Running the trail to his roots

As a newcomer with no name, Jiwu lived a precarious existence for months until the production team of the Creation of the Gods trilogy launched a nationwide casting call in 2017, selecting young actors from around 10,000 applicants.

Having grown up riding horses and trained in sanda, Jiwu earned a place in the six-month boot camp, where recruits spent 12 hours a day studying etiquette, classical literature, martial arts, archery, physical conditioning, voice and speech, all in preparation for their possible roles.

Jiwu was eventually cast as Yang Jian, the immortal deity who cultivated his powers in the Kunlun Mountains.

Director Wuershan says Jiwu possessed exactly what the role demanded.