Taiwanese actor Peter Ho recently found himself in the spotlight for his portrayal of Xiang Yu in The Legend of Chu and Han resurfaces online, more than 14 years after the drama first aired. The renewed attention comes amid ongoing discussions comparing the portrayal of military generals in Chinese historical dramas, with many viewers praising his performance as a benchmark for the genre.
Audiences highlighted his imposing presence, robust physique and powerful aura, and some even called him Xiang Yu “the culmination of ancient general representations”. However, in a recent interview, Peter Ho humbly rejected such titles, stating that he dares not claim the label and instead feels honored to have had the opportunity to portray such an important historical figure.
Reflecting on the role’s unexpected resurgence, he described himself as both “lucky” AND “grateful.” “After more than a decade, seeing people revisit this role is like reliving a dream,” he shared. Despite the passage of time, Xiang Yu remains one of his most beloved characters since he entered the entertainment industry.
To prepare for the physically demanding role, Peter Ho revealed that he underwent intensive training to build muscle, increasing his weight to over 80 kilograms. The heavy armor alone required considerable strength, not to mention the demands of using weapons and performing combat scenes.
Filming conditions were equally difficult. Reports indicate that production took place in extremely cold conditions, with temperatures dropping as low as -17°C. Despite this, Peter Ho performed shirtless battle scenes while wearing heavy armor, delivering an intense and visually stunning performance. He also took an active role in designing action sequences, insisting on realistic close-quarters combat scenes and personally performing riding and fighting choreography without relying on slow-motion effects.
Veteran actor Chen Daoming once praised his performance, stating that Peter Ho successfully captured Xiang Yu’s ruthless and heroic essence.
Over the years, Peter Ho has built a diverse portfolio of actors, taking on a wide range of roles, from iconic characters like Bu Jingyun in Wind and clouds to Lü Bu in New Three Kingdomsas well as modern romantic protagonists. His ability to switch between very different character types, from fierce warriors to gentle executives, has cemented his reputation as a versatile actor.
Sources: Netizenbuzz
