Wu Geng Ji — the Lie Yan drama starring Ren Jialun
At a glance40 episodes
In March 2024, Wu Geng Ji moved to live action with Lie Yan (烈焰), a 40-episode series streamed on iQIYI. Ren Jialun plays Prince Wu Geng, alongside Xing Fei, Zhu Xudan, Yan Yikuan, Zhu Zhengting and Mi Re.
Production and behind the scenes
The series is directed by Zheng Weiwen, known for The Untamed, the adaptation of Mo Dao Zu Shi, and for the Qin's Moon drama, already based on a Sparkly Key series. It is presented as an adaptation of Sparkly Key's animated series rather than of the original manhua.
How it differs from the donghua
The drama changes several names: Wu Geng is written 伍赓, and the gods become the race of the "new Shen". The story follows an enslaved human prince who unites humans, demons, the hidden people and the sea people against his oppressors.
Reception and success
Streamed exclusively on iQIYI, Lie Yan drew audiences mainly through its cast, headlined by Ren Jialun. Its 45-minute episodes make it a large, big-budget fantasy saga.
Trivia
- The full title is sometimes written "Lie Yan: Wu Geng Ji" (烈焰之武庚纪).
- Zheng Weiwen also directed the Qin's Moon drama, another Sparkly Key franchise.
My take
Lie Yan is a spectacular fantasy drama, but it strays far from the spirit of Wu Geng Ji by renaming its peoples and softening its revolt against the gods. Better to see it as a separate story.
Who is it for?For fans of Ren Jialun and of big Chinese fantasy dramas. Donghua fans may feel out of place.
— Spidermas, for Donghua Fan