiful and charming, and was very popular.
With the popularity of the TV series and the fame of the role, I became a top actress, and all kinds of business and film and television resources came to me.
When "Fan Hua" was popular, Xin Zhilei was 38 years old. She became famous in middle age and is considered a typical late bloomer in the entertainment industry.
"Hahaha, I'm just saying it with your good wishes. I've acted in so many dramas over the years and haven't really become popular. If [Flowers in the Sky] can become popular, then I wouldn't mind filming with Director Wang for three to five years."
Xin Zhilei has a hearty laugh and a typical Northeastern personality, and is not particular about details.
Regardless of whether she can become famous or not, Wang Jiawei's TV series are rare and good resources for her, and it is worth being happy to get the role.
"Actually, compared to [Flowers], I think filming [Joy of Life] and the previous [Life Events] might make me a little famous.
After all, it’s your play, Brother Wei, so it’s bound to be a hit whether it’s a movie or a TV series.
You are recognized as the "daddy of the entertainment industry". Many female artists in the circle are trying their best to film with you.
Being able to work together on two films in a row, I feel like I’m incredibly lucky this year!"
"It's not as exaggerated as you say. This nickname should not be taken seriously." Gu Wei smiled and waved his hands.
"Why not take it seriously? People in our circle understand best the meaning of the saying 'Small fame depends on praise, big fame depends on luck'.
Brother Wei, it seems like you haven't failed in all these years.
People like Jingtian have invested so much resources over the years but have never become popular. However, at the beginning of this year, the drama "Sito" became a hit, and in the second half of the year, "The East Palace" made Meng Ziyi popular again.
It's said in the industry that Brother Wei, you're incredibly lucky, and working with you will only boost your luck, which is why you're so popular." Xin Zhilei said seriously, and it seemed like what he said wasn't just nonsense, but something that was actually circulating among the artists.
"There is such a rumor?" Gu Wei opened his eyes wide. It was the first time he heard of it.
Xin Zhilei nodded slowly: "Really? I heard it from other actresses when I was chatting with them during filming."
Gu Wei was speechless.
"By the way, when you went to the audition, did you know who the other leading actors in [Flowers] were besides you?"
Xin Zhilei thought for a moment and said, "It's quite fortunate actually. Director Wang Jiawei originally wanted to cast all Shanghai actors for the role of Flourishing Flowers. The main actors were already confirmed, but there was no suitable actress for the role of Li Li.
So he found a few actresses in the circle who were of suitable age and appearance to audition, and I finally got the role.
After you declined, Director Wang asked Hu Ge to play the male lead, and the two main female roles were played by Ma Yili and Tang Yan.
Gu Wei nodded. Without him as the butterfly, everything would remain the same.
In fact, it is not surprising. There are only a few famous actors in Shanghai, and if you look for them by their place of origin, the choices are very limited.
After returning to the crew, Gu Wei concentrated on filming.
In the remaining part of Fan Xian's scenes in Northern Qi, the actors who played opposite Gu Wei were completely replaced.
Among them, Xin Zhilei's Haitang Duoduo has the most scenes.
"Teacher Gu Wei, Teacher Xin Zhilei, my name is He Landou, and I play the role of Emperor Zhan Doudou of Northern Qi. Please take care of me during filming."
In the crew, Gu Wei was discussing today's scene with Xin Zhilei while holding the script. A short-haired girl with a chubby face came over and greeted the two of them timidly while holding the script.
"Hello~" Gu Wei responded with a smile and looked up and down at the girl in front of him.
He was also a little surprised.
In the original novel, the Northern Qi Emperor Zhan Doudou was a woman who disguised herself as a man to become the emperor. The original version of "Joy of Life" also found a female actress to play the role, and she didn't have many scenes.
Gu Wei had some impression of the original Zhan Doudou. Although he didn't know the name of the actress, it was definitely not He Landou in front of him.
"What's your name?" Xin Zhilei confirmed.
"He Landou~" The little girl didn't mind and said her name again.
"Your name
Uh. It fits the role quite well."
He Lan scratched his head.
"My teasing is funny~"
"Is this your real name?" Gu Wei asked curiously.
