Xiao Zhan was shocked by Wang Jing's harsh criticism, who bluntly accused him of lacking acting ability.

Recently, veteran director Wang Jing made some controversial comments on QQ about the career of "top star" Xiao Zhan. His blunt assessment that the actor has a "narrow acting range" has sparked a strong backlash from the public.

Controversial remarks from the "king" of commercial films.

In an interview, Wang Jing suggested that Xiao Zhan is being limited by his own appearance. He noted that the actor is often cast in unsuitable roles, leading to a narrower scope for development. Director Wang advised Xiao Zhan's team to learn from the approach of senior actors like Liu Songren or Xie Tingfeng: scientifically adapting to age to avoid being phased out of the market.

While the view that actors need career planning is well-founded, Wang Jing's use of the phrase "very narrow acting range" has angered audiences. Many believe that the director is using his status as a "veteran" to belittle the abilities of younger actors, instead of offering an objective assessment.

The opposite reality: Diversification in the portfolio of roles.

Looking at Xiao Zhan's portfolio over the years, the assertion that his acting is "narrow" seems inaccurate. From the emotionally charged Wei Wuxian in the fantasy drama *The Untamed*, he has made a significant leap into contemporary dramas with *The Dreamy Sea*.

In particular, 2025 marked a significant milestone for Xiao Zhan with the hit historical drama *Cang Hai Chuan* (The Legend of the Hidden Sea). The series not only topped the charts but also affirmed the actor's immense casting power. His transformation from ethereal to profound and strategic figures demonstrated his versatile adaptability to various scripts.

The "transformation" in "The Careful Play of Leisure" and the feedback from experts.

The most compelling evidence refuting Wang Jing's viewpoint is the dark comedy project "Careful Leisure." To play the role of a low-class mechanical worker, Xiao Zhan did not hesitate to abandon his handsome image:

Sacrificing his appearance: He shaved his head and lost 9kg to match the character's austere look. Professional effort: He diligently practiced the Nanjing dialect to create authenticity. Recognition: An improvisational action (wiping away blood) earned him the nod of approval from renowned screenwriter Lan Xiaolong. CCTV even praised it as "textbook-worthy acting."

Clearly, Xiao Zhan is not being "cast into unsuitable roles" but is actively seeking out challenging characters, prioritizing psychological depth over commercial safety.

"Breakthrough" figures – The most satisfactory answer

Xiao Zhan's appeal has now far surpassed his purely fan base. The actual figures from "Leisurely Leisure" show a strong breakthrough: Expanded audience: The percentage of male viewers increased by 11.6% – an impressive number for an "idol". Coverage: Ticket sales in third and fourth-tier cities reached over 60%.

These telling figures prove that Xiao Zhan is successfully "breaking the mold" (reaching a mass audience). Director Wang Jing's disregard for these efforts, combined with previous controversies regarding video editing, has led the public to suspect that he is deliberately creating controversy to attract attention.

With a packed schedule from "Unlimited Intelligence" to "Little Town of Goodness," Xiao Zhan is proving himself through actions rather than words. Instead of being confined to the title of "top idol," he is gradually establishing himself as a talented actor, ready to step out of his comfort zone to face the most challenging trials of the seventh art.

Lin Xinru unexpectedly reveals the dark side of her marriage, accusing Huo Jianhua of scolding her directly to her face. An Nhiên14:42:20 19/12/2025On the evening of December 18th, Chinatimes reported that during her appearance on the program "Goodbye My Lover," Lin Xinru shared some surprising details about her married life with actor Huo Jianhua.