While China is well known for scripting heterosexual romances and that remains the pivotal reason for its growing popularity; there is another genre that is lurking in the shadows, waiting to be recognized. Yes, we are talking about the various BL adaptations that have been imprisoned under the fanatical rule of the Chinese censorship. The same seems to be the rule for BL authors who write and promote their novels under pen names while being hidden and obscure. They don’t enjoy the celebrity status that their Thai counterparts have. Is it because Thailand is more tolerant of the LGBTQ community and the BL genre is a booming business there? Or is it because the Chinese government is afraid that BL dramas/movies might have negative impact on the young minds in their country. Although most BL adaptations are filmed under the pretense of bromance/brotherhood; the fact remains that the homoerotic content still seeps into the content and the undeniable romance can’t be obscured. “Stay With Me”, the daring remake of “Addicted Heroin” drew worldwide applause, and the show has been renewed for the second season. Although the news has been confirmed, the sequel will most probably be shot overseas to avoid criticism from mainland China and we have no idea how long the process might be (it already took almost two or three years for the prequel to hit the screens). In the midst of growing discernment amongst the BL fans, there is a whole slew of dramas that are awaiting release. In today’s feature, we will be talking about the most anticipated BL adaptations that might never see the daylight!

Justice in the Dark

This show was one of those surprise announcements that arrived without much fanfare or promotions. Starring actors Zhang Xin Cheng and Fu Xin Bo in the lead roles, the show is an adaptation of Priest’s well known
novel, “The Silent Reading”. “Justice in the Dark” premiered on February 18, 2023, on the Youku app with 8 episodes being made available for VIPs. As fans eagerly subscribed to the app, they were left utterly devastated when the streaming app failed to upload the remaining episodes.

Previously named “Abyss”, the show’s title was suddenly changed to “Justice in the Dark” prior to its premiere. The names of the main characters, Fei Du and Luo Wenzhou, were changed to Pei Su and Luo Weizhou. Instead of following the original storyline, the show was set in a sci-fi-esque Xinyuan Civilization Year 253 where rising crime rate and its relation to “zero-degree empathy” have become a topic of interest. While these changes were meant to appease the Chinese censorship, things didn’t work out in their favor and the drama was completely withdrawn from the platform in the month of July. The eight episodes were removed, and it was announced that there will be no further broadcast. The crew expressed regret at the fact that after three years of hardship, they were forced to bid goodbye to the show. They also expressed hope that the show might air in the future, but knowing Chinese censorship it’s next to impossible.

Status- Canceled

Immortality

Adapted from the web novel “The Husky and His White Cat Shizun” (二哈和他的白猫师尊) by Meatbun Doesn’t Eat Meat (肉包不吃肉), “Immortality” is possibly the most anticipated BL adaptation in the history of Chinese Bromances. Starring popular actors Luo Yun-Xi and Chen Fei-yu in the lead roles of MoRan and Chu Wanning, there have been persistent rumors about the show’s premiere which never amount to anything substantial. In making for almost three years, the show underwent rigorous rounds of reviewing and is still under wrap. It is a well-known fact that the novel has an enormous amount of homoerotic content which doesn’t bode well with the rules set by the Chinese censorship. Originally rumored to have 58 episodes, the count was cut down to 40 episodes there is no news about its release on WeTV.

Synopsis-

The story follows Mo Ran’s journey, who is the young disciple of the most powerful cultivator in the world, Chu Wanning. Due to misunderstandings and general differences, the two have been at odds with each other. Chu Wanning finds himself helpless in the face of Mo Ran’s teenage rebellion and the two keep on drawing further apart. Unbeknownst to Chu Wanning, in a past life, Mo Ran and Chu Wan Ning’s animosity ended in great bloodshed and misery when Mo Ran turned to the dark techniques. After the past life ends, sixteen-year-old Mo Ran wakes up with knowledge regarding the events of that past life. Believing he can change his tragic end this time around, Mo Ran sets out to change the course of events as he knows them but soon finds out things are not as they seemed to him.

(Source: autumn carrot at MyDramaList)

Status- Awaiting Premiere

Eternal Faith

Adapted from the novel “Heaven Official’s Blessing” (天官赐福) by Mo Xiang Tong Xiu (墨香铜臭), Eternal Faith is another anticipated release. With a star-studded casting (that was chosen from hundreds of candidates), this show is one of the most prestigious projects to be produced in recent times. Eternal Faith is being directed by Chan Ka Lam (who successfully helmed the global phenomenon “The Untamed”), which is one of the main reasons for the anticipation surrounding this drama.

