Working in progress

“I heard Yu Shuxin made some new friends at the Crazy Party?“

by 为虞书欣打call的 SuperELLE欣漾
2023-12-25 17:02

The eighth themed land at Shanghai Disneyland—and the world’s first area themed around Zootopia—has finally opened to the public. This “mammal metropolis,” once existing only on screen, has now become a world that new residents can experience for themselves. As Yu Shuxin darts playfully through it, skipping and bounding with lighthearted energy, her burst of colors blends right into this wonderland of “infinite possibilities.” And her kindred spirit with Judy Hopps grows even more striking. Just as Judy dreamed of becoming the first rabbit police officer in history, from childhood Yu Shuxin’s own wish has been “to be someone who brings happiness to everyone.” Lively, exuberant, rational, and free—that is her true nature.

At the end of October, Nanjing witnessed a youthful reunion and a temporary farewell. On the stage themed “No Distance Too Far to Reach,” Yu Shuxin reunited with her fellow members of THE9, radiating a rush of vitality and brilliance to the fans encircling the central stage.

A month later, the impact of that night still lingers. “What impressed me most,” Yu Shuxin recalls, sinking into her chair, “was dancing to ‘YES! OK!’ once again. It felt like all the memories of that spring came rushing back, and I was deeply moved.”

“That spring” was only three years ago. Yet in these three years—equal parts bold experimentation and steady progress—Yu Shuxin has appeared in many different arenas, presenting countless facets of herself. “Actually, in every role, there’s more or less some part of my ‘true self.’ But each role also has elements that are different from me. That act of stepping outside myself to perform, and then looking back to reflect on who I am—that’s a unique experience only actors can have, and it’s what I long for the most.”

As she speaks of her relationship with roles, the playful, mischievous, dramatic Yu Shuxinmomentarily fades. In her place emerges a version that is serious, clear-headed, and sharply logical in thought—an unexpected maturity that reveals itself beneath her sweet voice.

No one can deny that over these three years, Yu Shuxin has delivered an impressive report card, stroke by stroke sketching the outline of a multi-faceted artist and a star of the new generation. At the same time, she remains that unabashed, vibrant, instinct-driven city girl—standing out in the entertainment industry and stirring waves of attention wherever she goes.

She naturally sparks debate, and has long been at the center of many voices.

Back in 2016, when Yu Shuxin was 21, the first drama she ever acted in was broadcast. It was the chance she had earned after countless rounds of auditions. The day after receiving the news that she had been cast, she packed her suitcase and flew alone from Beijing to the desert.

In 2016, the animated film Zootopia was released, bringing audiences around the world a subversive allegorical tale. To this day, it remains the highest-grossing imported animated film in China’s box office history—and the very first animated film to surpass one billion yuan.

Just as Judy had dreamed since childhood of becoming the first rabbit police officer in history, from an early age Yu Shuxin’s own wish was “to be someone who brings happiness to everyone.” No one could have predicted that nearly eight years later, she would cross paths with this film again in such a magical way.

In the unprecedented, grand, and intricately detailed world that the film presents—from the dazzling Sahara Square to the perpetually frozen Tundratown, the damp and shadowy Rainforest District, and the warm, pastoral Bunnyburrow suited for farming…all the mammals living within the same city must follow a set of shared rules, while their differing body sizes grant them living spaces of equally varied scales.

This “Zootopia,” once existing only on screen, has now become a world where countless new residents can experience it firsthand. As Yu Shuxin stepped out through the doors of the Lemming Brothers Bank, it was almost like Judy’s first arrival in the metropolis in the film. Beside her, entrances of different sizes served animals of different builds. The train to Zootopia also has three door sizes—large, medium, and small—making it convenient for animals of all shapes to get on and off. Inside the park, traffic lights are equipped with buttons and crossing signals at varying heights. Benches, tables, and drinking fountains come in multiple sizes, meeting the daily needs of residents across the city. A misty ice-cellar sauna was specially designed for polar bears, while near Nocturnal Alley stands a capsule hotel shaped like a giraffe, its exterior painted with a giant giraffe sign. Inside, the hotel even provides upright sleeping spaces just for giraffes.

These countless astonishing details are exactly what delight Yu Shuxin the most: “Even every single shop is designed with different sizes according to different animals’ body types. It’s especially cute—if everyone goes and experiences it for themselves, they’ll definitely discover so many surprises.”

