Wang Deshun Photo: Courtesy of Wang Deshun
Chinese animated film
Ne zha 2 is set to premiere overseas on Thursday. One of the film's highlights is the character of the immortal Wuliang Xianweng, voiced by 89-year-old actor Wang Deshun. Wang shared with the Global Times that the character's success lies in the more complex, high-quality storytelling of today's Chinese animation.
In the film, Wuliang Xianweng is a multifaceted character. On the surface, he appears to be a benevolent and kind-hearted figure, but behind the facade, he engages in sinister acts that harm the innocent and bring devastation to the whole world. It is only in the latter half of the film, when his true nature is revealed, that the plot reaches its climax.
"Good Chinese films today, like the
Ne Zha series, no longer rely on one-dimensional portrayals of villains," Wang noted. "Instead, they are creating complex, emotionally rich, and well-rounded characters that resonate with the audience."
The higher aesthetic standards of Chinese audiences have driven their pursuit of more profound stories and deeper character development. To meet these expectations, the film's director, Jiaozi, poured his heart and soul into shaping the characters in
Ne Zha 2.
"As the director kept the script highly confidential, during voice recording, I didn't have the full script," Wang said. "Every line of dialogue was carefully discussed and refined with director Jiaozi. It was his thoughtful direction that shaped such a memorable character."
Regarding the alignment between voice, action and expression, Wang remarked that once the character's image was firmly in his mind, the tone of voice and internal emotions naturally came together.
"When the tone of speech matches the underlying emotions, the facial expressions and actions flow naturally without the need for deliberate design," he added.
On screen, the defiant Nezha refuses to bow to fate; off screen, Wang refuses to be defined by age. He began his acting career in his 20s, then changed direction at the age of 50, and moved his family to Beijing to pursue his dream. At 57, he took the art form of pantomime to the world stage. At 79, he walked the runway in a fashion show. By 85, after three months of intense training, he earned his pilot's license.
"When the Civil Aviation Administration of China received my application for a pilot's license, they were quite hesitant at first, given my age of 85 is quite old and the risks were significant," Wang said. "But after two rounds of rigorous medical examinations, they approved my application."
"To become a pilot, I spent at least eight hours a day in theoretical classes, cramming difficult subjects like aerodynamics, meteorology and flight principles. Even after returning home, I would study to digest everything I had learned," he added.
For Wang, exercise is the foundation of good health. From a young age, he has been passionate about ice skating, swimming, wrestling, weightlifting and playing soccer. This love for physical activity became a lifelong habit.
"I've been exercising my entire life, never stopping. Even at 90, I will still stick to exercising and skating every day," he said.
Wang believes that age is just a number; what truly shapes one's destiny is the passion and indomitable spirit within oneself.
"The pursuit of dreams should never be stopped because of age," he said. "If you think you're old, then you'll do what old people do. But if you believe you're forever young, then you will be unstoppable in whatever you do!"
