Chinese actress Fan Bingbing almost lost a Malaysian film role for being ‘too pretty’

During a press conference in Kuala Lumpur, she mentioned that the director was initially hesitant to cast her due to her striking appearance. Despite this, being an ardent admirer of the Malaysian filmmaker, Fan was determined to play the character Hong Im and even suggested that the director could alter her appearance drastically for the role.

“But on a movie set, he can mess up my looks and make me appear as sloppy as he wishes,” the 43-year-old actress told Star Lifestyle.

“Mother Bhumi” is set in the 1990s and follows Hong Im, a widow and farmer in Kedah, near the Malaysian-Thailand border. She uses her magical abilities to assist villagers while uncovering the truth behind her husband’s mysterious disappearance.

The film, a Malaysian-Italian co-production, also stars Taiwanese actor Bai Ru Yin and Hong Kong’s Natalie Hsu as Hong Im’s children, with Malaysian actress Pearlly Chua playing her best friend, as reported by Variety. The film is expected to be released in 2025.

To embody Hong Im, Fan gained 6kg and underwent rigorous preparations, including motorcycle riding and farming, which rendered her nearly unrecognizable even to her friends.

“There’s no such thing as a good or bad-looking character in a movie. Although the character in the film doesn’t look like me, I’m satisfied with the impact it has,” the actress said.

The dedication she showed earned accolades from the film crew and director Chong Keat Aun, who praised her versatility and cooperative spirit.

Chinese actress Fan Bingbing and Malaysian director Chong Keat Aun. Photo courtesy of Fan’s Instagram

Fan, who entered the Chinese entertainment industry at 17, has achieved global recognition as a singer, television producer, and an award-winning actress, notably for her role in the 2023 movie “Cell Phone.” She was the highest-paid star on Forbes China’s Celebrity 100 list from 2013 to 2017.

In 2018, however, the acclaimed actress faced accusations of tax evasion, which led to a substantial fine of 883 million yuan ($124 million) and restricted her working opportunities in China.

As reported by The Strait Timesapart from promoting her latest movie, Fan is actively serving as the official tourism ambassador for Melaka state, aiming to attract more Chinese tourists to Malaysia.