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Fran Lu

As China’s animated film blockbuster Ne Zha 2 breaks box office records and receives critical acclaim, it has been revealed that the voice of its arch villain is China’s so-called coolest grandpa.
Actor and model Wang Deshun, 89, who plays Wuliang Xianweng in the hit animated production, is seen by many as a perfect match for the character, who initially appears amiable but is later revealed to be brutal and ambitious.
Wang is well-known across China for his age-defying spirit and fit shape.
In 2015, at the age of 79, Wang walked the runaway shirtless during China Fashion Week, wowing many people online.

The octogenarian has led a colourful life.
Born in Shenyang, in northeastern China’s Liaoning province, Wang worked as a tram conductor and factory worker before becoming a theatre actor aged 24.
A quarter of a century later he felt his acting career had hit a bottleneck, so he resigned and moved to Beijing with his wife and two children.
He began working out so he could achieve accurate bodily expressions on the stage.
At 65, Wang learned how to ride a horse, and when he reached 80, he received training from his daughter and became an amateur DJ.

At 85, the veteran actor became China’s oldest person to receive a pilot’s licence.
It was reported by cctv.com that even the Civil Aviation Administration was overwhelmed by Wang’s application because of his age.
But he proved to them he was perfectly capable, passing two strict physical examinations and all the exams after studying eight hours daily for three months.
Last April, Wang took to the runway once again at Shanghai Fashion Week and did not look like he had aged over the past decade.
“I am 32 years old and I am not half as energetic as him,” one online observer said.
Wang played roles in many classic Chinese films and TV dramas such as Chuang Guandong in 2008, Reign of Assassins in 2010, and 20 Once Again in 2015.
He also dubbed a character in the 2016 Chinese animated fantasy film Big Fish & Begonia.
Wang said it took him three days to dub the character Wuliang Xianweng in June 2022.
The production team only provided the lines he needed to perform, and he dubbed the character without knowing any of the plot lines.

Despite being the voice for the antagonist in Ne Zha 2, Wang was seen by some to be the main character Ne Zha.
The brave and resilient character refused to succumb to his fate, fighting stereotypes and injustice in the two films.
Likewise, in real life, Wang has refused to be bound by social norms.
“I do whatever I want to do. It is never too late,” he said.
Ne Zha 2 has grossed more than nine billion yuan (US$1.2 billion) in China since its release on January 29, according to box office tracker Maoyan Pro.
The film, based on Chinese mythology, has become the country’s highest-grossing film.


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China’s ‘coolest grandpa’ Wang Deshun, voice actor in Ne Zha 2, uses passion to defy age

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Octogenarian Wang keeps in shape with a rigorous exercise regime. Photo: yzwb.net

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Octogenarian film star who began working life as tram driver and factory worker insists ‘it is never too late, I do whatever I want to do’


Octogenarian film star who began working life as tram driver and factory worker insists ‘it is never too late, I do whatever I want to do’.


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Profile | China’s ‘coolest grandpa’ Wang Deshun, voice actor in Ne Zha 2, uses passion to defy age

Octogenarian film star who began working life as tram driver and factory worker insists ‘it is never too late, I do whatever I want to do’