Tsao Yu-ning Transforms into He Xiangu in 'The Ritual Killer,' Wielding Fan to Slay Demons at Keelung Chenghuang Temple
The horror film 'The Ritual Killer' premiered in Keelung last night, with lead actor Tsao Yu-ning portraying the medium of He Xiangu, using a fan to exorcise demons. He admitted to practicing dance alone late at night for the role. Producer Tseng Chen thanked the Keelung City Government and Chenghuang Temple for their assistance, with the city providing NT$1.3 million in subsidies to attract more film crews.
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- 📰 Published: April 15, 2026 at 12:27
- 🔍 Collected: April 15, 2026 at 12:31 (4 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 15, 2026 at 18:39 (6h 8m after Collected)
Central News Agency
(Central News Agency, Keelung, April 15, reporter Wang Chao-yu) The horror film "The Ritual Killer" held its premiere in Keelung last night. Male lead Tsao Yu-ning transformed into the medium of He Xiangu in the film, wielding a fan to exorcise demons. He admitted that he is not very coordinated physically, and to play the role well, he practiced alone on the rooftop late at night.
Directed by Chiu Hao-chou, the horror film "The Ritual Killer" was filmed in locations such as the Keelung Protector Chenghuang Temple and Zhongshan Pedestrian Bridge. The premiere was held last night at Keelung Showtimes Cinemas, with Tsao Yu-ning, actress Lin Szu-yu, and producer Tseng Chen interacting with the audience. Tseng Chen particularly thanked the Keelung City Government and the Keelung Protector Chenghuang Temple for their great assistance in filming.
Tsao Yu-ning challenged the role of a "medium" for the first time in "The Ritual Killer," transforming into He Xiangu and wielding a fan to display both strength and grace. He said in an interview that playing the medium of He Xiangu was a big challenge for him as a male. When conceiving how to present the image of a female deity, he considered whether to incorporate masculine elements into the role. After discussing with the director, they decided to present it in a more neutral way.
Tsao Yu-ning said that the most important homework for playing a medium is "belief." He constantly told himself in front of the mirror that he was a fairy and had the ability to suppress evil spirits. He also admitted, "I can't dance, and I'm physically clumsy." He spent a lot of time training for the dances and ritual movements in the play, even practicing alone on the rooftop late at night and recording himself for review.
As for Lin Szu-yu's role in the play, she kept it a secret but hinted that although her role in the film has not yet been revealed, she also possesses magical powers, and there will be an unexpected "connection" between her and Tsao Yu-ning in the latter part of the film.
Lin Szu-yu laughed and said that although she did not film in Keelung, the film's opening ceremony was held in Keelung. Before filming, she often went to Keelung Miaokou to taste local delicacies, enjoying local flavors such as Dingbiancuo and tempura.
Chen Wei, Director of the City Government's Comprehensive Development Department, said in an interview that "The Ritual Killer" is the third excellent work in the city government's film and television subsidy program last year, receiving a subsidy of NT$1.3 million. The city government hopes to attract excellent teams to film in Keelung through specific subsidy programs, allowing more people to see Keelung's unique history, culture, and beautiful mountains and rivers. (Editor: Chen Ching-fang) 1150415
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(Central News Agency, Keelung, April 15, reporter Wang Chao-yu) The horror film "The Ritual Killer" held its premiere in Keelung last night. Male lead Tsao Yu-ning transformed into the medium of He Xiangu in the film, wielding a fan to exorcise demons. He admitted that he is not very coordinated physically, and to play the role well, he practiced alone on the rooftop late at night.
Directed by Chiu Hao-chou, the horror film "The Ritual Killer" was filmed in locations such as the Keelung Protector Chenghuang Temple and Zhongshan Pedestrian Bridge. The premiere was held last night at Keelung Showtimes Cinemas, with Tsao Yu-ning, actress Lin Szu-yu, and producer Tseng Chen interacting with the audience. Tseng Chen particularly thanked the Keelung City Government and the Keelung Protector Chenghuang Temple for their great assistance in filming.
Tsao Yu-ning challenged the role of a "medium" for the first time in "The Ritual Killer," transforming into He Xiangu and wielding a fan to display both strength and grace. He said in an interview that playing the medium of He Xiangu was a big challenge for him as a male. When conceiving how to present the image of a female deity, he considered whether to incorporate masculine elements into the role. After discussing with the director, they decided to present it in a more neutral way.
Tsao Yu-ning said that the most important homework for playing a medium is "belief." He constantly told himself in front of the mirror that he was a fairy and had the ability to suppress evil spirits. He also admitted, "I can't dance, and I'm physically clumsy." He spent a lot of time training for the dances and ritual movements in the play, even practicing alone on the rooftop late at night and recording himself for review.
As for Lin Szu-yu's role in the play, she kept it a secret but hinted that although her role in the film has not yet been revealed, she also possesses magical powers, and there will be an unexpected "connection" between her and Tsao Yu-ning in the latter part of the film.
Lin Szu-yu laughed and said that although she did not film in Keelung, the film's opening ceremony was held in Keelung. Before filming, she often went to Keelung Miaokou to taste local delicacies, enjoying local flavors such as Dingbiancuo and tempura.
Chen Wei, Director of the City Government's Comprehensive Development Department, said in an interview that "The Ritual Killer" is the third excellent work in the city government's film and television subsidy program last year, receiving a subsidy of NT$1.3 million. The city government hopes to attract excellent teams to film in Keelung through specific subsidy programs, allowing more people to see Keelung's unique history, culture, and beautiful mountains and rivers. (Editor: Chen Ching-fang) 1150415
Choose to stand with facts, every sponsorship you make is a force to protect press freedom.
Download the Central News Agency's "First-hand News" APP to stay updated with the latest news.
The text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, or publicly transmitted and used without authorization.
Keywords: None