LayarHijau.com – Zhao Lusi, who has been on a lengthy break due to health issues, recently returned to work and began doing live streams. However, she has once again become the center of public attention following revelations that the filming of the drama "Almost Lover," which was halted last year due to her illness, will not continue. Various media outlets in China and Taiwan, including NetEase and Upmedia, have discussed this rumor.
Based on information and developments from multiple sources, it seems highly likely that filming will not resume. In December of last year, while filming "Almost Lover," Zhao Lusi was suddenly hospitalized. The cause of her condition was diagnosed as dissociative disorder (conversion) and anxiety. Subsequent videos shared with the public revealed that Zhao Lusi's condition was quite serious, rendering her unable to even hold a spoon while eating.
Nevertheless, after more than a month of recovery, Zhao Lusi returned to work before the Spring Festival and resumed her role as a brand ambassador. At that time, she appeared significantly improved, stating that she had gained 8 kilograms during her recovery.
During the Spring Festival, Zhao Lusi celebrated the New Year at home and showed marked improvements in her health. She recovered quickly and appeared no different from an average person.
After the New Year, Zhao Lusi dove back into her busy schedule, participating in photo shoots for various brands, magazine covers, and starting her live streams. She looked to be in excellent condition during these broadcasts, with a bright smile, glowing complexion, and positive mood. She seemed to have fully recovered.
The studio has been regularly providing updates on Zhao Lusi. Although she has been busy with various projects, there has been no information regarding her return to filming "Almost Lover."
Director Deng Ke, who has reportedly been replaced, has yet to make any statements, and his social media platforms have recently promoted content from "Guardians of the Dafeng." Additionally, lead actor Peng Guanying has not posted anything related to the drama since Zhao Lusi left the crew and filming was halted. He has also been preoccupied with other matters, such as photo shoots.
As a result, the official Weibo account for "Almost Lover" and Zhao Lusi's agency, Galaxy Cool Entertainment, have not updated any developments regarding the drama. From earlier announcements about Zhao Lusi rejoining the filming location to the announcement that "Almost Lover" will not proceed, both parties have remained silent. The reason is straightforward; Zhao Lusi’s presence on set is the best news for the drama itself, its investors, and the agency. This continued silence is believed to indicate that filming will not resume and that the project is currently in a state of suspension.
While actors may be able to wait, the crew cannot. It is essential to note that filming a drama is not just the responsibility of one or two actors; it involves hundreds of staff members behind the scenes. It's not just the busy actors who cannot postpone; crews from other departments like photography and lighting also cannot afford to wait.
Nearly three months have passed since filming ceased last year. This situation is not merely about production costs. Staff members in each crew may need to transition to the next project soon. Although Peng Guanying may not be a top-tier star, it is possible that he has already signed on for other drama contracts, making it difficult for "Almost Lover" to request more time.
Therefore, if there are unavoidable reasons causing the crew to stop working, they will likely try to shorten the suspension period and continue filming as soon as possible. However, after the Spring Festival, Zhao Lusi's health appears to allow her to return to the set, yet there has been no information about her resuming filming.
Another possibility is that she is using her refusal to return to filming as leverage to negotiate a cancellation of her contract with Galaxy Cool Entertainment. While there hasn’t been an open dispute, conflicts between the two parties are nearly common knowledge, and various "displays" from both sides over time have appeared to resemble a tug-of-war regarding the contract termination.
If the production of "Almost Lover" is canceled, it won’t be as simple as Galaxy Cool Entertainment just paying compensation to the producers as per the contract. Galaxy Cool Entertainment is also one of the producers for this drama.
From the posters, it can be seen that "Almost Lover" is an exclusive drama for Youku. Youku is the main producer while Galaxy Cool Entertainment is the third producer. If Galaxy Cool Entertainment cannot manage Zhao Lusi, not only will they face losses, but Youku will also suffer. Previously invested production costs and actor remuneration would be wasted. Is there a possibility for both parties to collaborate again in the future?
After rumors of a filming halt circulated, a prominent influencer shared a message stating that if Zhao Lusi does not continue filming, she will likely have to pay compensation. However, the compensation is a secondary concern; the real issue lies in the impact on the other actors. The influencer expressed regret for the other actors, suggesting that they should be cautious about working with her in the future.
Other influencers have also voiced concerns, believing that not continuing filming will affect the entire crew's jobs, resulting in many losing their livelihoods. Clearly, halting production is not beneficial.
Many similar opinions have emerged. In general, while the agency may have acted irresponsibly, the other actors and staff on set are not at fault! Not proceeding with the filming reflects a lack of contractual commitment and irresponsible behavior.
It appears that the drama between Zhao Lusi and Galaxy Cool Entertainment may soon come to an end. It won't be long before we see how the situation develops and what decisions both parties will make next. Let’s wait and see.
As of now, no parties involved have confirmed or denied the rumors regarding the halt of filming for "Almost Lover."