Liu Yifei and Liu Haoran have "disappeared" from the small screen - Photo: Weibo
According to Sohu , the Chinese film industry is undergoing a major adjustment. The number of projects is decreasing, and casting standards are changing, making downtime for actors a common phenomenon.
Even artists who were once at the top have to face the challenge of finding a new direction and adapting to a changing market.
A number of Chinese stars have no films to act in.
In June 2026, at an entertainment event, two famous actors, Dong Zijian and Liu Haoran, directly addressed the cameras and said: "I'm quite free lately, so I welcome any film offers. If you have any work, please contact me, thank you."
Meanwhile, Cheng Xiao also admitted on the red carpet that her schedule is currently quite empty. She rose to fame for her role opposite Xu Kai in the drama "You're Most Beautiful When You Smile ," but has since faded into obscurity among the new generation of actors.
Cheng Xiao had to publicly "beg" at an awards ceremony to get a role in a film - Photo: Weibo
Awards ceremonies, which are supposed to honor artists, have unexpectedly transformed into a "large-scale self-promotion event," with many established actors, their works, and resources proactively seeking opportunities.
Even Zhang Ziyi, after winning an award for the film "The Longest Promise," appealed on stage: "If anyone has a suitable script, please send it to me. If there is a lack of funding, I can also help find ways to support it."
Another noteworthy case is Liu Yifei. After completing the drama "The Story of the Rose" in November 2023, she has gone more than 900 days without participating in any new film projects, becoming one of the top actresses with the longest "hiatus" currently.
Liu Yifei hasn't acted in a film for 900 days after "The Legend of the Rose" - Photo: Weibo
Similar to Liu Yifei, Hu Yitian has also gone more than 640 days without a new film. Once a leading male star, nổi with the image of a "schoolboy heartthrob," his prolonged silence has surprised audiences.
In a livestream, Jia Nai Liang and Han Dong also admitted that they were both experiencing a shortage of projects.
On social media, many viewers have even created lists to track artists' "unemployment diaries," keeping track of the number of days they haven't been on set and the likelihood of them getting new projects in the future.
Why are actors facing a shortage of film roles?
According to Sohu , the shortage of projects for actors has been occurring since 2020, when the number of films being started gradually decreased. This period has most strongly affected mid-tier and lower-tier actors.
As investment capital increases, producers tend to prioritize artists with the potential to generate commercial success. There have been cases where artists were initially identified for major projects, with negotiations completed with the film crew, only to be replaced by a more well-known actor just before filming began.
Jackson Yee is currently a highly sought-after name in the Chinese entertainment industry - Photo: Weibo
The idol drama genre has also become a fiercely competitive field. This market has an abundance of young actors, making it difficult for artists with limited image or less potential for expanding their acting roles to lose their advantage.
Besides market factors, an artist's career development path also makes a difference.
Some people rely on past popularity but lack a long-term development strategy and struggle when their appeal wanes. Conversely, those with professional management teams, clear direction, and adaptability tend to have more opportunities.
Besides acting, Zhao Lusi has also ventured into singing and holding concerts - Photo: Weibo
To adapt, many actors began exploring new avenues such as livestreaming sales, developing personal content, participating in short films, or trying their hand at music .
However, these new fields are also highly diversified. Livestreaming is more suitable for artists who already have a certain audience. Creating personal content requires long-term sustainability and finding a unique style. Short films used to create more job opportunities but are now being impacted by the development of AI technology.
Sina believes that acting ability and professional attitude will determine an actor's long-term survival.
Yang Zi has been constantly joining film crews, recently experiencing a surge in popularity with "Family Business" - Photo: Weibo
Artists who are capable of taking on diverse roles and maintaining professionalism still have opportunities for growth. The Chinese market is gradually reducing its reliance on popularity and focusing more on the practical value that actors bring to a film.
A period without films doesn't mean the end of a career, but rather a time when each actor must reassess their position and find ways to adapt to a rapidly changing film industry.
Source: https://tuoitre.vn/bao-dong-do-cho-man-anh-hoa-ngu-100260630232226602.htm
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