In this meticulously layered, intricately interwoven mammal city—whether as large as an elephant or as small as a mouse—every individual has their own place and can find their spot in this modern metropolis.

Every species has its own natural instincts. No matter how many outside voices there may be, one’s nature cannot be changed. And so, they ought to live as themselves, free of pressure. Behind the fantastical, ever-shifting design of Zootopia lies a simple truth about the world and about human nature: an imagination of a perfect society, and the question of how to step beyond narrow self-defense to become an individual with true independent thought.

In a sense, “respecting one’s nature” seems to be exactly Yu Shuxin’s gift. Though in the past few years she has, like Judy Hopps first arriving in Zootopia, gone through many unexpected adventures, she has still maintained a kind of openness—able to proudly declare, “I am exactly the version of myself I like the most.” This gives her a singular charm, allowing countless people to glimpse a new possibility of living.

There is no doubt that Yu Shuxin is still growing, and she strongly resists staying the same. While she keeps her ongoing goals deliberately private, in her heart she is crystal-clear about the direction she is heading—steadily and with foresight, continuing her efforts. “I’m someone who loves to try new things, so of course I hope to create works in every field that leave a deep impression on people.”

In fact, it may be just as Zootopia co-director Rich Moore once said: “I think what Judy ultimately realized is that one person alone cannot make the world a better place. But what we can do is make ourselves better people.”

SUPERELLE x YU SHUXIN

SuperELLE: If you were to describe yourself as an animal, which one would it be?
Yu Shuxin: A rabbit. Quietly observing, but striking with precision!

SuperELLE: If you lived in Zootopia, who do you think would be your best friend?
Yu Shuxin: That would definitely be Gazelle (laughs).

SuperELLE: From childhood to now, what has been your favorite Disney story?
Yu Shuxin: Every Disney story fills people with imagination and longing.

SuperELLE: Each time you step into Disneyland, what’s the strongest feeling you get?
Yu Shuxin: The strongest feeling is—this really is the happiest place on earth! Every corner is so beautiful, I always end up maxing out my phone storage with photos before heading home.

SuperELLE: In the Zootopia film, many characters break away from people’s stereotypes of animals. Along your own journey, has there been a stage where you wanted to break certain understandings others had of you?
Yu Shuxin: I think the most recent turning point was that drama this past summer. For a long time, the public’s perception of me was “sweet” and “cute,” but through that role, people saw that I could also portray a cold-faced assassin. On the other hand, I do hear the voices from outside, but I’ve become more and more able to focus on myself. I don’t set limits on how others see me or how they define me.

SuperELLE: How do you feel about today’s styling? In your personal fashion philosophy, what part matters most?
Yu Shuxin: Today’s outfit feels like it’s releasing dopamine, and it matches perfectly with the design of the new park. On the purple set, all the bling-bling details are especially beautiful. Whether it’s fashion or beauty, I think the most important thing is trying and breaking through.

SuperELLE: In recent years, you’ve carried out some very interesting and strongly personal experiments in the world of fashion. What do you feel has been the most valuable experience in this exploration?
Yu Shuxin: Personally, I think the most valuable takeaway is not to have appearance anxiety. When you let go of that anxiety and truly experience the emotions or stories that a makeup look or an outfit wants to convey—when you interpret that kind of attitude—the results often turn out really well.

SuperELLE: In Zootopia, everyone can try anything; everything is full of possibilities. You once said that you’re willing to “let go of everything to do things that seem impossible.” In your view, what gives you the confidence to “let go of everything”?
Yu Shuxin: I think being willing to let go of everything comes from confidence in myself. When it comes to brand-new challenges, I usually tell myself: the decision is made, so just walk forward bravely. Besides, I have so many little pomegranates supporting me as my strength.

SuperELLE: How would you describe your own personality? Is there any trait you particularly wish to have?
Yu Shuxin: When I’m with friends, I just have as much fun as possible. But when I’m working, or when I’m alone, I actually speak very little. Personality is innate. I feel that neither I nor anyone else needs to deliberately declare how we want to change ourselves. I don’t really have any traits I wish I had—what I want most is simply to be myself.

