The original article was published in Harper’s Bazaar Digital Magazine (June Special Issue on The Untamed, June 26, 2019)
Photography/@ZACK张悦 (Zack Image)
Planning & Styling/Ge Haichen AnnaKot (Bazaar Film)
General Coordination/Zhang Jingxuan Coco
Clothing Coordination/Yin Bowen
Interview & Text/Abusi
Xiao Zhan Makeup & Hair/Zhang Xiao
Assistants/Han Haohao, Zhang Yawen, Wang Hailun
Costume Photography/@wintam0119
Xiao Zhan Makeup/Jiao (DDJ STUDIO)
Xiao Zhan Hair/Xiao Yunjian ONTIME
Digital Magazine Director/Liu Jing
Digital Magazine Video Interview Planning/@BAZAAR_SURE
Design/Yang Shanshan
“The Untamed” marks Xiao Zhan’s first time filming in Hengdian World Studios, and also marks Xiao Zhan’s first time filming a period drama. With both young male actors experiencing their firsts, just how captivating is “The Untamed”? #Harper’sBazaarDigitalMagazine# Xiao Zhan Special Edition – let’s talk about their firsts and their stories of youth and the martial arts world~
Xiao Zhan laughs as he walks between heaven and earth.
Xiao Zhan seemed a little “disgusted” with Wei Wuxian for crying too much; Xiao Zhan’s eyes were often red throughout the filming. After several months of filming, from Hengdian to Guizhou, Xiao Zhan finally said goodbye to Wei Wuxian, telling him: “Wei Wuxian, don’t be so stubborn anymore, take care of yourself.”
Xiao Zhan’s image of Wei Wuxian is that of a “mischievous boy.” Even after experiencing so much sorrow, Wei Wuxian still has a cheerful demeanor. Many times, we are forced to face things we don’t want to do; only in this way can we become stronger. “That’s what growing up is like,” Xiao Zhan said.
In the drama, Wei Wuxian chooses to face life with laughter and scorn. Xiao Zhan discussed this issue with the screenwriter: why can someone who has suffered so much still laugh? Xiao Zhan ultimately found a foothold for the character’s personality: “Wei Wuxian’s nature is still kind and optimistic. His nature is there, and no matter how the plot develops, his core will not change.”
Xiao Zhan’s favorite part of the story is the time Wei Wuxian spent growing up in Lotus Pier, a warm and welcoming place. The Jiang family motto of Lotus Pier is
“To do what is known to be impossible, yet still to do it.” “It’s about allowing you to grow freely within a very broad moral framework,” Xiao Zhan explained. The orphan Wei Wuxian was raised by the loving Jiang Fengmian and his wife; this place was the source of Wei Wuxian’s inner strength, the “root” of his character. The support of love allowed Wei Wuxian to weather great changes without becoming evil. Xiao Zhan said, “The environment of Lotus Pier instilled in Wei Wuxian a correct set of values.”
Wei Wuxian is someone with a similar personality to Xiao Zhan, especially in his uninhibited behavior around people he knows well. “If you don’t know me well, you might think I’m quiet and reserved, but once you get to know me, I’m actually quite energetic.” On set, Xiao Zhan was often “bullied” by a group of people. Their reason was, “Because you’re the older brother.” “What kind of logic is that? A bizarre reason,” Xiao Zhan complained.
In Xiao Zhan’s mind, Lan Wangji is “a principled, calm, and man of few words but with a passionate heart.” Regarding his first collaboration, Xiao Zhan shared: “Acting with him was quite easy for me to immerse myself in the role. When I first met ***, I felt that he had a cold aura and a sense of distance. Lan Wangji is just like that—unapproachable.”
The scene where Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji “reunite” after sixteen years is the climax of the entire drama. Xiao Zhan recalled that the scene was filmed from 8 pm to 4 am. This scene required a high level of emotional expression from the actors, and the coordination of camera angles, blocking, and art direction all needed to be perfect. “It took quite a long time to film,” Xiao Zhan said.
This snowy night scene was filmed during Hengdian’s hottest month. The snowflakes were simulated by broken pieces of styrofoam. The “snowflakes” were sprayed onto the actors by the crew as the scene unfolded, and the most uncomfortable part was accidentally getting “snow” in their eyes. “You can’t blink, you have to keep your eyes open,” Xiao Zhan said, widening his eyes as he imitated the action.