The storyline in the original content spans over eight books and closely follows the unfortunate incidents in Prince Xie Lian’s life. Although the misfortunes befalling him and his subsequent ascension to the Heaven form a major part, the prime focus remains on the soul wrenching romance between Xie Lian and his ardent devotee, Hua Cheng, the Supreme Demon Lord. Starring Zhai Xiao Wen and Zhang Ling He in the lead roles of Xie Lian & Hua Cheng, the show has an enormous cast that includes Xiao Kai Zhong (Feng Xin), Cai Yao (Mu Qing), Li Fan Cheng (Fu Yao), Vin Zheng (Nan Feng), Chang Hua Sen (Shi Qing Xuan), Tian Xu Ning (Ming Yi), Anna Liu (Ling Wen), Lucas Liu (Pei Ming) and Ethan Yao (Jun Wu) in supporting roles.

Synopsis-

Eight hundred years ago, Xie Lian was the Crown Prince of the Xianle kingdom, beloved by the citizens. He ascended to the Heavens at a young age of 17; however, due to unfortunate circumstances, he was quickly banished back to the mortal realm. Years later, he ascends again–only to be banished again a few minutes after his ascension. Now, eight hundred years later, Xie Lian ascends to the Heavens for the third time as the laughingstock among all three realms. To accumulate merits in order to make compensation, he travels to the mortal realm and eliminates evil. In the mortal realm, he is accompanied by two little immortal officers from the Heavens, and on his first task, he meets a mysterious ghost king named Hua Cheng who rules the ghost world and terrifies the Heavenly Officials. Yet unknown to Xie Lian, Hua Cheng has been paying attention to him for a very, very long time. In a series of incidents, Xie Lian gradually unveils the hidden secrets of the heavenly realms.

(Source: DramaWiki)

Status– Awaiting Release

Winner Is King

Another dream project that has been awaiting release since 2021, when the show received its distribution rights for 40 episodes. Starring Tan Jian Ci as Gu Yun/Shen Shi Liu and Chen Zhe Yuan as Chang Geng/Li Min, Winner Is King is adapted from the novel “Sha Po Lang” (杀破狼) by Priest. For those who are unaware, the novel features a hot and steamy romance between the Army General Gu Yun and his adoptive son, Chang Geng (who is actually the Prince of the dynasty). Obviously, the storyline isn’t conducive to the strict restrictions set by the Chinese censorship and even if the scriptwriters have made changes to the original content, there is only so much that could be replaced. This drama also features a star-studded ensemble which includes Li Hong Yi (Shen Yi / Ji Ping), Sun An Ke (Chen Qing Xu), Leo Dong (Ge Chen/Ge Pang Xiao), Song Ji Yang (Cao Niang Zi/Cao Chun Hua), Li Jun Chen (Li Feng) amongst others.

Synopsis-

In the age of the Great Liang Dynasty, the lives of the people were made convenient with steam-powered machines that run on a fuel named Violetstream Gold. Chang Geng, who lived in a small countryside village, shared a distant relationship with his mother while his stepfather was away most of the year round, and the only people he was close to were two little kids, the village teacher, and his yi fu – adoptive father. But his life was flipped upside down one day following the barbaric Man tribes’ invasion, and it turned out that his entire identity had been an illusion – not only was Chang Geng himself not the country boy he thought he was, but also his mother, his teacher, and even his beloved yi fu.

(Source: NovelUpdates)

Status- Awaiting Release

Dreamcatcher

Reuniting the “In a Class of Her Own” co-stars Bi Wen Jun (Yu Hao) and Wang Rui Chang (Zhou Sheng), this adaptation has been listed in the IQIYI’s “Coming Soon” since January 2023. But there is no further news about its release and, as such, the show has been on the back burner. Based on the BL Novel by Fei Tian Ye Xiang, the show follows young student Yu Hao’s journey as he encounters a new universe in his dreams and forges a strong friendship with the mysterious stranger General. Set in a fantasy world, the show is a psychological thriller which weaves adventure and mystery elements together.

Synopsis-

One night, Yu Hao, a college student who was at his wits’ end, had an unexpected encounter with a mysterious visitor – “General” – who had a dream travelled. He led Yu Hao in solving the countless riddles that abounded in the realm of the conscious and lit up the fire beacons on the meandering Great Wall. Thereafter, the darkness retreated, the sun rose, and when the long night was thoroughly lit up, the him who existed, in reality, was reborn. The black dragon that roared, the lighthouse and demonic eye on the coastline, the rain forest before Chichén Itzá, the fierce beasts that wreaked havoc in the Colosseum…the bizarre projection of reality in one’s consciousness reflected the hidden place that the sunlight, in reality, couldn’t touch – the innumerable sins of the human heart. The journey of seizing dreams continues, and one can only hope that the sun will continue illuminating the human heart. Fire beacons on the Great Wall were lit up to signal a border invasion.

