TPO - A day after being announced as the actress playing Empress Nam Phuong in "The Last Empress," Tang Thanh Ha remains the focus of discussion on social media. Besides the debates about her suitability for the historical figure, the "screen goddess'" return after a 13-year absence from film continues to attract significant public attention.
Báo Tiền Phong•03/07/2026
After being announced as the actress playing Empress Nam Phuong in the film "The Last Empress," Tang Thanh Ha became the center of discussion. Besides the excitement surrounding her return to the big screen after a 13-year absence since "Beauty Trap ," many questioned the actress's suitability for this famous historical figure of the Nguyen dynasty.
One of the biggest debates revolves around Tang Thanh Ha's pairing with Ma Ran Do in the role of Emperor Bao Dai. In real life, the actress is 11 years older than her co-star. Images of the two appearing together at the press conference led many viewers to believe the age difference was too obvious and could affect the on-screen chemistry between them. There were also opinions that film success isn't solely determined by the actors' ages, but also depends on makeup, acting, and the director's storytelling.
At the project launch event, Tang Thanh Ha stated that she anticipated audience debate. The actress revealed that she had discussed the role with director Bao Nhan and Nam Cito many times before agreeing to participate. "I considered it carefully, because this is a real-life character, well-known to many people. I don't want to look back later and regret not daring to try," she shared.
Tang Thanh Ha said that age is a significant pressure in her return to the screen. When standing next to Ma Ran Do in real life, the audience can see the age difference. She believes that when the film is complete with makeup, setting, lighting, and acting, viewers will focus on the story rather than the age gap between the two actors. At 40, Tang Thanh Ha still maintains a figure and demeanor that many viewers consider elegant and sophisticated. This image, preserved over the years, has led many to support the decision to cast her as Empress Nam Phuong, despite some differing opinions regarding her appearance compared to the historical figure.
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Alongside praise for her charisma, many opinions also suggest that Tang Thanh Ha's beauty differs significantly from the image of Empress Nam Phuong in historical documents. Some viewers commented that the actress's face is sharper and has more modern features, while the original was known for her refined beauty, single eyelids, and gentle demeanor.
Without shying away from public doubts, Tang Thanh Ha said she spent a lot of time researching the character before filming began. Besides relearning the film crew's work rhythm after more than a decade, the actress also practiced playing the piano every day and frequently communicated with the director to understand the character's psychology. "The hardest thing was the suppressed emotions. I had to find the reason behind Empress Nam Phuong's silence," she said.
Tang Thanh Ha poses alongside Tram Anh - who plays Ly Le Ha (left) - and director and actress Kathy Uyen at the event. According to the production team, "The Last Empress" does not explore historical figures as distant symbols but focuses on the stories of people with love, family, trauma, and life choices.
Tang Thanh Ha appeared in an ao dai (traditional Vietnamese dress) inspired by the style of Empress Nam Phuong. Meritorious Artist Dieu Duc - who plays Empress Dowager Tu Cung - also contributed to the character's costume, hinting at the Nguyen Dynasty imperial palace setting that will be recreated in the film.
Ma Ran Do and Tang Thanh Ha made their debut portraying King Bao Dai and Queen Nam Phuong. Responding to comments that the two weren't a perfect match, director Nam Cito affirmed that the casting criteria weren't about finding someone who looked exactly like the real person. "We need an actor who makes the audience believe they are the character when the film begins, not someone who only resembles them in appearance," he said.
Before returning to acting, Tang Thanh Ha almost completely withdrew from artistic activities to focus on her family and business. Despite this, the actress still maintains considerable popularity on social media. Each of her appearances attracts a large amount of public attention, demonstrating the special place the "screen goddess" holds in the hearts of her audience after many years of absence.
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When asked about the changes she's undergone over the years, Tang Thanh Ha shared that she no longer has the same eyesight as she did in her youth, but considers them "masterpieces of her journey as a mother." This candid acknowledgment of her age and the changes she's experienced is also why many viewers appreciate how the actress handled the pressure of playing Empress Nam Phuong.
The casting of Tang Thanh Ha as Empress Nam Phuong may continue to be a subject of debate until the film's release. However, just one day after the cast was announced, the "screen goddess'" return created a strong media buzz, making The Last Empress one of the most anticipated film projects currently.