During the interview, Xiao Zhan mentioned that he still had a significant scene as Wei Wuxian to film. This scene worried Xiao Zhan and made him think a lot: “Why did Wei Wuxian choose to give up the idea of living? Because he was disappointed in everyone. At that time, he was already a little out of control. In his mind at the time, he felt that no one believed him, everyone betrayed him. His closest relatives sacrificed for him, so of course he felt: ‘Everything started because of me, so let it stop here.’” Speaking of this unfilmed scene, Xiao Zhan was both expectant and apprehensive.
“The Untamed” was Xiao Zhan’s first time filming in Hengdian. “Hengdian is truly worthy of its name; it has everything. You can bump into friends every few steps!” he commented with delight.
While waiting to film, the younger members of the crew would gather to play video games. One of them, a game enthusiast, often belittled Xiao Zhan for his poor skills. “I just don’t understand why we take entertainment so seriously,” Xiao Zhan said, feeling that as long as everyone was having fun together, that was enough.
“I want to play a charmingly cunning but adorable villain,” Xiao Zhan earnestly replied to the question about what kind of roles he would like to play. In the future, he hopes to portray a character completely different from his own personality.
BAZAAR × Xiao Zhan
Q: What was the first thing you did after filming for “The Untamed” wrapped up?
A: Fly home and sleep.
Q: Please say one thing you most want to say to Wei Wuxian.
A: Stop being so stubborn; take good care of yourself and the people you love.
Q: What was the most unforgettable thing that happened during the entire filming period that you might remember for a lifetime?
A: There was a scene that had to be filmed in the water, in an artificial lake that the crew had built. They originally planned to shoot this scene as soon as filming started, and the weather wasn’t too cold when filming began, and the water was clean. But it was delayed for about a month or two. The weather got colder, and the water became less clean. I ended up submerging my entire head in the water – an unforgettable experience.
Q: Looking back on the entire filming process, which scene of yours are you most satisfied with? Why are you satisfied?
A: I’m quite satisfied with the emotional scenes. But as far as I remember, I was basically filming crying scenes the whole time, always sobbing. I don’t know why, why does Wei Wuxian like to cry so much?
Q: If it were possible to reshoot, which scene would you most like to reshoot, and why?
A: If it were possible to reshoot, I would be willing to reshoot everything again.
Q: Did filming “The Untamed” improve your acting skills? Which skill level did it unlock?
A: There are many crying scenes for Wei Wuxian, and his eyes are basically wet every day, hahaha, from now on I’m no longer afraid of crying scenes.
Q: Briefly describe your personality.
A: I’m kind of a ‘human whirlwind’ (a bit wild / lively). How should I put it… I feel like I’m a bit two-sided, with some contrast. But I’m very good at taking care of people, and I pay a lot of attention to everyone’s feelings.”
Q: What are your hobbies?
A: I make things and draw. I draw random things, like my mood. I actually learned quite a few things when I was little, like drawing and Go (Weiqi), but I only stuck with drawing. Because it’s something I like, I’ve kept at it. When I’m filming, I draw with my phone; I bought a pressure-sensitive pen to draw on my phone.
Q: Are there any dream travel destinations?
A: Finland, I want to see the Northern Lights. Perhaps because I’m from the south and haven’t seen snow growing up, I really love the pure, quiet beauty of snow.
Q: What do you do most often on a plane?
A: I used to read books, but now I just sleep.
Q: As a Chongqing native, what are some of your favorite foods?
A: Chongqing noodles… I have so many things I want to eat when I go to Chongqing now: hot pot, Chongqing noodles, barbecue, and so much more.
Q: What makes you happy?
A: What makes me happy is actually very simple: seeing my parents happy makes me happy. They have their own ideas, which I think is great. I’m an only child, but they’re not very clingy. My mom might be a little clingy and miss me sometimes, but my dad is fine. They seem to be having a good time on their own.
Q: How to relieve work pressure when it reaches its limit?
A: Sleep, watch a sad movie.
Q: If you didn’t work for a day, how would you spend it?
A: I’ll go to sleep, watch movies, and play games. I’ll just stay home, because I’m a homebody.
Q: Please evaluate your performance over the past year. Are you satisfied or dissatisfied? Why?
A: I don’t feel there’s anything to be satisfied or dissatisfied with; I just try my best to live life to the fullest.
Q: What are your expectations for yourself in the coming year?
A: Take it to the next level!