As the Chinese entertainment industry steps into 2026, the landscape of film and television is undergoing a noticeable shift. Rankings of the most anticipated actors for the year highlight familiar powerhouses such as Yang Zi, Yang Mi, and Zhang Ruoyun. However, one absence has drawn significant attention: the missing name of long-time “ratings queen” Zhao Liying, sparking widespread discussion among audiences and industry watchers alike.
1. Yang Zi: A Defining Transition Into “Big Female Lead” Dramas
Over the past few years, Yang Zi has firmly secured her status as an unshakable ratings magnet, delivering hit after hit across multiple genres. Her most prominent achievement remains the historical epic Lost You Forever (2023–2024), which not only dominated viewership charts but also earned her a nomination for Best Actress at the Magnolia Awards.
Building on that momentum, Yang Zi continued her winning streak in 2025 with Flourished Peony, a highly successful reunion project with Li Xian that further solidified her reputation as a “guarantee of success” for female-led dramas. In the modern genre, she impressed audiences with emotionally grounded performances in Best Choice Ever (2024) and Will Love in Spring (2024), proving her versatility beyond costume dramas.
Rather than sticking to conventional romance narratives, Yang Zi has clearly pivoted toward “big female lead” stories that focus on women’s growth, resilience, and self-realization. With increasingly refined acting skills and a strong instinct for high-quality scripts, she stands firmly at the top of the most-anticipated list for 2026—both among viewers and broadcasters.
2. Yang Mi: The Comeback of a True Star
Yang Mi’s presence on the 2026 anticipation rankings marks a powerful comeback. After facing years of mixed reviews regarding her acting choices, the veteran star has deliberately stepped away from idol-style romance roles to embrace characters with greater psychological depth and artistic weight.
Her most talked-about project is the high-profile film Silk Road to Chang’an, where she stars alongside industry heavyweights Andy Lau and Zhang Ruoyun. The project represents not only a major commercial production but also a critical test of Yang Mi’s big-screen acting credentials. On the television front, All Living Things is widely expected to become a defining work in her career, featuring a raw rural setting and an unpolished, realistic portrayal that signals her determination to return to the core of acting.
Public anticipation for Yang Mi in 2026 stems not just from her fame, but from curiosity about a “new version” of her—more grounded, resilient, and fearless in taking on challenging roles. Many believe this could be the year she fully regains audience trust through substance rather than star power alone.
3. Zhang Ruoyun: The Undisputed Ace of Political Dramas
On the male side, Zhang Ruoyun stands out as the sole dominant figure in anticipation rankings for 2026. All eyes are on Joy of Life Season 3, one of the most awaited sequels in recent Chinese television history. His portrayal of Fan Xian has become a cultural phenomenon, and viewers are eager to see how the character’s journey of strategy, power, and maturity reaches its conclusion.
Beyond television, Zhang Ruoyun is also expanding his cinematic footprint with Lychee of Chang’an, once again collaborating with Andy Lau and Yang Mi. His continued involvement in intellectually demanding projects such as Under the Microscope of the Ming Dynasty 2 further reinforces his reputation as an actor who prioritizes depth and narrative quality.
Unlike many peers, Zhang Ruoyun’s appeal lies not in hype or personal scandals, but in his calm presence and exceptional script judgment. As 2026 unfolds, he is widely expected not only to maintain his title as the “king of political intrigue dramas,” but also to become one of the most influential male actors shaping the artistic direction of contemporary Chinese cinema and television.
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