CREDITS:

Photography / Win.tam
Styling / 爱莎
Makeup / 杨单
Hair / 李志辉
Text / 李音俞
Editors / Jin Ying, Teresa
New Media Editor / Waiwai Wong
Design / Zhang Tiantian
Producer / 陆嘿嘿 – KetchupStudio
Art / 奚海英 – KetchupStudio
Editorial Liaison / Sissi Chen
Fashion Assistants / 厌雨、宋宋
Photography Assistants / 李振西、宋鸾亿
Production Assistant / Irene – KetchupStudio
Studio & Equipment / 上德大象

SuperELLE欣漾 23-12-25 10:03

Shanghai Disneyland’s eighth themed land—the world’s first Zootopia-themed area—has finally opened to the public. This mammal metropolis, once existing only on screen, has now become a world for countless new residents to experience. Today, model officer Nick is roaming through the city when he hears that a mysterious honorary resident has invited him to join the cover of SuperELLE’s new issue. Who is the one he’s searching for?
#SuperELLEZootopiaNickFirstCover

SuperELLE欣漾 23-12-25 11:15

In 2016, Yu Shuxin was 21 years old when the first drama she acted in aired. It was the result of countless auditions, and the very next day after receiving the news, she carried her suitcase alone and flew from Beijing to the desert to join the crew. That same year, Disney’s Zootopia premiered, bringing audiences around the world a groundbreaking fable-like narrative. To this day, it remains both the highest-grossing imported animated film in China and the first animated film in the market to surpass one billion RMB at the box office. Just as Judy had dreamed since childhood of becoming the first rabbit police officer, Yu Shuxin’s own wish from a young age was “to be someone who brings happiness to people.” No one could have foreseen that nearly eight years later, she and Zootopia would cross paths again in such a magical way.
#YuShuxinNickCover #YuShuxinSuperELLEZootopiaParty

SuperELLE欣漾 23-12-25 11:24

In a sense, “respecting one’s nature” seems to be a gift that Yu Shuxin possesses. Despite experiencing many unexpected adventures over the past few years, she has maintained a remarkable openness, able to proudly say, “I am exactly the version of myself I like the most.” This gives her a unique charm, allowing countless people to glimpse new possibilities for living.
#YuShuxinNickCover #YuShuxinSuperELLEZootopiaParty

SuperELLE欣漾 23-12-25 11:37

Yu Shuxin is still growing, strongly resisting staying the same. She has a clear understanding of the direction she is heading and continues to work forward with foresight and determination. “I’m someone who loves to try new things, so of course I hope to create works in every field that leave a deep impression on people.” In fact, as Zootopia co-director Rich Moore once said, “I think what Judy ultimately realized is that one person alone cannot make the world a better place, but we can make ourselves better people.”
#YuShuxinNickCover #YuShuxinSuperELLEZootopiaParty

SuperELLE欣漾 23-12-25 23:32

As Yu Shuxin stepped out through the doors of the Lemming Brothers Bank, she looked just like Judy arriving in Zootopia for the first time in the film. Beside her, entrances of different sizes served animals of varying builds; the train to Zootopia also has three door sizes—large, medium, and small—making it easy for animals of all shapes to board and disembark. Traffic lights in the park are equipped with height-adjusted buttons and crosswalk signals. A misty ice-cellar sauna was specially designed for polar bears, and near Nocturnal Alley stands a capsule hotel shaped like a giraffe, a modern marvel of design… These countless astonishing details are exactly what Yu Shuxin loves most: “Even every single shop is designed in different sizes according to the animals’ body types. It’s especially cute—if everyone goes to experience it for themselves, they’ll discover so many surprises.”
#YuShuxinNickCover #YuShuxinSuperELLEZootopiaParty

1. “I heard Yu Shuxin made some new friends at the Crazy Party?: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/tn9k3-ZfshrGR-wFRaD-bg
2. SuperELLE欣漾 Weibo: https://weibo.com/femina
3. SuperELLE欣漾 23-12-25 10:03 – https://weibo.com/1684446114/NyJnnpIoG
4. SuperELLE欣漾 23-12-25 11:15 – https://weibo.com/1684446114/NyJQIAld9
5. SuperELLE欣漾 23-12-25 11:24 – https://weibo.com/1684446114/NyJUl9RRw
6. SuperELLE欣漾 23-12-25 11:37 – https://weibo.com/1684446114/NyJZA5Ixd
7. SuperELLE欣漾 23-12-25 23:32 – https://weibo.com/1684446114/NyOFMo2ME