Yan Ni in "Inseparable." [Global Times]

It has just been revealed that actress Yan Ni is part of the already star-studded cast of "Inseparable," which is currently being shot in Guangzhou. The current acting lineup includes Daniel Wu ("Overheard"), Gong Beibi ("Bus 44") and Kevin Spacey ("Seven"). Dubbed as the Chinese mainlands "comedy queen," Yan said that she is expecting a challenging role with a character she has rarely played before, a modern and attractive businesswoman.

Coming to fame with the costume comedy TV series "My Own Swordsman in 2006," Yan is best known for her portrayal as a flirtatious landlady. She continued this image in Zhang Yimous 2009 blockbuster "A Simple Noodle Story," as a landlady of a noodle restaurant who is cheating on her husband. However, she said that she wished for no more repetition of such roles.

She said that this was the main reason that she had accepted the part in Inseparable as a modern businesswoman, with intelligence and looks.

From the stills released by the production, Yan's role is visually a huge contrast from her previous characters, wearing smart business suits and stylish accessories.

"The script is excellent and the role is something I have never done before," she explained. "Also who could turn down the challenge and opportunity to work with Wu, Gong and especially Spacey in one film?"

Inseparable is director Dayyan Engs second feature film, after his successful debut Waiting Alone in 2005 starring Xia Yu and Gong Beibi. The film tells a story set in modern China: Wu, a young engineer, is having a hard time both at home and work. His wife Gong, an investigative reporter, is too focused on her career to take care of the family, while his boss Yan puts a lot of pressure on him as the company goes public. His life journey then starts to change after an accidental meeting with a mysterious American, played by Kevin Spacey.

According to Yan, she has been a fan of Eng ever since watching "Waiting Alone," which she said was a "real comedy with inspiration drawn from real life with the ability to reach audiences hearts."

She commented that her work in the production so far, is running smoothly.

"Wise and talented as Eng is, he gives me plenty of room to display my strength and potential. I am confident that by working with him in this film, a new image of Yan will be created," Yan said with a smile.