HONG KONG, September 26 – The latest episode of ViuTV’s original drama, “The Wine Man” (literal translation), airing tonight, promises viewers an intense visual experience as actor Will Or showcases a powerfully built physique alongside a dynamic reunion with co-star ANSONBEAN. The duo portrays the wrestling siblings, referred to as Ninth Brother and Dragon Boy, necessitating rigorous physical preparation to ensure the on-screen action is entirely convincing, emphasizing the actors’ commitment to authenticity.
The narrative arc of “The Wine Man” features the actors collaborating closely, transforming themselves into convincing professional wrestlers. To achieve this realism, Will Or and ANSONBEAN reportedly utilized breaks during filming to continuously rehearse various wrestling maneuvers. This dedication culminated in both actors finishing their filming commitments on the same day, marking a significant milestone in production. Or, reflecting on their close bond developed throughout the project, jestingly described ANSONBEAN as being “more like my little brother than my actual little brother—he is the embodiment of a younger sibling.”
The rigorous demands of portraying athletes, however, were not without risks. ANSONBEAN disclosed a frightening moment during a complex stunt rehearsal where he sustained an injury. “It happened during a jump,” he recounted. “I hadn’t fully adjusted to the movement, and when I landed, my knees twisted. For a moment, I feared I had torn a ligament, which was quite alarming, but thankfully it turned out to be minor. It served as a valuable lesson not to be overly impulsive.”
This incident underscored the need for caution in executing high-impact scenes. Responding instantly with a protective, older-brother demeanor, Will Or offered immediate counsel. “I constantly reminded him to be careful,” Or stated. “It’s crucial not to rush into anything before everything is completely ready. Safety protocols must always take precedence over speed.”
ANSONBEAN took the advice to heart, vowing greater prudence in future performances. He pledged to emulate Or by always ensuring thorough preparation before attempting demanding physical sequences, reemphasizing that safety on set must be paramount for all actors involved in stunt work.
The commitment shown by both actors to deliver physically demanding and believable performances highlights a growing trend in dramatic television production toward heightened realism. Their dedication demonstrates the level of physical conditioning and emotional investment required to accurately depict specialized roles, offering audiences a more visceral and truthful portrayal of the world of competitive wrestling within the dramatic structure of the series. The episode is set to amplify the tension and camaraderie between the two characters, building on the authentic rapport established off-screen.
