Analysis of Successful Casting in Chinese Mainland Dramas: Top 10 Dramas with High Actor-Role Affinity in Novel Adaptations

For a novel adaptation drama to succeed, it is important for the actors to perform close to the original characters. This article compiles the top 10 dramas with the most successful novel casting based on evaluations from various platforms in China.

Top 10 Strongest Casting in Novel Adaptation Dramas: Song Weilong and Zhang Jingyi in 《Wild Dog Bone》 《Wild Dog Bone》 is adapted from the novel of the same name by Xiutucity. Set in the 1990s, Song Weilong plays Chen Yi, a character who is arrogant and lacks a sense of security, while Zhang Jingyi plays Miao Jing, a stubborn and clear-headed character. The two become step-siblings through their parents' remarriage and gradually become dependent on each other as their family situation changes. Audiences felt that Song Weilong and Zhang Jingyi's appearances fit the novel's atmosphere and that their performances were close to the original characters.

Top 9 Strongest Casting in Novel Adaptation Dramas: Liu Shishi in 《Step by Step Surprise》 《Step by Step Surprise》 is adapted from the novel of the same name by Tonghua. Liu Shishi plays Zhang Xiao and Ma'ertai Ruoxi, who time-travel from the modern era to the Qing Dynasty. Ruoxi, who is familiar with historical developments, is still drawn into the struggle for the throne and develops romantic relationships with the Eighth Prince and the Fourth Prince. Liu Shishi's performance as Ruoxi, who gradually transforms from a lively and straightforward girl to a court lady who sees through the price of power, has been praised by many viewers. Liu Shishi's version of Ruoxi remains a classic that is hard to replace for many viewers. Some like her lively and dynamic appearance in the early stages, while others believe she has a delicate and elegant Eastern feminine charm. Drama fans also mentioned that her weary and helpless gaze in the later stages is particularly infectious. Liu Shishi's performance does not deliberately exaggerate emotions but is very suitable for Ruoxi's gradual loss of luster in court life. Viewers can clearly feel that she does not suddenly become sad but gradually loses her original cheerfulness after repeated disappointments.

Top 8 Strongest Casting in Novel Adaptation Dramas: Xiao Zhan in 《The Untamed》 《The Untamed》 is adapted from the novel 《The Founder of Diabolism》 by Mokxy Copper Rust. Xiao Zhan plays Wei Wuxian, a disciple of Yunmen Sect. In his youth, Wei Wuxian is carefree and unrestrained, but after the destruction of Yunmen Sect, he loses his Golden Core to save Jiang Cheng and turns to practicing demonic cultivation. Later, he becomes estranged from the sects and families of the immortal world after protecting the innocent people of the Wen family and eventually falls off a cliff and disappears after being set up. Sixteen years later, Wei Wuxian returns to the world through Mo Xuanwu's sacrifice and, together with Lan Wangji, investigates the truth of the past. Xiao Zhan's portrayal of Wei Wuxian has been praised for the clear difference between his early and later stages. Viewers believe that he looks very youthful when he smiles in the early stages, and his actions and expressions are relaxed and lively. After experiencing family changes, his gaze becomes more suppressed and defensive, and when he returns sixteen years later, he becomes more stable. Some original readers also said that Xiao Zhan has captured Wei Wuxian's personality of seeming playful but having principles. After the character is struck, he does not completely lose his original self, and the occasional smile he reveals makes people feel the changes that have happened to him over the years.

Top 7 Strongest Casting in Novel Adaptation Dramas: Bai Yu in 《The Silent Truth》 《The Silent Truth》 is adapted from the novel 《Long Night Difficult to Enlighten》 by Zijing Chen. Bai Yu plays Jiang Yang, a prosecutor. In his youth, Jiang Yang has a bright future, but after spending about seven years investigating the Hou Guiping case, he gradually loses his job, marriage, reputation, and health. Bai Yu must present Jiang Yang's enormous transformation from a young and ambitious prosecutor to a poor and weak middle-aged man in the same drama. When mentioning Bai Yu's portrayal of Jiang Yang, many viewers will think of the changes in his eyes. Some noticed that young Jiang Yang's eyes are bright, but later only fatigue remains. Others praised his coughing sound, way of speaking, and walking posture, all of which convey a sense of weakness. Some viewers also said that seeing him change from confident to downcast really makes them feel sorry for the character. Bai Yu did not portray Jiang Yang as a hero who is always brave but retained his fear, hesitation, and powerlessness. It is precisely because this person looks so ordinary that the price he is willing to pay is even more heartbreaking.

Top 6 Strongest Casting in Novel Adaptation Dramas: Zhang Ruoyun in 《The Years of Blessing》 《The Years of Blessing》 is adapted from the novel of the same name by Mao Nian. Zhang Ruoyun plays Fan Chuan. After Fan Chuan enters the capital from Danzhou, he is gradually drawn into the struggles of the royal family, the Bureau of Inspection, and various forces, while also investigating the truth behind his mother Ye Qingzhen's death. This character has the thoughts and memories of a modern person but must hide his bottom card in a dangerous power environment, often speaking in a cynical tone but always having his own principles. When Zhang Ruoyun was announced to play Fan Chuan, some original readers had doubts, but after the broadcast, many people thought he captured the essence of the character. Some like his slightly teasing tone when speaking, some think his reactions are quick, very fitting for Fan Chuan's clever and alert setting, and some viewers praised him for naturally portraying the character's surface casualness and always being alert in his heart. Zhang Ruoyun did not deliberately portray Fan Chuan as a perfect male lead but retained his cleverness, cunning, and occasional childishness, making the character more approachable.

