The sudden death of Chen Xiaoxu--the actress famous for her role as Lin Daiyu in the hit TV series, A Dream of Red Mansion --has triggered a boycott on a remake of the TV series.

Guangzhou-based New Express reports that a fan of Chen Xiaoxu, on May 19 posted a "letter to the new crew" on several websites. He asserted in the letter that it's meaningless to remake a TV series that was so successful and can never be outweighed.

Within a few days, the letter has already received some 400 feedbacks, 95 percent of which voiced support to the claim. In the supporters' eyes, Chen's vivid portrayal of Lin Daiyu, or Sister Lin, has become a classical image that no other actor can come close to. Especially not those women vying for the opportunity in a recent competition.

Beijing Television Station launched a contest last summer to find actors for the three leading roles in the remake of the TV series, including the role of Lin Daiyu. Pretty girls from across the country competed with each other for the precious opportunity. Up to now, three lucky girls have outshined all other candidates, and are waiting for the final selection.

However, even the director of the new version found it hard to say "yes" to any one of the three young beauties. Hu Mei, director in chief of the remake, said the ideal actress for Sister Lin has not appeared.

Zhou Ling, the screenwriter for the old version and head of the organizing committee for the competition, agreed that it's a tough mission to choose the actress for the heroine even though the candidates are no less beautiful than those in the old version.

Zhang Qiang, who is in charge of the competition, said the final cast announcement is scheduled for June 3.

(CRI.cn May 24, 2007)