Delayed by Kris Wu Scandal, The Golden Hairpin Finally Completes Reshoots After Seven Years, Report Says Executives Fell Silent After Screening

BEIJING, July 29 – Chinese historical drama The Golden Hairpin, adapted from the popular novel The Record of the Hairpin, remains in limbo despite extensive reshoots following the removal of its original male lead, Kris Wu, who was convicted on criminal charges.

According to industry insiders, the revised version recently underwent an internal screening, but the response was reportedly disappointing. Executives are said to be considering writing off an investment of more than RMB400 million (around RM245 million) rather than releasing a product they believe falls short of expectations.

Sources claimed the new cut still contains obvious green-screen effects from the reshoots, while transitions between newly filmed and original footage appear uneven. As much of the drama was initially filmed in 2019, some costumes, props and visual styling are also said to look dated by current production standards.

The production reportedly approached several actors to replace Kris Wu before eventually casting Peng Guanying to reshoot the necessary scenes. Lead actress Yang Zi also returned to the set for about 20 days without additional pay despite her busy schedule. The series was trimmed from its original 60 episodes to 40, with greater emphasis placed on the female lead's mystery-solving storyline in hopes of improving the overall narrative.

Although The Golden Hairpin has been included on a list of upcoming dramas and Yang Zi's recent Best Actress win at the Magnolia Awards has renewed public interest, reports suggest the internal evaluation has left executives hesitant about moving forward with the release.

With a production budget exceeding RMB400 million and years of delays behind it, the drama's future reportedly remains uncertain as producers weigh quality concerns against significant financial losses.