More than a pretty face, Fan Bingbing is fast becoming a force to be reckoned with in the Chinese film industry, and eventually in the international scene. From starring in "X-Men: Days of the Future Past" and several homegrown television series to securing the top spot in Forbes China's Celebrity List for three consecutive years already, the actress and TV producer is simply unstoppable. Halfway through 2015, Fan has her hands full with more movie collaborations.

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One of Fan's most talked about project is the fantasy film adaptation of historical-fiction novel "The Moon and the Sun" by Vonda McIntyre. Shot in Melbourne, Australia, the movie includes the 33-year-old actress, who plays the role of a mermaid, and Pierce Brosnan, who portrays King Louis XIV and her captor. In an article by Yibada, it was noted that Fan took on the character because the producers wanted a mermaid with Asian features.

According to Sydney Morning Herald (SMH), while Fan's character may not appear in major scenes, it is definitely a crucial part of the movie - on and off screen.

In fact, writer Karl Quinn pointed out that without her, the movie would not be possible in production and in promotion. More than half of the budget came from Chinese investors who put their money on Fan's bankability. Furthermore, China's massive market for foreign films is expected to bring in huge revenue for guaranteed moneyback. Fan in the cast is a surefire access to around 30,000 cinemas in the mainland alone.

"She's got a lot of international brands trying to market into China. . . She's the number one money-maker in the entertainment industry. . . I think she will go very long," Chinese producer Han Wei told SMH.

Aside from The Moon and the Sun, Fan is also starring in the epic romance-war film "Lady of the Dynasty" as Yang Yuhuan, the beloved concubine of Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty. She plays opposite Hong Kong actor Leon Lai Ming and Bruneian singer Wu Chun, China Daily reported.

Her beauty has also been casted to portray the Step Empress Ulanara in "The Lady in the Portrait," a Sino-French collaboration set in the conflict period of the Qing Dynasty. Fan is also setting her eyes on a lead role in "The Sojourner," a China-US production that revolves around the novel of the same title by Chinese-American author Geling Yan. Currently, she is filming for "Skiptrace," an action-comedy movie alongside Jackie Chan and Johnny Knoxville.

TagsFan Bingbing, The Moon and the Sun, The Lady in the Portrait