Top 5 Strongest Casting in Novel Adaptation Dramas: Luo Yunxi in 《Ashes of Love》 《Ashes of Love》 is adapted from the novel of the same name by Dianxian. Luo Yunxi plays Runyu, the eldest son of the Heavenly Emperor. Runyu appears gentle and refined but has been neglected since childhood due to his background and has long been suppressed by the Empress. Under the multiple stimuli of his mother's murder, failed love, and power struggle, he gradually embarks on the road to competing for the throne. This character is between deep affection, obsession, and ambition, and a slight imbalance in the character's transformation can easily be portrayed as a simple villain. Luo Yunxi's portrayal of Runyu remains a character that many viewers think of when mentioning ancient costume supporting actors. Some praised his ancient costume temperament very suitable for the gentle and refined Night God, and some believe he handled Runyu's transformation from hidden endurance to power very finely. Some viewers said that even knowing that the character did many wrong things later, they still feel sorry for his fate. Luo Yunxi's early tone and expressions are very restrained, and in the later stages, his ambition and dissatisfaction gradually emerge. This gradual accumulation of transformation also prevents Runyu from becoming a simple villain who turns bad for love.

Top 4 Strongest Casting in Novel Adaptation Dramas: Tan Kengxi in 《Ever Night》 《Ever Night》 is adapted from the novel of the same name by Tonghua. Tan Kengxi plays Xiang Liu, the military strategist of the Chenrong Yiyong army. Xiang Liu appears cold and cruel but later inherits the identity of Fangfeng E and accompanies Xiaoqiao as the second son of the Fangfeng family with a carefree and unrestrained image, also secretly saving her many times without her knowledge. This character rarely expresses his feelings, and many emotions are hidden in his choices and farewells, and finally still ends up with an inevitable outcome due to his own position. After Tan Kengxi played Xiang Liu, many original readers thought he brought the character to life. Some like Xiang Liu's cold and detached expression, some praised him for switching to Fangfeng E, and his entire tone and actions became much more relaxed, and some viewers mentioned that he rarely speaks his true heart but can make people understand the character's hidden feelings. Tan Kengxi did not rely on exaggerated expressions to distinguish the two identities but made differences from eye contact, posture, and speaking speed. Viewers can therefore better feel that Xiang Liu is not without feelings but has never intended to ask for a return from the other party.

Top 3 Strongest Casting in Novel Adaptation Dramas: Sun Li in 《Empresses in the Palace》 《Empresses in the Palace》 is adapted from the novel by Liuzi. Sun Li plays Zhen Huan. Zhen Huan initially wanted to stay away from the struggle when she entered the palace but later experienced favoritism, the loss of her child, leaving the palace for cultivation, and returning to the palace again. In the repeated betrayals and schemes, she becomes calm and strong, and finally becomes the Holy Mother Empress Dowager, controlling the power of the palace. The role's age, identity, and psychological state span a large range. Sun Li's portrayal of Zhen Huan, even after many years, is still regarded as the representative role in the novel adaptation drama. Some praised her acting even when frowning, crying, and being silent, and some believe she clearly distinguished Zhen Huan's innocence in the early stages and her calmness in the later stages. Some drama fans said it is hard to imagine that this role could be played by other actors. Sun Li's strength lies in the fact that even when Zhen Huan becomes strong, she can still let people see the injuries she has suffered in the past. Viewers will not feel that the character suddenly became a different person, but rather that she has become stronger after experiencing many hardships.

Top 2 Strongest Casting in Novel Adaptation Dramas: Huang Xuan in 《Nirvana in Fire》 《Nirvana in Fire》 is adapted from the novel of the same name by Haiyan. Huang Xuan plays Lin Shu, a general who is framed and demoted to a common soldier. After his father's death, he is determined to uncover the truth behind the conspiracy and gradually becomes involved in the political struggles of the imperial court. Huang Xuan's portrayal of Lin Shu is praised for his ability to convey the character's inner turmoil and determination. His performance is seen as a perfect match for the original character, and he has received widespread acclaim from both critics and audiences.

Top 1 Strongest Casting in Novel Adaptation Dramas: Hu Ge in 《The Legend of the Condor Heroes》 《The Legend of the Condor Heroes》 is adapted from the novel of the same name by Jin Yong. Hu Ge plays Guo Jing, a young man who grows up in the wilderness and later becomes a great hero. Hu Ge's portrayal of Guo Jing is praised for his ability to convey the character's innocence, determination, and growth. His performance is seen as a perfect match for the original character, and he has received widespread acclaim from both critics and audiences.