Meet Naran, the model-actress rising to fame as Su Daji: the Russian-Mongolian star is a hit in Chinese fantasy epic film Creation of the Gods I, but first entered showbiz in a Jay Chou music video
- Su Daji, a royal consort and fox spirit from the classic 16th century Chinese fantasy novel, has been portrayed by Fan Bingbing, Gillian Chung, Irene Wan and Ruby Lin in adaptations through the years
- Naran, aka Narana Erdyneeva, plays the role in the Fengshen Trilogy’s first film to great acclaim – off-screen, the 26-year-old is a fashionista who loves wearing Chanel
Hailed as the largest-scale production of a fantasy epic in Chinese cinema, the Fengshen Trilogy under director Wuershan saw its first part, Creation of the Gods I: Kingdom of Storms, hit theatres at the end of July to both critical acclaim and box office success. The film is an adaptation of the classic 16th century Chinese novel by Xu Zhonglin.
Amid the buzz, all eyes are on 26-year-old newcomer Naran, the latest in a line of actresses to take on the pivotal role of Su Daji. Naran, who made her on-screen debut in a Jay Chou music video in 2016 and whose full name is Narana Erdyneeva, brings the enchanting character to life with her unique aura.
Find out more about the rising star who triumphed over thousands of contenders to play Su Daji.
Naran has multicultural roots
Born and raised in Ulan-Ude, the capital of Buryatia in Russia, Naran has a multicultural heritage, with Mongolian and Russian roots. She is fluent in Chinese, English, and Russian. Her background is in modelling.
Reimagining Su Daji
Su Daji, a consort of the Shang Dynasty often associated with a fox spirit, is reputed to have precipitated the dynasty’s downfall. Her captivating beauty is said to have led King Zhou down a path of tyranny and immorality.
In any production of the fantasy epic over the years, each time a new actress is cast as Su Daji, it generates a significant buzz as viewers wonder just how she will interpret and breathe life into this legendary character.