Prepare for a genre-bending journey as The Scroll of Dreams (书卷一梦) materializes onto screens. Premiering June 26th, this 38-episode costume drama boasts a unique premise: a modern actress plunges into her audition script's ancient world. Produced by iQIYI and broadcast simultaneously on Jiangsu Satellite TV's prime-time slot, the series leverages powerhouse platforms to reach a vast audience.
Unlike typical transmigration tales soaring through celestial realms, The Scroll of Dreams plants its feet firmly in a grounded historical setting. Its core allure lies in the audacious "book people's awakening journey" - characters rebelling against their preordained fates. With a stellar cast led by Li Yitong (李一桐) and Liu Yuning (刘宇宁) , and a director famed for visual poetry (Guo Hu), the show radiates breakout potential, poised to challenge the dominance of recent fantasy hits like Eternal Night of the Stars (永夜星河).
Anti-Trope Narrative Takes Flight
Forget predictable arcs. The Scroll of Dreams thrives on subverting expectations. Protagonist Song Xiaoyu (Li Yitong), a struggling actress, doesn't merely read her lines; she becomes Song Yimeng, the ill-fated heroine of the period script she's auditioning for. Her immediate goal isn't romance or power, but sheer survival - a "desperate escape for survival" . Armed with modern knowledge and script insights, she attempts frantic detours from her character’s tragic destiny, only to discover the narrative’s stubborn pull. Each deviation ironically tightens the noose, creating a thrilling cat-and-mouse game within the confines of the inked world.
The supposed antagonist, Nan Heng (Liu Yuning), initially embodies cold, controlling archetypes. Yet, cracks soon appear in his facade, revealing layers of profound vulnerability and silent rebellion. This isn't a simple battle between hero and villain, but a shared struggle against an invisible authorial hand. The drama masterfully cultivates an "abstract, whimsical style", blending laugh-out-loud absurdity - like Song Yimeng literally placing her "protagonist halo" onto Nan Heng's head - with moments of genuine existential tension. Director Guo Hu ensures this tonal dance is visually stunning, maximizing aesthetic appeal while amplifying the narrative's inherent surrealism.
The brilliance unfolds as characters gradually awaken to their fictional chains. Song Yimeng, Nan Heng, and the supporting ensemble cease being mere puppets. They question their motivations, defy prescribed emotions, and forge alliances against the very plot designed to control them. This collective "rebellion against fate" forms the show’s potent emotional core, transforming it from a quirky comedy into a resonant exploration of free will versus predestination. The "book people" aren't just fighting for a happy ending; they're fighting for the right to author their own existence.
Stellar Cast Breaks the Mold
Li Yitong reaffirms her status as a 90s-generation powerhouse with her portrayal of Song Xiaoyu/Song Yimeng. She effortlessly navigates the character's duality: the bewildered modern woman trapped in an absurd situation and the determined ancient heroine fighting for autonomy. Her performance brims with comedic timing and relatable vulnerability, particularly in scenes depicting Song Yimeng's frantic escape attempts. Li Yitong’s radiant screen presence and impeccable period costumes instantly captivate, proving her enduring command over the historical drama genre. Her ability to infuse the role with genuine charm and spunk silences any premature calls for career shifts; she remains a formidable force in costume epics.
Liu Yining , riding high from his acclaimed role in The Prisoner of Beauty (折腰), continues his ascent as a leading man of remarkable presence. As Nan Heng, he masterfully balances brooding intensity with glimpses of profound inner conflict and burgeoning defiance. His towering stature and striking features lend undeniable authority to the role, especially in his enigmatic "knight-errant with a bamboo hat" guise. Liu Yining showcases significant growth in dramatic range and action choreography, particularly in demanding fight sequences. His chemistry with Li Yitong crackles, making their complex dynamic - oscillating between adversaries and reluctant allies - one of the show's most anticipated highlights.
The ensemble elevates the production further. Zhu Xudan (祝绪丹), a renowned costume drama goddess, brings depth to the female lead role. Supporting actors Wang Yilun, Wang Youshuo, and Chang Long offer strong performances, blending impressive visuals with solid acting chops. The inclusion of seasoned veterans like Huang Weide, Wang Yan, Zheng Guolin, and Chen Zihan adds significant gravitas and acting pedigree, enriching the narrative tapestry. This harmonious blend of youth and experience within the cast creates a compelling ensemble dynamic, crucial for selling the show’s central theme of collective awakening and resistance.
Bolstered by its innovative premise,dual-platform powerhouse release,award-caliber direction, and an exceptionally charismatic cast, The Scroll of Dreams possesses all the ingredients of a breakout phenomenon. It promises not just entertainment, but a witty, visually sumptuous meditation on storytelling itself. If it captures the audience's imagination as anticipated, it could propel Li Yitong to new heights and solidify Liu Yining's status as a bankable leading man with consecutive hits. The stage is set; the scroll is unfurling. The dream begins tonight.
