Sporting chance gives actor his big role

"I want to helm a film that discusses societal norms surrounding success. This movie revolves around a group of exceptional individuals mistaken for mentally disturbed patients, living within the confines of a psychiatric facility. I aim to explore the blurred lines between madness and genius," he says.

Revealing that his directorial debut will be a dark comedy, Yu says he hopes the audience will laugh their way into questioning life itself. "Through this film, I hope viewers grasp a profound concept: Everyone should be true to themselves, undeterred by external pressures."

From an unknown university freshman to finding himself at the center of the luxuriously budgeted epic trilogy, Creation of the Gods, the journey to the release of the first movie was fraught with challenges. He has endured a roller-coaster life and weathered three years of solitude.

During that period, he faced doubts, turned down offers for two online series with themes he disliked and even contemplated a career as a professional equestrian. His directorial debut, which is still in the planning stage, in a sense, reflects his contemplation on life.

"There's a Chinese saying, 'When the cart reaches the mountain, there will be a way forward,' meaning there's always a path out of adversity. But the key is: You must prepare extensively for that journey ahead," he concludes with a bright smile.