Zhang Jizhong, a legendary figure behind multiple Jin Yong wuxia adaptations, shared on a television program that Liu Xiaoqing had initially been discussed for the iconic role. However, due to the significant age gap between the actress and the original character, the production team eventually chose Liu Yifei, who was only 17 years old at the time.
The revelation stunned audiences in the studio and quickly triggered a wave of memes, jokes, and heated discussions online. Many netizens expressed disbelief at the idea of a “Liu Xiaoqing version” of Xiaolongnü ever appearing on screen, turning the topic into viral entertainment.
For long-time fans of the 2006 adaptation, the news came as a relief. While Liu Xiaoqing was undeniably a screen beauty in her youth, she was already in her 50s at the time. Portraying Xiaolongnü an ethereal, pure, and otherworldly figure would have been difficult to convincingly pull off.
Many commented that if Liu Xiaoqing had taken on the role, even Yin Zhiping’s obsessive infatuation with Xiaolongnü would have felt implausible, stripping the story of its emotional core. In that scenario, The Return of the Condor Heroes (2006) might not have become a classic, but instead gone down as one of the most controversial adaptations in showbiz history.
In hindsight, casting Liu Yifei proved to be a decisive and successful choice. Her portrayal of Xiaolongnü remains widely regarded as definitive and irreplaceable, and the role played a pivotal part in propelling her to top-tier stardom.
As for Liu Xiaoqing, the veteran actress has continued to spark controversy in recent years by frequently taking on roles far younger than her actual age. In 2023, she drew criticism for playing a teenage character in Ice Sniper 2, and more recently repeated the pattern in the short drama project The Legend of Wu Zetian.
Many observers believe that these repeated “age-defying” casting choices have taken a toll on Liu Xiaoqing’s reputation. Once revered as an acting icon especially for her legendary portrayal of Wu Zetian she is now seen by some as undermining her own legacy. Audiences have expressed regret that a once-celebrated star appears to be dimming her former glory through increasingly controversial late-career decisions.
Sources: K14