Did Sword of Coming (剑来) Just Shock Its Fans with First Season Casting in Lizhu Dongtian (骊珠洞天)?
The live-action adaptation of the hit fantasy series Sword of Coming has wrapped filming, and the budget is a staggering 300 million yuan. The production team built real-life sets from scratch to capture the magical feel of Lizhu Dongtian, a key location in the story. After the animated version finished, the live-action moved fast. Now, the first photos of the actors in costume have leaked online. Some choices look perfect. Others have started heated arguments among fans. Let’s break down who works, who worries us, and why one character might steal the whole show.
The Young Hero
Wu Lei (吴磊) takes on the lead role of Chen Ping’an (陈平安). He is in his early twenties and still has that natural teenage energy. His past work in similar action dramas didn't always succeed, but here, he insists on doing his own fight scenes. The makeup team kept his face simple. No heavy foundation or sharp eyeliner. This makes him look like an ordinary kid from a small village, which is exactly how the novel describes the character. He looks tired, dusty, and real.
Wu Lei also studied the character’s clumsy but determined fighting style. In one leaked clip, he trips during a sword drill but gets up immediately. That small detail shows he understands Chen Ping’an is not a born genius. He is a boy who fails, then tries again. The director reportedly asked Wu Lei to avoid any “cool” poses. The result is a performance that feels honest, not heroic. For many fans, this is the biggest reason to feel hopeful about the show.
What makes it work is the lack of polish. Chen Ping’an in the book has no special glow or charming smirk. He is ordinary. Wu Lei’s bare face and messy hair sell that idea. He also spent weeks training with a real sword coach to avoid looking like a dancer pretending to fight. That effort shows in the raw, heavy movements. If the first season keeps this tone, the lead role will not be a problem.
The Fierce Debate
Then comes Ning Yao (宁姚). Her look has caused the most noise online. The actress wears thick, dark eyebrows and a hairstyle that pulls all hair away from her forehead. This makes her face look sharp and aggressive. In the original novel and the animated series, Ning Yao has a colder, more elegant beauty. Here, she looks like a female warrior ready to punch through a wall. Some fans call it “too fierce.” They say she loses the character’s soul.
But let’s think differently. Ning Yao in the story is a sword genius from a powerful family. She grew up fighting monsters. Why should she look soft? The live-action version emphasizes her eyebrows and high forehead to show her determination. It is a bold choice. The problem might be the makeup itself, not the concept. Her face seems flat, without the tiny lines that come from real emotion. It feels like a mask. That is why many say she has “no spirit” in the photos.
Still, the actress behind it has proven her range in other period dramas. One bad makeup test does not ruin a performance. The real test will be her fight choreography and how she speaks to Chen Ping’an. In the book, Ning Yao is proud but not cruel. If the actress can show that mix of hardness and hidden care, the eyebrows will become a minor detail. For now, the debate continues. But do not judge a warrior by her forehead alone.
Surprising Turns
Zhang Zhen (张震) plays Qi Jingchun (齐静春). Before filming, most fans wanted Hu Ge (胡歌) for this role. Qi is a gentle, wise teacher who hides his power. Zhang Zhen usually plays sharp, intense characters. His face has a natural edge. Everyone thought he could not soften it. But the leaked costume photos changed minds. He wears the exact robes and hat from the book. His posture is calm. His eyes are downcast. The contrast between his usual fierce image and this quiet look creates something new. He might be the best surprise of the show.
Then there is He Rundong (何润东) as Song Changjing (宋长镜). In the story, Song is the War God of Dali. He brags he can crush Qi Jingchun with one hand. He is thick-necked, loud, and wears a fur coat. He Rundong fits this role like a glove. His broad shoulders and heavy walk sell the character’s brute force immediately. In one scene, he just stands there, and you feel the pressure through the screen. The actor himself said he “had a blast” with the fight scenes. That joy is infectious.
Finally, Chen Duling (陈都灵) appears as He Xiaoliang (贺小凉). She has only a few scenes, but her look stunned everyone. Pale skin, elegant dress, and a cold beauty that surpasses Ning Yao’s design. Some worry she is too beautiful for a guest role. It might distract from the main female lead. But the production team clearly put extra care into her costumes and lighting. For a short appearance, she leaves a strong memory. That is good acting and good planning. Not every role needs to be balanced. Sometimes, a guest star can shine without hurting the story.