(Source: Book’s synopsis)

Status- Awaiting Release

Chasing the Light

Adapted from the novel “Sa Ye” by Wu Zhe, “Chasing the Light” is definitely WeTV’s most anticipated release. In the news since 2020, this show is fan favorite because of the close camaraderie between main leads, Wang AnYu and Fan Cheng Cheng who play the main characters, Gu Fei and Jiang Cheng. The shooting spot was literally swarming with paparazzi who constantly posted pictures about the actors on social media. Despite the feverish excitement surrounding the adaptation, the show has been in the pipeline for almost three years now, with no further updates about its release. The story has a school setting and bears a strong resemblance to the recently concluded Chinese BL “Stay With Me”.

Synopsis-

Jiang Cheng is an exemplary youth who excels in his studies. He was adopted since young, but was abandoned by his foster family and moved back with his father. Faced with an unfamiliar surroundings and a gambler father, he develops a rebellious character. His life took a change when he meets Gu Fei, a roguish and tough guy. As they get to know each other, they develop a close friendship and thus begin a journey of redemption as they help each other heal and grow through their pains.

(Source: DramaWiki)

Status- Awaiting Release

Guardians of the Lands

“The Starry Love” co-stars Chen Xing Xu and Luke Chen reunite for this fantasy drama, “Guardians of the Lands”. Adapted from the novel “Shan He Biao Li” (山河表里) by Priest, this is another adaptation that has been in making for almost two years. Looking at the way, YouKu’s recent bromance “Justice in the Dark” was cancelled; the future of this drama looks bleak as well.

Synopsis-

While chasing drug traffickers, a former agent finds himself stranded in a small mountain town. There, he finds an entrance to a mysterious shadow-filled world. Along with the leader of the mountain guards, they experience a strange adventure in this new territory.

(Source: DramaWiki)

Status- Awaiting Release

The Story of the Bat

Starring Mao Zi Jun (Killer and Healer), Gala Zhang (Insect Detective), Rain Lu, and Liu Yuhan (Ultimate Note) in main roles, MGTV’s wuxia drama wrapped up filming in 2021. Following the huge success of its first BL production, “Killer & Healer”, which starred Mao Zi Jun in the lead role, there was a lot of expectation surrounding this drama. Adapted from the novel “Bat” (蝙蝠) by Feng Nong, the show follows the journey of four young heroes hailing from the prominent families of Wulin. The show was rumored to air sometime around February or May, but like most gimmicks, nothing happened.

Synopsis-

The story of four young heroes hailing from the prominent families of Wulin, Feng Jun Long, Bao Shao Qing, Xu Ling Xiu and Sima Yan, who work together to investigate the famed murderer “Bian Fu (Bat)”. In the midst of the investigation, they unveil the mystery left behind by the good and evil forces of Jianghu twenty years ago. From constantly suspecting one another to eventually attaining mutual trust and support, the four youths went through numerous tribulations and challenges, bravely pursuing the ideal jianghu and justice of their hearts.

(Source: DramaWiki)

Status- Awaiting Release

In Darkness

Adapted from the novel “Zai Hei An Zhong” (在黑暗中) by Jin Shi Si Chai (金十四钗), In Darkness is a psychological crime thriller starring Peng Guan Ying and Zhang Yu Jian in the lead roles of Xie Gang Shan & Shen Liu Fei. The drama wrapped up filming in 2021 and we still don’t have any updates relative to its release.

Synopsis-

Xie Gang Shan is an undercover police who has successfully infiltrated the biggest drug trade organization. However, at the most important juncture of his mission, he died from an accident. Not bearing the fruits of his labor to be wasted, Sui Gong (captain of the drug trade police force) uses new technology and implants Xie Gang Shan’s memory into a death row criminal that looks exactly like him. “Xie Gang Shan” was thus revived and returned to the police force like nothing had happened to him. After an incident whereby he accidentally shot a violent criminal, memories belonging to the death row criminal slowly returned to him. The identity of the criminal turns out to be none other than the son of Mu Kun, the leader of the drug organization. Dealing with his conflicting identity and memories, Xie Gang Shan thus begins to investigate the truth of his father’s death. He uses the mentality and thought process of a perverted murderer to approach this case while dealing with his own personality change. At the same time, mysterious caricature expert Shen Liu Fei appears by his side. Seeming like neither a friend nor foe, Shen Liu Fei appears to be helping him crack the case but, at the same time, hides his own intention. Slowly realizing he is a replacement, Jing Gang Shan undergoes betrayal by his family and misunderstandings by his fellow comrades, and slowly his heart becomes twisted. However, as he gradually gets familiar with the nature of human beings, his faith in “kindness” is reignited. Jing Gang Shan swore to become a good policeman and a good human being.

(Source: DramaWiki)

Status- Awaiting Release

Stay tuned, for further updates!