Zhao Liying’s upcoming drama The City Maker is showing many strong signs and is being viewed as a key opportunity for the actress to regain her footing after a string of recent moves that drew criticism and negative evaluations.
Zhao Liying and the cast of The City Maker. The drama is a modern‑day serious piece in the genre of social reform, marked as a major end‑of‑2025 project. Directed by Sun Hao and written by Yuan Keping – a team known for successful social‑economic dramas – the cast brings together heavyweight talent such as Huang Xiaoming, Chen Minghao, Chu Yuan‑yuan, Qin Junkie along with senior artists Zhang Guoqiang, Liu Yuyu, Li Khe‑Nüe (Li Keh‑Rui).
The story is set in the early 1980s, following the journey of two young cadres Li Chu‑Chu (Zhao Liying) and Zheng Decheng (Huang Xiaoming) determined to build a brand‑new city from zero without relying on national budget support. Early promotional material shows that over 500,000 advance reservations have already been made for the drama via Tencent Video. This success is seen as a potential turning point for the 80s‑born actress.
Previously, Zhao Liying took a strong stance in response to rumours and criticism. She initiated lawsuits against a number of individuals and organisations including Guangzhou Hemu Shiguang Biotechnology Co. Ltd.; Bai Mu Mu; Zhao Mu Mu; Guangzhou Hemu Biotechnology Co. Ltd.; and Blue Whale Film & TV Cultural Media Co. Ltd. for utilising her image and information misleadingly for profit, and infringing her personal rights. Some defendants were placed on the “untrustworthy debtor” list, and the total compelled compensation is estimated to exceed 500,000 RMB. Her legal action is widely regarded in the media and public as a symbolic victory, underscoring her resolve and respect for the rule of law.
However, the actress has also been seen to commit some missteps that impacted her public image. In 2025 she faced several controversies that affected her status as a “national star.” Two major dramas of hers Sunflowers and At Humanity’s Side were criticised for weak scripts and lack of breakthrough acting, resulting in her not receiving any awards at major ceremonies such as the Golden Rooster.
Moreover, her blunt social‑media posts tagging major news outlets and aggressive tone in response to romantic‑rumour reports caused criticism that she lacked restraint and professionalism. Dating rumours with director Zhao Deren – a figure with a contentious background – further disappointed fans and the public.
Other actions such as an unconventional birthday‑photo set, absence from most major events, and the contradiction in her schedule announcing artistic‑project priority while joining many livestreams promoting mass‑market brands have caused the public and fans to question her career strategy.
In this context, the success of The City Maker is viewed as a chance for Zhao Liying to reaffirm her position and regain audience trust.
Sources: Saostar
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