Mei Lanfang, to be directed by Chen Kaige and starring Leon, will soon start filming. The cast is in the process of training. To match his character, there were reports of Leon already shaved his head. To avoid from getting it exposed and the media chasing with questions about the filming, Chen Kaige puts Leon under 'house arrest' and prohibits him from requesting a break, making him absent from an event he agreed to attend in Shanghai.
Chen Kaige stated that although Zhang Ziyi agreed to participate in the film, her name is not on the casting list because she will be in a foreign county for a long period of time. Therefore, longer discussions are needed. He hopes Zhang Ziyi can return early to participate in the training.
Moreover, Chen Kaige admitted that Leon was not a confirmed early candidate. Leon first went to Beijing many times for costume fitting, especially for Beijing opera until everyone was satisfied. Also, Leon communicated with Mei Bao Jiu. Regarding disputes of Leon playing Mei Lanfang, Chen Kaige described it as everyone was caring and hoping Leon has a common ground with Lanfang. For the movie, Leon has already stopped other work temporarily and already in preparations to start filming.