Liu Xiaoqing's 'Empress Wu' Short Film Surpasses 100 Million Views

A short vertical film adaptation of "Empress Wu," starring the veteran actress Liu Xiaoqing, has achieved a remarkable milestone, surpassing 100 million views just 10 days after its premiere. The production, which features Liu Xiaoqing, 75, reprising her iconic role, has particularly resonated with younger audiences, with viewers under 35 accounting for 62% of the viewership.

This phenomenon underscores not only the cross-generational appeal of classic intellectual properties (IPs) but also signals a significant evolution in China's short film market. The industry is moving away from "mass entertainment" towards a greater investment in quality productions, attracting seasoned artists like Liu Xiaoqing.

Liu Xiaoqing, who first portrayed Empress Wu in 1995, expressed her excitement on social media. "Not every character gets a chance to return in life, but Empress Wu can," she wrote. Addressing potential criticisms about her age, she declared, "Some say I'm too daring and should rest. But I don't want to. Just as Empress Wu dared to claim the throne, I, Liu Xiaoqing, dare to 'counterattack' in the short film race. Over 100 million views is not due to luck. A person who refuses to give up will always win. I will not disappoint everyone, not before, and even less so now."

The production involved Liu Xiaoqing's original team, with filming completed in approximately 90 days. Despite the demanding schedule, with the actress resting only about four hours daily, the project maintained high standards. The short film's success comes as China's short film market expands, with projections indicating it will surpass one trillion yuan in 2025. Established actors like Tang Guoqiang and Michelle Yeoh are also entering the space.

While the cost per episode is around 15,000 yuan, the project boasts high-quality acting and elaborate costume design, reminiscent of the original 1995 television series. This focus on quality and performance is reshaping the short film industry, moving it away from "shocking online films" towards a competitive landscape driven by visual quality and acting prowess. The model of "small scale, fast shooting, high return" is also revolutionizing IP exploitation, shifting from long-term licensing to immediate content consumption, allowing classic IPs to generate revenue monthly rather than annually.

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Not every character gets a chance to return in life, but Empress Wu can. Some say I'm too daring and should rest. But I don't want to. Just as Empress Wu dared to claim the throne, I, Liu Xiaoqing, dare to 'counterattack' in the short film race. Over 100 million views is not due to luck. A person who refuses to give up will always win. I will not disappoint everyone, not before, and even less so now.