Exhausted, Jia Ling ate five packs of chocolate wafers alone at night by her bed after wrapping up filming for her new film "YOLO" that day. "Recalling that moment, I felt so awesome, like a weary warrior claiming the spoils of war," she said.

Actress Jia Ling showcases her transformation at a special Beijing event for "YOLO," greeting audiences for the first time following a year's absence, Feb. 12, 2024. [Photo courtesy of Table Film]

By then, she had lost an incredible 50 kilograms, and her entire persona had changed. The plump, round and cute comedian Jia Ling was gone, replaced by a cool, muscular and defiant warrior.

Audiences were stunned by her appearance on Chinese New Year's Day, Feb. 10, when the film debuted. Jia had kept everything so secretive, avoiding public appearances for a year, that her new look was only revealed when she appeared on the big screen. Conversations about her high-intensity weight loss training, along with her courage and determination, have become trending topics across China, propelling the film's box office earnings.

"YOLO," which stands for "you only live once," is the theme Jia aims to convey in her new film. The story follows an overweight, disheartened woman who becomes isolated from society. However, after meeting a boxing coach and taking up the sport, she begins to regain her passion and finds her way in life. The filming was divided into five phases, from when Jia had to gain 20 kilograms for the role to the final stage when she lost a significant amount of weight and became muscular. This method mirrors what some Hollywood stars, such as Christian Bale, have done, but Jia's endeavor is jaw-dropping and takes it to an even more extreme level.

Yet, the film's core goes beyond physical transformation. "This film is not about weight loss, nor is it much about boxing. It's a film that tells the story of how a kind person finds her true self and learns to love herself," Jia said.

On Jan. 12, Jia made an appearance to meet the audience at a special event in Beijing during the Spring Festival holiday. She became emotional as she took the stage and admitted she was a little nervous to finally see fans who had always supported her.

She also laughed and revealed that her rigorous weight loss training wasn't meant to serve as a guide for the public, as she had to work out every day for six to eight hours during that period. She emphasized that weight loss is a very small part of the entire movie, and that she aims to dedicate this film to the audience rather than, as some have suggested, to herself.

"It's not about Jia Ling changing her shape. It's about a woman transforming from a weak, kind, and people-pleasing personality into one who finds herself, enjoys, and controls her own life," the actress said.

The same seems to apply not just to the role, but to the actress herself.

Two posters for "YOLO" feature Jia Ling as overweight on the left and muscular on the right. [Image courtesy of Big Bowl Entertainment]

"YOLO" is poised to replicate the phenomenal success of her directorial debut, "Hi, Mom," which earned a staggering 5.41 billion yuan ($760 million) after its release during the 2021 Spring Festival, becoming the third highest-grossing Chinese film ever. This time, Jia returns to China's most lucrative film season with a movie that is actually a remake of the critically acclaimed Japanese film "100 Yen Love" from 2014. "YOLO" had grossed approximately 2 billion yuan by Wednesday, coinciding with Valentine's Day, according to Lighthouse, the box office tracker and big data platform owned by Alibaba Pictures.

Jia's impact has attracted international attention. Sony Pictures Entertainment announced on Feb. 10 that it had acquired the international distribution rights to "YOLO." However, details on North American or international release strategies have not yet been revealed.

Additionally, Sony recently announced the acquisition of the English remake rights for "Hi, Mom," which is currently in development, with Jia serving as executive producer. The original Chinese version held the title of the world's highest-grossing film directed by a solo female director until "Barbie" surpassed it last year.

"I always want to be the one who brings joy to you," Jia told fans at a special event in Guangzhou on Feb. 13. She then revealed that her third film, a tragicomedy addressing the real-life issue of combating pyramid schemes, is currently in the works. "But the new film will not be that funny; I must warn you in advance," she said with a laugh.

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