He had an impression of the girl in front of him because he had watched "A Year in the Mountains".
Starring Liu Shishi and Liu Yuning, He Landou played the role of Princess Yang Ying of Wu State. Coincidentally, she also dressed as a man in the beginning of the drama.
[A Year Across the Mountains] was Liu Shishi's first costume drama after her marriage. It was heavily promoted at the time, so Gu Wei watched some of it.
It can’t be said to be bad. It is considered to be an average costume drama. It has its advantages, but also many shortcomings.
Liu Shishi has returned to her family for many years. Although she still has a certain popularity after her comeback, it seems that the only thing she can show off is her demeanor.
Whether it is in a TV series or outside publicity, on the red carpet, etc., as long as there is news about Liu Shishi, she will always be standing tall and graceful.
Everyone knows that you have learned dance. Maintaining a good posture is an advantage at ordinary times, but it is not good to keep a straight body in a TV series. I feel that I am not as relaxed as when I played in "Chinese Paladin" and "Scarlet Heart".
In addition, the male lead, Liu Yuning, was unanimously criticized by netizens for being ugly, saying that he has a rat-like appearance.
In fact, Gu Wei thinks he looks okay and not as exaggerated as netizens say.
But he is really tall, over 1.9 meters.
It is said that the average height of male celebrities in the entertainment industry is getting higher and higher. There are very few people of Huang Xiaoming and Deng Chao's generation who are over 180cm tall.
Gu Wei is 185cm tall, which makes him one of the tallest male stars of the same age.
But for the new generation of male stars, it is normal to be over 180cm tall, and there are quite a few who are over 190cm tall, including Liu Yuning, Zhang Linghe, and Hu Tianyi, all of whom are over 190cm tall.
“It’s my stage name.
My real name is He Lan. After I entered the industry, because I always posted some funny videos, fans often wrote "He Lan is really funny" in my comments. Gradually, this nickname became "He Lan Dou", so I used this nickname as my stage name.
"Puchi~" Xin Zhilei laughed after she said that.
"Your stage name is really right, you are really funny"
"I think this stage name is pretty good," He Landou said with a silly smile.
"Please sit down~" Gu Wei pointed to the chair next to him.
"Xin Zhilei and I are just rehearsing the palace scene, and you have a line in it, so let's do it together."
"Thank you, Teacher Gu Wei!" He Landou sat down excitedly. She was already very excited to meet Gu Wei today, but she didn't expect her idol to be so approachable.
"You don't have to call me teacher, just call me Brother Wei on the set~"
"Brother Wei!" He Landou shouted without hesitation.
"Um~ Brother Wei, can you sign an autograph for me? I'm your loyal fan!
I have seen all the dramas you have acted in, and my favorites are "Dear, Got a Love for You" and "You Are My Glory".
Han Shangyan and Yu Tu are so handsome! "
"No problem. After the filming is finished, I'll give you some autographed photos." Gu Wei agreed with a smile.
It is not strange for celebrities to have idols. With his achievements over the years and various popular works, many new generation artists regard him as an idol.
Just like many celebrities like Zhou Jie Lun.
"Brother Wei is different. Your fan base is so huge that even the young girls in the same industry like you," Xin Zhilei next to him joked.
"Alas, there's nothing I can do. If being handsome is a sin, then I'm already unforgivable. God wanted me to make a living based on my looks, but I chose to make a living based on my talent.
Being liked by everyone is what I should endure, I’m used to it!”
Gu Wei sighed deliberately and spoke in a funny tone, which made He Landou and Xin Zhilei on the opposite side laugh.
The filming of this scene in the Northern Qi Palace went very smoothly. Gu Wei and Xin Zhilei are old partners, and what is rare is that the young actor He Landou also performed very well.
After a scene was finished, the three of them walked out of the venue in their costumes and went to the lounge.
"Boss, someone is here to visit you~"
As soon as he sat down, Yang Dan came over and said with his head down.
"Who is it?" Gu Wei was a little surprised. None of his friends had told him in advance that they would come to visit the set today.
"It's Sister Mi"
(End of this chapter)
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
