Few actors manage to turn what was once considered a disadvantage into their greatest strength, but Chinese actor Ci Sha seems to have done exactly that.
According to QQ, one of the most talked about Chinese costume dramas of the first half of 2026 was A Splendid Game. While the series has sparked heated debate for its narrative, viewers found themselves unexpectedly captivated by the journey of the male protagonist Chen Yanyun, played by Ci Sha.
When the drama first premiered, it received criticism for its political intrigue, which many viewers felt lacked depth and sophistication. Some have even described strategic conflicts as simplistic and unconvincing. Lead actress Ren Min also became a point of contention regarding the show’s heavy use of beauty filters, which occasionally struggled to keep up with the movement, resulting in inconsistent images on screen.
Ci Sha faced her own wave of criticism in the first few episodes. Some viewers argued that his long face shape and sharp jawline did not fit the traditional style of costume drama. Born in 1997, the actor is only two years older than Ren Min, but many felt that their visual chemistry was unusual because his rugged and mature appearance made him look much older.
However, public opinions gradually changed as the story progressed. Through her controlled performance and natural screen presence, Ci Sha successfully transformed Chen Yanyun into a compelling character, an intelligent strategist with both military and political talent, whose calm exterior hid deep ambition and emotional complexity. As the character’s influence and authority grew over the course of the series, Ci Sha convincingly embodied the type of powerful male protagonist often portrayed in romance novels: a man capable of calculating the fate of the world while reserving his gentler side for the one person he loves. Viewers praised his ability to project the commanding aura of a true statesman.
As a result, although the drama continues to face criticism for its plot and several controversial scenes, Ci Sha has emerged as one of its biggest success stories. The actor went from being one of the most criticized cast members to becoming an audience favorite.
According to QQ, Ci Sha’s mature, aged appearance has ultimately become a distinctive asset in an industry increasingly filled with young, delicate-featured actors. His unique image allows him to take on a wider variety of roles, ranging from righteous heroes to complex villains.
Industry observers have also noted that Ci Sha possesses a distinctly cinematic face, often compared to the classic charisma of Hong Kong movie stars of past generations. His masculine features photograph well from virtually any angle, and fans often point out that even candid or unexpected moments highlight his striking appearance. Some have joked that it can look good even when sprayed with water during filming.
Born with the full name Muguregu Jiwucisha, the actor graduated from Sichuan Film and Television College and later studied acting at the Beijing Film Academy. She first gained attention for her role as Mei Xing in the romantic drama Foreverwith Ren Jialun and Bai Lu. However, his breakthrough came when he played Yang Jian Creation of the Gods I.
In the film, Yang Jian was depicted as a fair and skilled warrior. Ci Sha has received widespread praise for both its visual portrayal and its action sequences, with some viewers even taking notice a resemblance to the legendary actor Takeshi Kaneshiro. The role became one of the highlights of the film and significantly increased his popularity.
To prepare for the demanding role, Ci Sha would spend months undergoing intensive training in horse riding and archery. He also developed skills in boxing, fencing and sanda martial arts.
Beyond Creation of the Gods Iappeared in The blue whisper together with Dilraba Dilmurat and Ren Jialun, where he played Li Shu. In 2024, he took over the lead role of Guo Jing in Legend of Heroes: Warm-Bloodedwhile in 2026 he arrives at successful cinema Blades of the Guardiansstarring alongside Wu Jing and Nicholas Tse.
Sources: K14
