Chinese actress Esther Yu is reportedly facing difficulties in securing a male lead for her upcoming drama film The Immortal Flesh (肉神仙), reigniting discussions over her current position in the entertainment industry.
According to reports in Chinese media and entertainment bloggers, several actors have been attached to the project at various stages, but the production has yet to finalize the male lead. Initial rumors suggested that He Yu would reunite with Esther Yu after their collaboration in Double Track. However, reports stated that some fans objected to the pairing due to concerns over controversial or overly provocative scenes in the script.
Subsequently, actors including Deng Wei, Hou Minghao and Chen Xingxu were said to be under consideration. Industry speculation suggested that scheduling conflicts and disagreements over billing order were preventing negotiations from progressing. Other names discussed for the role include Hu Yitian, Xin Yunlai, Chang Huasen, Li Hongyi, Zhang Kaitai and Yu Cheng’en, although none have officially signed on to the project.
As of now, the drama reportedly remains without a confirmed male lead.
Despite ongoing casting rumors, Esther Yu continues to have considerable commercial value in the Chinese entertainment industry. It maintains a large fan base, strong public recognition, and significant media attention. Many of her previous co-stars, including Zhang Yujian, Zhang Linghe and Ding Yuxi, saw their popularity increase following successful projects with her.
For many actors, acting alongside Esther Yu can still provide substantial exposure and increase the visibility of a project.
At the same time, Esther Yu faced a series of controversies that reportedly affected her public image. Chinese media have highlighted the scrutiny of his family’s business, as well as online allegations of workplace bullying, cyberbullying and conflicts with colleagues. While many of these claims remain hotly debated among fans and critics, the controversies have fueled negative public discussion.
Reports also noted that several social media accounts affiliated with Chinese state broadcaster China Central Television (CCTV) removed content related to Esther Yu in late 2025, a development that sparked further speculation about her standing in the industry.
She was also reportedly absent from several major year-end galas and events on the platform, leading observers to wonder whether brands and broadcasters had become more wary of working with her.
Industry insiders also highlighted China’s long-standing issue of “billing order” disputes. In Chinese dramas, the order in which actors’ names appear in promotional materials is often seen as a reflection of their popularity, status, and importance within the project. As a result, billing negotiations often become a major source of conflict between agencies and production companies.
According to entertainment reports, some actors may be reluctant to participate in projects if they are asked to accept lower-than-expected billing. At the same time, major stars and their management teams are often unwilling to compromise on location.
As a result, observers believe that both billing disputes and concerns about public perception may be contributing to the delays around The Immortal Flesh.
The situation is reminiscent of another Esther Yu project, Jiangnan in One Thought, which reportedly struggled to move forward after announcing its casting due to difficulties in securing a male lead. Although he eventually began filming Yun Chu Ling alongside Zhang Yunlong, similar casting challenges now appear to be affecting The Immortal Flesh.
However, it is important to note that most reports regarding the actors turning down the project remain industry rumors and have not been officially confirmed by the production team or the actors involved. Until the official casting announcement is made, speculation about the drama’s male lead is likely to continue.
Sources: K14
