Eternal Faith, adapted from the popular novel Heaven Official’s Blessing, began filming in June 2021 and wrapped on January 15, 2022 after seven months of production. The drama stars Zhai Xiaowen as Xie Lian alongside Zhang Linghe as Hua Cheng, with supporting roles by Chang Huasen, Tian Xuning, and Liu Lingzi. Despite completing filming in early 2022, the project has been shelved indefinitely due to tightened cultural regulations.
However, in March 2026, the drama suddenly returned to public attention following shocking revelations from streamer Jiu Chengmei, who exposed alleged private life controversies involving actor Tian Xuning. She hinted at complicated romantic relationships within the cast, prompting netizens to dig deeper into behind-the-scenes dynamics. Meanwhile, Zhang Linghe has recently risen in popularity thanks to Pursuit of Jade, marking a dramatic career boost in just four years. These factors have triggered a large-scale “rediscovery wave,” leaving many stunned that the once-rookie cast has now become top-tier stars.
Beyond the cast’s transformation, netizens have been closely scrutinizing every detail of the drama especially Zhai Xiaowen’s styling as Xie Lian. Many argue that the costumes are overly elaborate and flashy, lacking the ethereal elegance described in the original novel. Some even bluntly commented, “It’s better if this drama stays shelved forever.”
From the moment Zhai Xiaowen was cast as Xie Lian, controversy followed. Even now, despite the drama’s delayed release due to policy restrictions, criticism surrounding his appearance has not subsided and has recently resurfaced.
From the very first leaked behind-the-scenes images, Zhai Xiaowen’s white-robed look sparked fierce backlash from fans of Heaven Official’s Blessing. Critics argued that his visuals and aura failed to capture the character’s gentle yet noble charm. Some pointed out that his facial features lacked refinement, his gaze did not convey the required “immortal aura,” and the overall styling exposed weaknesses in his facial structure, making his appearance less graceful. His posture and demeanor were also criticized as lacking elegance, while his hairstyle was compared to a poorly styled wig. The flashy costumes and awkward design choices made it difficult for audiences to accept him as Xie Lian, with some saying they simply couldn’t reconcile the actor with the character.
However, the debate is not entirely one-sided. Some viewers defended him, arguing that the styling does convey a certain ethereal quality, especially in motion. In videos, Zhai Xiaowen reportedly appears more expressive and natural compared to still images. It was also revealed that the director, despite facing immense pressure and having many well-known actors audition, ultimately chose the actor he felt best suited the role Zhai Xiaowen.
Still, negative reactions continue to dominate online discussions. Comments range from blunt to harsh, such as: “The drama being shelved is fate just spare Xie Lian and Hua Cheng,” “Please bury this drama for good, it ruins my image of the characters,” and “In the novel he’s a noble prince, but here he looks like a flashy nouveau riche.” Others criticized the repetitive styling trends in Chinese historical dramas, pointing out messy bangs and overly glossy costumes lacking sophistication. Some even compared the production to “low-budget web dramas” despite its high-profile IP.
Amid ongoing controversy, the fate of Eternal Faith remains uncertain, further complicated by strict regulations on BL (boys’ love) content that have kept the drama shelved for years. Many fans now believe they may never get to see the full project.
In the midst of the backlash, Zhai Xiaowen himself once admitted during a livestream that he felt pressured and worried about being labeled an “unattractive actor.” However, over time, he has gradually proven his growth, shedding his idol image and taking his acting career more seriously slowly improving public perception.
As debates over visuals continue with no end in sight, Eternal Faith stands as a striking example of how even the most anticipated adaptations can falter under the weight of expectations, controversy, and changing industry policies.
Sources: K14
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