Chinese actress Zhao Lusi (赵露思) is set to take on a new challenge with Farewell Letter (《告别信》), an upcoming Youku drama in which she will reportedly serve as both director and lead actress.
The project was unveiled as part of Youku’s 2027 annual content lineup, making it one of the platform’s notable upcoming productions.
A New Role Behind the Camera
The most talked-about aspect of Farewell Letter is Zhao Lusi’s dual role.
For the project, she is credited as 导演、领衔主演 — director and lead actress. This marks a notable expansion of her involvement beyond acting, giving her a creative role behind the camera as well.
The drama is expected to consist of 10 episodes and is currently in the preparation stage.
Adapted From a German Novel
Farewell Letter is reportedly adapted from the German novel 《十三封自杀告别信》, written by Kerstin Gier.
The story centers on a woman facing a difficult period in her life. Through a series of farewell letters and her experiences, the story explores themes surrounding relationships, emotional struggles, personal choices and finding a way forward.
Unlike many of Zhao Lusi’s earlier romance-focused projects, Farewell Letter appears to lean toward a more mature, emotional and female-centered urban story.
Who Will Star Alongside Zhao Lusi?
At present, Zhao Lusi is the only lead cast member publicly confirmed in the Youku announcement.
There have been online reports linking actor Cheng Lei (丞磊) to the project as a possible male lead. However, his participation has not yet been officially confirmed, so fans should treat the casting information as a rumor until Youku or the production team makes an official announcement.
The complete supporting cast has also not yet been revealed.
Filming Plans
According to current reports, Farewell Letter is expected to begin filming in Chengdu around October 2026.
However, the production has not yet announced an official filming schedule or release date.
Although the drama appears in Youku’s 2027 content lineup, this should not necessarily be interpreted as confirmation that the series will premiere during 2027.
A New Chapter for Zhao Lusi
With Farewell Letter, Zhao Lusi is stepping into a more involved creative position by combining her work as an actress with directing.
The project will therefore be closely watched not only for its story and cast, but also for how Zhao Lusi approaches her first major project in a director-and-lead-actress capacity.
For now, fans will have to wait for further announcements regarding the male lead, supporting cast, filming, and eventual premiere date.