CHINA TOPIX

12/25/2024 11:14:34 pm

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Cantonese Version of ‘The Empress of China’ to Air on TVB on April 26

Chinese actress Fan Bingbing's 'Empress of China' will start airing its Cantonese version in Hong Kong starting on April 26.

Following its success in viewership ratings in Mainland China despite suffering from censorship regulations, 'Empress of China' will be releasing its Cantonese version and will be available for viewing in Hong Kong under TVB.

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The historical drama, which was produced by Fan herself, will be reduced to 70 episodes from the original 82 episodes. It will also be dubbed in Cantonese and will air daily starting on April 26, Sunday through TVB channels.

In order to avoid censorship, TVB announced that they will be using additional computer generated imagery to cover up the actress' cleavage in some scenes which were heavily censored in China earlier this year.

Regarding the additional CGI censoring, Fan expressed that she wished that the series will be aired in its original layout, stating that she has gone through a lot of hardships wearing the elaborate costumes. However, the actress stated that she respects the broadcast limitations set by Hong Kong's laws.

Furthermore, on April 20, the cast and crew of the epic drama will be holding a press conference at TVB's TV Studios. More than a hundred journalists will be attending said event where two of Fan's costumes, each worth around $500,000 HKD, will be displayed.

Reports state that TVB insured $1 million HKD to ensure that the costumes will arrive in Hong Kong safely. In addition, TVB also reportedly spent more than $2 million HKD for the press conference.

Fan and her co-stars Aarif Rahman and Kathy Chow will be attending the Asian press conference on Sunday, April 19. As for Fan's leading man and rumored boyfriend Li Chen, it is said that the actress did not invite him on order to quell the rumors about their alleged relationship.

'The Empress of China' revolves around Wu Zetian and her rise to the Tang throne as the very first empress regent of Ancient China.

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