Actress-singer Han Xue, seen in a file photo, is likely to cross-play Jia Baoyu in a new film adaptation of "A Dream of Red Mansions," Chinese media reported Tuesday. [File Photo: ent.sina.com.cn]

The tragedy romance between Jia Baoyu and Lin Daiyu in "A Dream of Red Mansions" has spawned works for both the small and big screens. A new film adaptation of the classical novel is likely to catch the attention of the audience with two actresses playing out the romance.

In director Hu Mei's upcoming film, Jia Baoyu will be cross-played by actress Han Xue, reported the Huaxi Urban News on Tuesday, citing an anonymous insider.

Han Xue, who is also a pop singer, is well-known for her appearances in a number of television dramas.

The report says Hu Mei initially wanted Han Xue to play Lin Daiyu, but after the failure of the grueling search for a Jia Baoyu candidate, she changed her mind.

Both the director and Han Xue didn't confirm the rumor directly. Han Xue told the Huaxi Urban News that she dreamt of playing a part for "A Dream of Red Mansions," but currently had nothing to give away.

It's also unclear who will play Lin Daiyu.

Chinese audience has been so impressed by the 1987 TV adaptation of the "Red Mansions" that casting has since been difficult for new adaptations.

A much publicized TV remake, which Li Shaohong now holds the directing baton after Hu Mei dropped it in September due to dissatisfaction with the results of a year-long casting competition, is still suffering difficulties with casting.

(CRI April 16,2008)