The Ghost Bride Cast including Huang Pei-jia, Wu Kang-ren, and Ludi Lin. Discover the roles they play in this supernatural mystery set in 1890s Malacca, where tradition meets the afterlife.
Table of Contents
Introduction
The Ghost Bride (2020) is a captivating Taiwanese-Malaysian supernatural drama that blends romance, mystery, and elements of Chinese folklore. Based on the internationally acclaimed novel by Yangsze Choo, the six-episode series premiered on Netflix and is set in the multicultural port town of 1890s Colonial Malacca—a time when Eastern traditions met Western influence.
At the center of the story is Li Lan, a young Chinese woman from a struggling but respectable family. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she receives an unusual marriage proposal—to become the ghost bride of Lim Tian Ching, the recently deceased son of a wealthy and influential family. This ancient custom is believed to appease restless spirits, but for Li Lan, it becomes the start of a haunting journey into the spirit world.
As Li Lan navigates this strange and dangerous realm, she uncovers buried family secrets, confronts vengeful ghosts, and finds herself caught in a mysterious love triangle. The drama explores themes of duty, identity, and the afterlife with rich cultural symbolism and a suspenseful narrative.
The Ghost Bride Cast
Huang Pei-jia (黃姵嘉) as Li Lan
Huang Pei-jia takes on the lead role of Li Lan, a smart, compassionate, and courageous young woman living in 1890s Malacca. Her performance captures the emotional complexity of a daughter burdened by family expectations and financial hardship, who suddenly finds herself entangled in a ghost marriage proposal. As she journeys into the afterlife and uncovers secrets, Huang brings both vulnerability and inner strength to the role. A seasoned Taiwanese actress, Huang has starred in several TV dramas and films, earning acclaim for her nuanced performances.
Wu Kang-ren (吳慷仁) as Er Lang
Wu Kang-ren plays Er Lang, a celestial being who serves as a sort of detective from the spirit realm, investigating disruptions between the mortal world and the afterlife. He’s witty, mysterious, and protective, and his chemistry with Li Lan adds a subtle romantic tension to the story. Wu, a well-known Taiwanese actor, is highly regarded for his versatility and has won awards for roles in both TV and film. His portrayal of Er Lang blends charm, depth, and a touch of mischievous wisdom.
Ludi Lin (林路迪) as Lim Tian Bai
Ludi Lin portrays Lim Tian Bai, Li Lan’s childhood friend and secret love interest. He’s kind-hearted, gentle, and morally upright—but caught between loyalty to his powerful family and his personal feelings for Li Lan. Ludi Lin is an internationally recognized Chinese-Canadian actor, known for roles in Power Rangers (2017), Aquaman, and Mortal Kombat (2021). His role in The Ghost Bride shows a more emotional and romantic side, balancing tradition with inner conflict.
Kuang Tian (邱凱偉) as Lim Tian Ching
Kuang Tian brings eerie charisma to the role of Lim Tian Ching, the deceased heir of the wealthy Lim family. As the titular “ghost groom,” his soul remains restless, and his obsession with Li Lan drives much of the supernatural chaos. Kuang’s portrayal is chilling yet tragic, offering depth to what could have been a straightforward villain. He creates a ghost who is both menacing and pitiable, revealing the show’s darker themes of control, love, and unfinished business.
Teresa Daley as Isabel
Teresa Daley plays Isabel, Tian Bai’s Western-educated fiancée. At first, Isabel seems like an outsider in the world of traditional Malacca, but as the series progresses, her backstory becomes more pivotal. Teresa, a Taiwanese-American actress, adds a strong supporting presence with her subtle, layered performance. Isabel’s arc reflects the clash of cultures and hidden pain beneath a composed exterior.
Supporting Cast
Andrea Sarah Jalleh as Little Li Lan
Andrea portrays the younger version of Li Lan, offering a glimpse into her childhood and the events that shape her journey.
Chuan Boon Loh as Head of Servant
Chuan plays the Head of Servant, a character integral to the household dynamics and the unfolding of key events.
Alfred Leong Yi Wei as Demon
Alfred takes on the role of a Demon, adding a supernatural element to the series and challenging the protagonist in unexpected ways.
Conclusion
The Ghost Bride (2020) is a richly layered drama that masterfully intertwines romance, mystery, and supernatural folklore within a unique historical setting. With its evocative storytelling and atmospheric visuals, the series draws viewers into a world where the lines between the living and the dead blur, and love and loyalty are tested beyond the grave.
What truly brings this haunting tale to life is its outstanding cast. Lead actress Huang Pei-jia delivers a compelling performance as Li Lan, supported by the enigmatic charm of Wu Kang-ren as Er Lang and the emotional depth of Ludi Lin as Lim Tian Bai. Together with the chilling portrayal of Kuang Tian as Lim Tian Ching and the layered presence of Teresa Daley as Isabel, the cast breathes soul into a world filled with spirits, secrets, and societal expectations.
The supporting actors, though in smaller roles, add depth and authenticity to the narrative, enriching the cultural and emotional texture of the story. Every performance, whether human or supernatural, helps paint a vivid portrait of life and death in colonial Malacca.
For fans of Asian dramas, gothic romance, or folklore-inspired storytelling, The Ghost Bride offers a unique and memorable experience—one that lingers like the whispers of a spirit long after the final episode.
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FAQs
Who plays the lead role of Li Lan in The Ghost Bride?
Huang Pei-jia, a Taiwanese actress, plays Li Lan, the central character. She is known for her versatility in Taiwanese dramas and films, and her performance in The Ghost Bride showcases her emotional range and strength.
Is Wu Kang-ren the same actor who plays Er Lang?
Yes! Wu Kang-ren plays Er Lang, the celestial detective from the spirit realm. He’s a prominent Taiwanese actor known for his award-winning roles and charismatic screen presence.
Where is Ludi Lin from, and what else has he acted in?
Ludi Lin is a Chinese-Canadian actor who gained international fame with roles in Power Rangers (2017), Aquaman (2018), and Mortal Kombat (2021). In The Ghost Bride, he plays Lim Tian Bai, Li Lan’s childhood friend and love interest.
Who plays Lim Tian Ching, the ghost groom?
Kuang Tian (邱凱偉) plays Lim Tian Ching, the deceased heir whose spirit haunts Li Lan. He is known for portraying complex characters and brings a dark yet intriguing edge to this role.
Who is the actress behind Isabel, Tian Bai’s fiancée?
Teresa Daley, a Taiwanese-American actress, plays Isabel. She has appeared in several Taiwanese films and dramas and is praised for her subtle, layered acting style.
Are any of the actors well-known outside of Asia?
Yes — Ludi Lin has a significant international presence thanks to his Hollywood roles. His global fan base grew after Power Rangers and Mortal Kombat.
Are the actors fluent in English?
Many cast members, especially Ludi Lin and Teresa Daley, are fluent in English due to their international backgrounds. The show is primarily in Mandarin but includes English dialogue in parts.
Did the main cast have chemistry off-screen?
While specific behind-the-scenes details are limited, interviews and promotional appearances suggest that the cast had good camaraderie and worked closely to develop their characters’ emotional depth.