LayarHijau – The Chinese film After Typhoon (下一个台风) has attracted attention after its box office performance fell short of expectations. Producer Fang Li cited the widespread rumors surrounding actor Yu Menglong’s death as a factor that led some audiences to boycott the film.
This was not the first case of such a boycott: previously, the film Hope (火种), starring Tian Hairong, also faced massive online resistance after rumors linked to Yu Menglong’s death began circulating. While these rumors have not been officially confirmed and there is no evidence implicating Fang Li or Tian Hairong, their impact was felt in the entertainment industry, affecting ticket sales for After Typhoon.
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Rumors about Fang Li’s involvement in Yu Menglong’s death have spread widely on social media, becoming the reason cited by the producer to claim that the public was boycotting After Typhoon and Hope. Some previous social media posts alleged that Fang Li was seen with Yu Menglong and another individual in a parking lot before the actor’s death, fueling further speculation. It should be emphasized that this information has not been officially confirmed and does not prove Fang Li’s involvement in the incident.
The film is directed by Li Yu and stars Zhang Zifeng and Zhang Weili, with special appearances by Yao Chen and Angelica Lee (Li Xinjie). The story follows Lin Momo (Zhang Zifeng), a city girl who becomes a victim of sexual assault at school, and A Ying (Zhang Weili), a mute girl who grew up on a remote island. The two characters find support in each other as they navigate their traumatic experiences.
From early promotional materials, After Typhoon was described as a film that “bravely exposes the hidden struggles women face and directly confronts the issue of sexual assault in schools.” However, audience reception has been lukewarm. Initial pre-sale ticket revenue was only 96,000 yuan, and even after rescheduling the release for October 25, performance remained underwhelming.
Fang Li, via the film’s official social media account, stated that the production has been targeted by rumors and a smear campaign related to Yu Menglong. “We will not bow to slander or malicious boycotts. After Typhoon will be released nationwide on October 25 as planned,” the statement read.
Many netizens, however, are skeptical of the producer’s claims. They argue that the film’s weak performance is due more to its quality and subject matter rather than online rumors. “Audiences have a choice. Don’t blame netizens if the film doesn’t resonate,” wrote one Weibo user. Another comment added, “If the film isn’t good, it’s natural it won’t sell. Audience money isn’t given out out of pity.”
The debate over the film’s quality, the producer’s response, and the rumor-driven boycott has sparked widespread discussion on social media, making After Typhoon one of the most controversial films ahead of its late-October release.
