Credit: CpopAccess



Van Ness Wu saves the "Queen"

Next Media’s first ever drama “拜金女王” (roughly translates to "Material Queen") was without any male lead after Jerry Yan dropped out. Luckily they are back on track with Van Ness Wu signing onto the drama. It will reunite him with Autumn’s Concerto producer Chen Yu Shan and director Chen Hui Ling after their hugely successful collaboration last year. Most stars tend to be wary of replacing another in existing projects, but Van Ness Wu doesn’t seem to have this problem -- He almost replaced Vic Chou in the movie “The Killer Never Kills” before withdrawing due to scheduling conflicts.

Van Ness Wu was recording his album in Japan when producer Chen contacted him. He returned to Taiwan to finalize the agreement right away, and met with the drama’s stylist Patricia Field (from “Sex and the City”). In addition to growing out his hair, Van Ness Wu will also be taking French and violin lessons for his role. His costar Lynn Xiong will play an orphan-turned-materialistic model in the title character. Her height is reportedly 178 cm so the 180 cm tall Van Ness might experience a bad case of "Donnie Yen" if she wears in stilettos. Material Queen expects to begin filming at the end of September.



Jerry Yan appears at Material Queen press con with Van Ness Wu

A press event was held for Material Queen to officially introduce Van Ness Wu as its new leading man. Fellow F4 Jerry Yan made a surprise appearance after dropping out of the drama several days ago. It was impossible for him to keep a low-profile despite wearing casual clothes and a cap, but he did look like he wasn’t feeling very well. Producer Chen Yu Shan later explained that Jerry has been suffering from immune system problems, but the cause of his illness is still unknown.

Chen Yu Shan and director Chen Hui Ling got Van Ness Wu to sign on within 24 hours after they lost Jerry Yan. On the replacement casting, director Chen clarified, “I didn't invite (Van Ness Wu) to act, but rather to play the right role.” Van Ness Wu said he accepted the offer a day after getting her call on 27th, “I’ve had wanted to act (in this drama), but didn’t insist on it, maybe God heard my voice, it’s fate.” The press also asked if he is concerned about his height, since costar Lynn Xiong is 178 cm tall. Van Ness Wu responded, “Even Jay Chou can act alongside Lin Chi-ling, what should I be afraid of?”


From the left: Jerry Yan, Patricia Field, Chen Yu Shan, Chen Hui Ling, Van Ness Wu

Related Article: Jerry Yan leaves his “Queen” after all